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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
For an immersive listening experience, particularly when you're stationary, the Soundcore Space One headphones offer superior sound quality and duration of use on a single charge compared to the JBL Live Free NC+ earbuds. However, the earbuds are more portable and likely better for on-the-go use like working out. The Soundcore Space One sits over the ears and includes a microphone, which could be better for teleconferences, whereas the earbuds are more discreet and might be preferred for casual phone calls. The JBL might be more budget-friendly, but if you're focused on audio fidelity and battery life for longer sessions, consider investing in the Soundcore. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the JBL Live Free NC+
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Soundcore Space One
- Good for music
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Music
5.8
7.8
The Soundcore Space One is good for music, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6
4.2
The JBL Live Free NC+ is good for phone calls, while the Soundcore Space One is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.4
4.7
The JBL Live Free NC+ is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore Space One is poor.
Noise Reduction
7.0
8.0
The Soundcore Space One is very good for noise reduction, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is good.
Battery
5.0 Hours
30.0 Hours
The JBL Live Free NC+ has 5 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Space One has 30 hours of battery life.
Cost
$60
$100
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The JBL Live Free NC+ has a price of $60 and the Soundcore Space One costs $100.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.0
4.8
The JBL Live Free NC+ and Soundcore Space One are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.6
5.3
The JBL Live Free NC+ and Soundcore Space One are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
8.5
8.0
The JBL Live Free NC+ and Soundcore Space One both have very good build quality.
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How the JBL Live Free NC+ and the Soundcore Space One compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Live Free NC+ | Soundcore Space One |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$60 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2021 | May 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 4.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5/10 | 4.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.7/10 | 5.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 30 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.3 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.1 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 18 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 4.8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 7 Grams | 263 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
JBL Live Free NC+
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Dig into reviews and images
HeadphoneCheck
Maike Paeßens | 2020
"JBL has added great-sounding, rock-solid all-rounders with a pleasant, warm sound character to their range. They are equipped with a high level of functionality that can be customised via the app. Some compromises have to be made with the active noise cancellation, which has a discreet effect, while the ambient mode and the Talkthru function proved to be powerful despite a perceptible background noise."
Soundcore Space One
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Dig into reviews and images
PC Magazine
Tim Gideon | September 2023
"The Anker Soundcore Space One noise-cancelling headphones are stylish, comfortable, and affordable. They offer better active noise cancellation than we expect for the price, and their sculpted audio impresses thanks to the adjustable EQ and support for the hi-res LDAC codec. Overall, they’re an excellent value and well worth your attention if you're on a budget."
Get a great deal on the JBL Live Free NC+ or the Soundcore Space One
About JBL
JBL is an American audio equipment manufacturer. Owned by Harman International which is, itself, owned by Samsung Electronics. JBL markets a wide array of monitoring speakers, professional headphones and consumer market headphones and earbuds. It was founded in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing (whose initials give the company its name) and has become one of the most prolific audio companies ever. Their products were responsible for audio during the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
About Soundcore
Soundcore is a sub-brand belonging to Anker Innovations. Starting in 2014, initially marketing wireless, Bluetooth, speakers, Anker now offers an array of, budget-friendly, wireless earbuds and headphones that directly compete, especially in the Active Noise Canceling field, with other brands several times as expensive.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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