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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If you prioritize having a more immersive listening experience while exercising or traveling and value active noise cancelling (ANC), the Live Buds 3 would be your go-to as they offer better sound isolation. However, for a more open sound experience that can be beneficial when needing to remain aware of your surroundings, the Live Flex 3 featuring an open design might suit you better. Both are sweatproof and have similar battery lives, but the Live Buds 3 have a closed enclosure which helps in noisy environments, whereas the Live Flex 3 provide only fair noise isolation which might not be ideal for noisier settings. Each has a smart charging case with LED touch display for convenience, and they are optimized for both Android and Apple devices. Keep in mind neither are recommended for gaming or watching TV due to their poor performance in these areas. 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 Buds 3
- Very good for air travel
Advantages of the JBL Live Flex 3
- Very good for music
Key similarities
Music
7.8
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers JBL Live Flex 3 to be very good for music, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is good.
Gaming
5.4
5.5
The JBL Live Flex 3 and JBL Live Buds 3 are both poor for gaming.
Phone Calls
5.2
5.2
The JBL Live Buds 3 and JBL Live Flex 3 are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.9
5.9
The JBL Live Buds 3 and JBL Live Flex 3 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
5.6
5.7
The JBL Live Flex 3 and JBL Live Buds 3 are both poor for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
8.3
8.3
The JBL Live Buds 3 and JBL Live Flex 3 are both very good for noise reduction.
Battery
10.0 Hours
10.0 Hours
The JBL Live Buds 3 has 10 hours of battery life. The JBL Live Flex 3 has 10 hours of battery life.
Cost
$216
$216
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The JBL Live Buds 3 has a price of $216 and the JBL Live Flex 3 costs $216.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The JBL Live Buds 3 and JBL Live Flex 3 both have very good build quality.
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How the JBL Live Buds 3 and the JBL Live Flex 3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Live Buds 3 | JBL Live Flex 3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$216 | $216 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2024 | June 1, 2024 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.3/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.7/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 8.4/10 | 8.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 10 Hours | 10 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 40 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 8.8 Grams | 8.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Get a great deal on the JBL Live Buds 3 or the JBL Live Flex 3
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.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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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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