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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
The JBL Tune Buds offer a wireless experience with better overall sound quality, a comfortable fit, and were released recently, aligning with the latest trends in earbuds. They are equipped with features like active noise cancelling, optimized use for both Android and Apple devices, and a better build quality, which makes them suitable for use during exercise, air travel, and daily commuting due to their good portability. However, if budget is a major concern and you prefer a wired connection that’s less prone to latency issues, perfect for TV and video with a more immersive experience, and don't require features like sweatproof or dustproof certification, the Sony MDREX15AP earbuds could be the option for you, despite being an older model with simpler technology. 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 Buds
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Advantages of the Sony MDREX15AP
- Very good for music
- Excellent for TV and video
Key differences
Music
6.2
8.3
The Sony MDREX15AP is very good for music, while the JBL Tune Buds is only fair.
Gaming
5.4
6.7
The Sony MDREX15AP is only fair for gaming, while the JBL Tune Buds is poor.
Phone Calls
4.9
3.5
The JBL Tune Buds and Sony MDREX15AP are both poor for phone calls, though the JBL Tune Buds is somewhat better.
TV and Video
6.1
9.3
The Sony MDREX15AP is excellent for TV and video, while the JBL Tune Buds is only fair.
Battery
10.4 Hours
N/A
The JBL Tune Buds has 10.4 hours of battery life. The Sony MDREX15AP does not have a battery.
Cost
$50
$20
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The JBL Tune Buds has a price of $50 and the Sony MDREX15AP costs $20.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.8
5.4
The JBL Tune Buds and Sony MDREX15AP are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks.
Noise Reduction
6.7
7.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony MDREX15AP to be good for noise reduction, while the JBL Tune Buds is only fair.
Build Quality
8.5
8.0
The JBL Tune Buds and Sony MDREX15AP both have very good build quality.
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How the JBL Tune Buds and the Sony MDREX15AP compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Tune Buds | Sony MDREX15AP |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$50 | $20 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2023 | March 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.3/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.9/10 | 3.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 6.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 6.1/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.6/10 | 4.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 10.4 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6.8/10 | 7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 10.8 Grams | 3.1 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
JBL Tune Buds
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Dig into reviews and images
PC Mag
Tim Gideon | September 2023
"JBL’s Tune Buds stick with the company’s signature bass-heavy sound by default, but a quality in-app EQ lets you sculpt the audio to taste. These noise-cancelling true wireless earphones also mitigate environmental distractions fairly well for the price and offer good battery life. If you're specifically seeking bold, bass-tuned audio out of the box, the Tune Buds are worth a listen."
Sony MDREX15AP
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Make It Sound Great
Pete Anthony | June 2022
"At the ultra budget $10 price-point (and we’ve seen the no-mic version go for as cheap as $7), I’d say these are a decent option if you’re looking for a passable pair of earbuds for basic use that’s as cheap as possible. I wouldn’t say they feel or sound as good as some of the ultra-budget alternatives out there – of which there are a few at this point – but some might disagree. I will say though that the cable is a little bit nicer than those of that same competition."
Get a great deal on the JBL Tune Buds or the Sony MDREX15AP
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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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.
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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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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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