True wireless earbuds have become essential gear for many of us, whether we're working, exercising, or just enjoying entertainment. Today, we're comparing two popular options: Apple's AirPods 3rd Generation ($169.99) and the JBL Tour Pro+ ($149.94).
The wireless earbud market has matured significantly since the first AirPods launched in 2016. Modern earbuds offer impressive features like active noise cancellation (which uses microphones to detect and cancel out ambient noise), spatial audio (creating a theater-like surround sound experience), and advanced touch controls.
Both of these models were released in 2021 - the JBL Tour Pro+ in May and the AirPods 3 in October. Since then, they've received software updates to improve stability and add features, but their core hardware capabilities remain unchanged. This maturity means they're stable, well-tested products with proven reliability.
The AirPods 3 and JBL Tour Pro+ take distinctly different approaches to sound quality. The AirPods 3 offers what audio enthusiasts call a "balanced" signature - meaning no particular part of the sound spectrum overwhelms the others. They excel at vocal clarity and provide decent bass, though not as powerful as some competitors.
The JBL Tour Pro+, meanwhile, delivers a more customizable experience. Out of the box, they provide stronger bass, which many users prefer for modern music genres like hip-hop and electronic dance music. Through the JBL app, you can adjust the equalizer (EQ) settings to fine-tune the sound to your preferences - something the AirPods 3 doesn't offer.
For home theater use, the AirPods 3 have an advantage with their spatial audio feature, which creates a convincing surround sound effect when watching movies on Apple devices. The JBL Tour Pro+ doesn't offer this specific feature, though they still provide excellent movie audio quality.
Here's where the biggest differences emerge. The AirPods 3 are designed primarily for Apple users, offering seamless integration with iPhones, iPads, and Macs. They'll automatically switch between your Apple devices based on what you're using, and they provide instant pairing across your Apple ID. While they work with Android devices, you'll lose many of these convenient features.
The JBL Tour Pro+ takes a more platform-agnostic approach. They support Google Fast Pair for Android devices and work equally well with any Bluetooth device. They also offer dual-device connectivity, meaning you can stay connected to both your phone and laptop simultaneously - something the AirPods 3 can't do.
Both models take different approaches to fit and stability. The AirPods 3 use an open design that rests in your ear, similar to their predecessors. This design can be very comfortable for long listening sessions but might not feel secure enough for intense workouts.
The JBL Tour Pro+ uses silicone ear tips (small rubber attachments that go into your ear canal) and includes stabilizing fins for a more secure fit. While this creates a better seal for improved bass response and noise isolation, some users find this style less comfortable for extended wear.
Both models offer similar battery life, with around 6 hours of listening time per charge. Their charging cases extend this to about 30 hours total. Both support wireless charging and quick charging features, though the AirPods 3 integrate particularly well with Apple's MagSafe charging system.
The JBL Tour Pro+ includes active noise cancellation, which the AirPods 3 notably lacks (you'd need to step up to the AirPods Pro for that feature). The JBL also offers ambient sound modes to help you hear your surroundings when needed.
The AirPods 3, however, offers unique features like automatic ear detection (pausing when you remove an earbud) and "Hey Siri" voice control integration. They also include Apple's Find My network support, making them easier to locate if lost.
At $149.94, the JBL Tour Pro+ offers more features per dollar, including noise cancellation and sound customization. The $169.99 AirPods 3 command a premium price but justify it through their seamless Apple integration and spatial audio features.
The bottom line? For Apple users who prioritize convenience and integration, the AirPods 3 are worth their premium price. For everyone else, the JBL Tour Pro+ offers more features and flexibility at a lower price point.
I've used both models extensively, and while I personally lean toward the AirPods 3 due to their integration with my Apple devices, I often recommend the JBL Tour Pro+ to friends who want more features or use Android devices. The best choice really depends on your specific needs and ecosystem preferences.
