JBL Live Beam 3
Anker Space A40
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
Anker Space A40
The Soundcore Space A40 earbuds are widely praised for their excellent sound quality, customizable EQ via the app, and strong noise cancellation. Users appreciate the long battery life, fast charging, and comfortable fit with multiple ear tip sizes. Some note that the ANC is not as powerful as premium competitors and that Bluetooth connection can occasionally drop in bumpy vehicles or certain environments. Overall, they are considered great value for the price.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Customizable EQ via app
- Good noise cancellation
- Long battery life
- Fast charging
Cons
- ANC not as strong as premium competitors
- Occasional Bluetooth connection drops
- Touch controls limited to certain options at once
- Battery life slightly less than advertised
- Left ear discomfort for some users
Scores
Specifications
| JBL Live Beam 3 | Anker Space A40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | XS, S, M, L | 5 sizes of silicone ear tips |
| Weight | 0.08 kg | 0.06 kg★ |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 10 mm | 11 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1 | 2★ |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz | 20 Hz |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz★ | 20 kHz |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 16 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 |
| Surround | — | Soundcore by Anker Space A40 Auto-Adjustable Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds, Reduce Noise by Up to 98%, 50H Playtime, Hi-Res Sound, App Customization, Wireless Charge (Renewed) Blue (Refresh |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | adaptive |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3★ | 5.2 |
| Profiles | A2DP 1.4, AVRCP, HFP 1.8 | — |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | — | Bluetooth |
| Range | 10.100000381469727 m★ | — |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 12 hrs★ | 10 hrs |
| Charge Time | 2 hrs | 2 hrs |
| Fast Charging | 10min=4hrs | 10 min for 4 hours playback |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 48 hrs | 50 hrs★ |
| Case Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | ✓ | ✓ |
| Capacity | 68 mAh★ | — |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 6 | 6 |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | Siri, Google Assistant |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | JBL Headphones | soundcore |
| 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 battery (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Below average user sentiment (33rd percentile)
Anker Space A40
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong connectivity (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong sound (94th percentile)94th %ile
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 82 overall, wins 3 of 7 usage categories and 7 of 41 specs.
