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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you frequently make calls and need superior built-in controls, the Beats Powerbeats Pro would be a better fit, and they're known for adaptive sound, especially with Apple devices. However, the JBL Live Buds 3 have a premium build with better noise isolation, active noise cancelling, and a unique Smart Charging Case with additional controls. Beats may be better for workouts due to their ear hooks and sweatproof design, whereas JBL's ANC and longer battery life are advantages for air travel and longer listening sessions. Choose Beats for exercise or iPhone integration, JBL for ANC and smart features. 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 Beats Powerbeats Pro
- Good for phone calls
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL Live Buds 3
- Good for music
- Very good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
6.5
7.8
The JBL Live Buds 3 is good for music, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is only fair.
Phone Calls
7.0
5.2
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is good for phone calls, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.2
5.9
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
4.6
8.3
The JBL Live Buds 3 is very good for noise reduction, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Cost
$160
$216
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has a price of $160 and the JBL Live Buds 3 costs $216.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.5
5.4
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and JBL Live Buds 3 are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.7
5.6
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and JBL Live Buds 3 are both poor for TV and video.
Battery
10.0 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has 10 hours of battery life. The JBL Live Buds 3 has 10 hours of battery life.
Build Quality
8.8
8.5
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and JBL Live Buds 3 both have very good build quality.
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How the Beats Powerbeats Pro and the JBL Live Buds 3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats Powerbeats Pro | JBL Live Buds 3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$160 | $216 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2019 | June 1, 2024 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.5/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 5.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 10 Hours | 10 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 30 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 4.6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 11 Grams | 8.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Beats Powerbeats Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | November 2022
"Sweat resistance, actual noise isolation, and a secure fit in your ears make these the true wireless earphones you want in Apple-land. Android users may find other options they like better, as these only support AAC."
Get a great deal on the Beats Powerbeats Pro or the JBL Live Buds 3
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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.
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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.
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.
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