JBL Live Beam 3
Google Pixel Buds 2a
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
Google Pixel Buds 2a
The Google Pixel Buds 2a are overwhelmingly praised for their excellent sound quality, comfortable fit, and effective noise cancellation at a reasonable price. Users highlight the seamless integration with Pixel phones, long battery life, and the unique repairable case battery. Some criticisms include the lack of wireless charging, limited touch controls, and occasional connectivity quirks, but overall sentiment is very positive.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Comfortable fit
- Effective noise cancellation
- Seamless Pixel integration
- Long battery life
Cons
- No wireless charging
- Limited touch controls
- No volume control on buds
- Occasional connectivity issues
- ANC always on
Scores
Specifications
| JBL Live Beam 3 | Google Pixel Buds 2a | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | XS, S, M, L | Extra small, Small, Medium, Large |
| Weight | 0.01 kg★ | 0.05 kg |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 10 mm | 11 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz★ | — |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 24 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB★ | — |
| Max SPL | 96 dB★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Surround | Spatial Audio | — |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | Silent Seal 1.5 |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4★ |
| Profiles | A2DP 1.4, AVRCP, HFP 1.8 | — |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Range | 10.100000381469727 m★ | — |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 12 hrs★ | 7 hrs |
| Charge Time | 2 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 10min=4hrs | 5 Minutes for 1 Hour |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 48 hrs★ | 20 hrs |
| Case Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Capacity | 68 mAh★ | — |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 6★ | 2 |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | Gemini |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | JBL Headphones | Pixel Buds app |
| Volume Limiting | — | ✗ |
| Gaming Mode | ✗ | ✗ |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | IP55 | IP54 |
Pros & Cons
JBL Live Beam 3
- Strong anc (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong mic (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong connectivity (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong comfort (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Below average affordability (7th percentile)7th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (34th percentile)
Google Pixel Buds 2a
- Strong social proof (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong anc (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Below average affordability (26th percentile)
- Below average build (34th percentile)
Pricing
JBL Live Beam 3 offers 1.2x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 84 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 13 of 41 specs.
