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Updated April 11, 2024·
If affordability is a priority and you need a wire option, the JBL Tune 660NC would be the sensible pick; they're also better for situations that don't require noise isolation, like air travel. However, if superior sound quality, portability, and noise isolation are important to you, and you're looking for earbuds optimized for Android and Apple with features like app equalizer customization and wireless charging, the Sony WF1000XM5 is the better choice, though it comes at a higher price. Note that the JBL headphones may be more comfortable for long sessions due to their on-ear design, while the Sony earbuds are more exercise-friendly and have active noise canceling for a more immersive audio experience. 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 Tune 660NC
The JBL Tune 660NC has no clear advantages over the Sony WF1000XM5.
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM5
Very good for music
Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
6.1/10
8.0/10
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for music, while the JBL Tune 660NC is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.7/10
4.9/10
The JBL Tune 660NC and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks, though the JBL Tune 660NC is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
6.0/10
8.7/10
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for noise reduction, while the JBL Tune 660NC is only fair.
Battery
42.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The JBL Tune 660NC has 42 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$50
$298
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The JBL Tune 660NC has a price of $50 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
"The JBL Tune 660NC is the best value you can get from a set of on-ear headphones. There's no companion app so you don't get many additional features, but everything the JBL Tune 660NC sets out to do, it does well. At this price, the JBL Tune 660NC is an easy recommendation for on-ear headphone lovers"
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 is among the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, and they aren’t cheap. These earbuds aren’t the best choice for budget-conscious listeners. But if you prioritize active noise cancelation, sound quality, and extensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 is worth its premium price tag."
Get a great deal on the JBL Tune 660NC or the Sony WF1000XM5
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 Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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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.