JBL Live Beam 3
Sony WF-1000XM6
What Buyers Say
JBL Live Beam 3
The JBL Live Beam 3 earbuds receive largely positive feedback for their excellent sound quality, deep bass, and innovative charging case with a touchscreen that allows control without a phone. Users appreciate the customizable EQ, effective noise cancellation, and comfortable fit, though some note the ANC is not the best and the case battery life could be better. However, a significant minority report severe issues with firmware updates causing one earbud to stop working, poor customer support, and bugs like random reconnection or settings resetting, leading to a strong warning against purchase.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Deep and rich bass
- Innovative touchscreen charging case
- Customizable EQ via app
- Effective noise cancellation
Cons
- Firmware update failures causing earbud malfunction
- Poor customer support
- Case battery life subpar
- ANC not the best
- Bugs like random reconnection and settings reset
Sony WF-1000XM6
The Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds are widely praised for their excellent noise cancellation, improved comfort, and clear sound quality. Users appreciate the textured surface that prevents slipping, the secure fit, and the long battery life. Call quality and microphone performance are also highlighted as strong points. Overall, these earbuds are seen as a worthy upgrade from previous models, especially for those seeking a high-end listening experience.
Pros
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Improved comfort and fit
- Clear and balanced sound quality
- Textured surface prevents slipping
- Long battery life
Cons
- No negative points mentioned in reviews
Scores
Specifications
| JBL Live Beam 3 | Sony WF-1000XM6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | XS, S, M, L | XS, S, M, L |
| Weight | 0.08 kg | 0.05 kg★ |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 10 mm★ | 8.399999618530273 mm |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz | 20 Hz |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz | 40 kHz |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 48 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 100 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 | LDAC |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | adaptive |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Profiles | A2DP 1.4, AVRCP, HFP 1.8 | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | — | SONY WF1000XM6/B Headphones |
| Range | 10.100000381469727 m★ | 10 m |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 12 hrs★ | 8 hrs |
| Charge Time | 2 hrs | 2 hrs |
| Fast Charging | 10min=4hrs | 5 min for 1 hour playback |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 36 hrs★ | 24 hrs |
| Case Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | ✓ | ✓ |
| Capacity | 68 mAh★ | — |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 6 | 8★ |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | Built-in voice control |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | JBL Headphones | Sony | Sound Connect |
| Volume Limiting | — | ✗ |
| Gaming Mode | ✗ | ✗ |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Water Resistance | IP55 | IPX4 |
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 build (91st percentile)91st %ile
Sony WF-1000XM6
- Strong mic (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong connectivity (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong sound (89th percentile)89th %ile
Pricing
JBL Live Beam 3 offers 1.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 3 of 41 specs.