Remember that both models represent mature products with proven reliability. You can't go wrong with either choice - it's just a matter of matching the features to your specific needs and preferences.
| Apple AirPods 3rd Generation ($169.99) | JBL Tour Pro+ ($149.94) |
|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation - Critical for commuting or office work | |
| None | Active Noise Cancellation included |
| Battery Life - Important for all-day use | |
| 6 hours (5 with spatial audio), 30 hours with case | 6 hours (with ANC), 32 hours with case |
| Sound Customization - Affects how well you can tune to your preferences | |
| Fixed tuning, no EQ settings | Customizable EQ through app |
| Device Connectivity - Key for switching between phone/laptop | |
| Single device, auto-switching between Apple devices | Dual device connection support |
| Water Resistance - Important for workouts | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant) | IPX5 (stronger water resistance) |
| Special Features - Can justify price difference | |
| Spatial Audio, automatic device switching, Find My support | Ambient sound modes, voice assistant support |
| Fit Style - Affects comfort and stability | |
| Open design, no tips | In-ear tips with stability fins |
| Call Quality - Critical for work use | |
| Excellent, dual beamforming mics | Good, but can struggle in wind |
| Ecosystem Integration - Major factor for Apple users | |
| Seamless Apple integration | Platform agnostic, works equally well with all devices |
| Charging Options - Affects convenience | |
| Lightning, MagSafe, Qi wireless | USB-C, Qi wireless |
For movie watching, the Apple AirPods 3 ($169.99) have an advantage with their spatial audio feature, which creates a theater-like surround sound experience when watching on Apple devices. While the JBL Tour Pro+ ($149.94) offer excellent sound quality, they lack this specific spatial audio capability.
For Apple users, the AirPods 3 justify their higher price through seamless ecosystem integration and spatial audio. However, the JBL Tour Pro+ offer more features like noise cancellation and sound customization at a lower price point.
Both have similar battery life with about 6 hours per charge, but the JBL Tour Pro+ offers slightly more total playtime with its case (32 hours vs 30 hours for AirPods 3).
Both can connect to TVs via Bluetooth, but the AirPods 3 work especially well with Apple TV. The JBL Tour Pro+ work equally with any Bluetooth-enabled TV but may have slightly more latency.
The AirPods 3 generally perform better for calls with their dual beamforming microphones and better wind resistance. The JBL Tour Pro+ are good for calls but can struggle in windy conditions.
The JBL Tour Pro+ work perfectly with Android, including Google Fast Pair. While the AirPods 3 work with Android, you lose many special features like automatic switching and spatial audio.
Only the JBL Tour Pro+ has active noise cancellation. The AirPods 3 don't include this feature - you'd need to upgrade to AirPods Pro for noise cancellation.
The JBL Tour Pro+ support dual device connectivity. The AirPods 3 can only connect to one device at a time but offer automatic switching between Apple devices.
The JBL Tour Pro+ have a more secure fit with ear tips and fins, plus better water resistance (IPX5 vs IPX4). The AirPods 3 may not stay in as securely during intense workouts.
The AirPods 3 offer balanced sound with spatial audio capability. The JBL Tour Pro+ provide stronger bass and customizable EQ settings through their app.
Yes, both support Qi wireless charging, but the AirPods 3 also support MagSafe charging. The JBL Tour Pro+ use standard Qi charging.
For home theater, the AirPods 3 have an advantage with spatial audio and lower latency when used with Apple TV. However, the JBL Tour Pro+ offer better sound isolation and bass response, which some users might prefer for movies.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: recordingnow.com - apple.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - support.apple.com - apple.com - portableone.com - apple.com - bhphotovideo.com - apple.com - apple.com - digitaltrends.com - harmanaudio.com - bestbuy.com - soundguys.com - tomsguide.com - jbl.com - bestbuy.com - seriousinsights.net - mm.jbl.com - support.jbl.com - bigapplebuddy.com
