A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
For exercise and on-the-go convenience, choose the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless; they're wireless, sweatproof, and have built-in controls. If you prefer watching TV and need a longer cable, the Sony MDREX15AP with its wired design may be a better fit. The JBLs offer better call quality and are optimized for both Android and Apple devices, but they come at a higher price. If budget is a constraint and you prefer a simpler, stemless design for casual listening or watching TV, the Sonys, being less expensive, could be the choice, though they won't support wireless freedom or sweat resistance. 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 Vibe Beam True Wireless
- Good for phone calls
- Good for gaming
- Very good for air travel
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony MDREX15AP
- Very good for music
- Excellent for TV and video
Key differences
Music
6.6
8.3
The Sony MDREX15AP is very good for music, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Gaming
7.3
6.7
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good for gaming, while the Sony MDREX15AP is only fair.
Phone Calls
7.8
3.5
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good for phone calls, while the Sony MDREX15AP is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.3
5.4
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony MDREX15AP is poor.
TV and Video
6.9
9.3
The Sony MDREX15AP is excellent for TV and video, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Battery
8.3 Hours
N/A
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless has 8.3 hours of battery life. The Sony MDREX15AP does not have a battery.
Cost
$50
$20
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless has a price of $50 and the Sony MDREX15AP costs $20.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
6.5
7.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony MDREX15AP to be good for noise reduction, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Build Quality
8.5
8.0
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless and Sony MDREX15AP both have very good build quality.
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How the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless and the Sony MDREX15AP compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless | Sony MDREX15AP |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$50 | $20 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | February 1, 2023 | March 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.6/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.9/10 | 3.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.4/10 | 6.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6/10 | 4.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 8.3 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.1 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 16 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6.5/10 | 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 | 8/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 8.8 Grams | 3.1 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphone Dungeon
LaFonda | April 2023
"The Vibe Beam earbuds may not be a sleek as other earbuds in the price range, such as the equally priced Vibe Buds, but they sound great, have a long battery life, and come with an equalizer. And if you just need a solid pair if earbuds to get you through your commute, these will do the trick. I have no complaints here."
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 Vibe Beam True Wireless 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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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.
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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.
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