JBL Live Beam 3
Shure SE535-CL
What Buyers Say
JBL Live Beam 3
The JBL Live Flex 3 earbuds receive mostly positive feedback for their excellent sound quality, comfortable fit, and durable build. Users appreciate the innovative case with its screen and the effective noise cancelling, though some report issues with battery life, pairing, and occasional software bugs. A few reviewers mention the case being large and the price being on the higher side, but overall, the product is seen as a reliable and feature-rich choice.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Comfortable fit
- Durable build
- Innovative case with screen
- Effective noise cancelling
Cons
- Battery life shorter than advertised
- Pairing issues
- Case makes beeping sound
- Loud in-ear knocking noise
- Case is large
Shure SE535-CL
The Shure SE425 earphones deliver outstanding sound quality with crystal-clear vocals and a balanced soundstage, making them ideal for pop music and female vocals. However, the included cables are a major letdown—users report flimsy construction, crackling sounds from the wired cable, and a cheap plastic clip that breaks easily. While the audio performance is praised, the build quality of accessories and the stiff behind-ear cable detract from the overall experience.
Pros
- Crystal-clear vocals
- Balanced soundstage
- Excellent for pop music
- Great treble and mids
- Tight solid bass
Cons
- Flimsy included cables
- Crackling sound from wired cable
- Cheap plastic clip breaks easily
- Stiff behind-ear cable
- Overpriced compared to SE425
Scores
Specifications
| JBL Live Beam 3 | Shure SE535-CL | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | over-the-ear |
| Ear Tips | XS, S, M, L | S, M, L |
| Weight | 0.08 kg★ | 0.44 kg |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | balanced armature |
| Driver Size | 10 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1 | 3★ |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz | 18 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz★ | 19 kHz |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 36 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB | 119 dB★ |
| Max SPL | 96 dB★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | — |
| Codecs | JBL Live Beam 3 - True Wireless Noise-Cancelling Closed-Stick Earbuds, 48Hrs Total Playback, Wireless Charging, 6 Mics for Perfect Calls, Multi-Point Connection, IP55 Waterproof and dustproof | Shure SE535 Isolating In-Ear Stereo Headphones with Detachable Cable, Frequency Range 18 Hz - 19 kHz, Clear |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓★ | — |
| ANC Type | adaptive | — |
| Transparency | ✓★ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓★ | — |
| Bluetooth | 5.3★ | — |
| Profiles | A2DP 1.4, AVRCP, HFP 1.8 | — |
| Multipoint | ✓★ | — |
| Range | 10.100000381469727 m★ | — |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 12 hrs★ | — |
| Charge Time | 2 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 10min=4hrs | — |
| Charging | USB-C★ | — |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 48 hrs★ | — |
| Case Charging | USB-C★ | — |
| Wireless Charging | ✓★ | — |
| Capacity | 68 mAh★ | — |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 6★ | — |
| NC Mic | ✓★ | — |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | — |
| Touch Controls | ✓★ | — |
| App | JBL Headphones | — |
| Gaming Mode | ✗ | — |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | — |
| Water Resistance | IP55 | — |
Pros & Cons
JBL Live Beam 3
- Strong connectivity (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong battery (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Below average user sentiment (33rd percentile)
Shure SE535-CL
- Strong sound (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong social proof (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average comfort (1st percentile)1st %ile
- Below average connectivity (12th percentile)12th %ile
- Below average anc (31st percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (33rd percentile)
Pricing
JBL Live Beam 3 offers 8.9x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 82 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 21 of 39 specs.
