A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for earbuds with active noise cancellation to block out ambient noise, the JBL Live Free NC+ would be a better choice. However, if you prioritize situational awareness, such as being able to hear traffic while running outdoors, the Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones would be more suitable since they don't block your ear canal. The bone conduction technology also allows for a more comfortable fit during extended use but can lack the bass response that traditional earbuds like the JBL provide. Keep in mind, though, that because of the noise cancellation and likely superior sound quality, the JBL earbuds are often priced higher than the Youthwhisper. If your priority is phone calls or virtual meetings, check if either option includes a better microphone system for clearer communication. 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
- Very good for air travel
Advantages of the Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones
- The Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones has no clear advantages over the JBL Live Free NC+.
Key differences
Music
5.8
4.8
The JBL Live Free NC+ and Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones are both poor for music, though the JBL Live Free NC+ is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
7.6
6.5
The JBL Live Free NC+ is good for phone calls, while the Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones is only fair.
Noise Reduction
7.0
2.5
The JBL Live Free NC+ is good for noise reduction, while the Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones is poor.
Cost
$60
$50
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
The JBL Live Free NC+ has a price of $60 and the Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones costs $50.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Headphones
Find your new headphones
Key similarities
Gaming
5.0
4.9
The JBL Live Free NC+ and Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones are both poor for gaming.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.4
8.2
The JBL Live Free NC+ and Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
5.6
5.1
The JBL Live Free NC+ and Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones are both poor for TV and video.
Battery
5.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The JBL Live Free NC+ has 5 hours of battery life. The Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones has 8 hours of battery life.
Build Quality
8.5
8.0
The JBL Live Free NC+ and Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones both have very good build quality.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the JBL Live Free NC+ and the Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Live Free NC+ | Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$60 | $50 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | Youthwhisper | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2021 | June 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5/10 | 5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.7/10 | 7.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.3 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.1 | Unknown | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 18 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 7/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 6/10 | |
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 | 29 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
JBL Live Free NC+
See more
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."
Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Stozz Audio
Stozz Audio | October 2023
"If you're looking for a pair of headphones that can be worn while running or cycling, these Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones are a great alternative to more expensive models. They're lightweight and compact, so they won't get in the way when wearing them while exercising. Plus, they have a built-in microphone so you can take calls during your workout without having to stop and fumble with your phone. The sound quality is great for this style of headphones, and it has many other cool features."
Get a great deal on the JBL Live Free NC+ or the Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones
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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare JBL Live Free NC+ vs. JBL Tune Flex
VS
Compare JBL Live Free NC+ vs. Koss Porta Pro (with mic)
VS
Compare JBL Live Free NC+ vs. Soundcore Life Q20
VS
Compare Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones vs. Creative Labs Outlier Pro
VS
Compare Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones vs. JLab Go Work Wireless
VS
Compare Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones vs. Razer Kraken
VS
FAQs
FAQs about earbuds and headphones
Why trust us
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
123,800
Recommendations made
18,570
Consumer hours saved
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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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.
Featured in
