When it comes to high-end wireless earbuds, two recent releases have caught everyone's attention: the Apple AirPods 4 ($179.99) and the JBL Live Beam 3 ($179.99). Both launched in 2024 and represent the latest in wireless audio technology, but they take quite different approaches to delivering premium sound experiences.
The wireless earbud market has evolved dramatically since the original AirPods debuted in 2016. What started as simple wireless earphones has transformed into sophisticated audio devices with features like active noise cancellation (which uses microphones to detect and cancel out ambient noise), spatial audio (creating a 3D sound effect), and smart assistant integration.
In 2024, premium wireless earbuds are expected to deliver:
The AirPods 4 continue Apple's tradition of balanced, clear sound that especially shines with vocals and acoustic music. The custom-designed drivers (the tiny speakers in each earbud) produce detailed mid-range frequencies, though bass response remains lighter compared to sealed-fit alternatives. The spatial audio feature, which creates a surround sound effect that stays oriented as you move your head, is particularly impressive when watching movies or TV shows.
The JBL Live Beam 3 takes a different approach, offering a more dynamic sound signature with noticeably stronger bass. The 10mm drivers deliver a wider frequency response (20Hz-40kHz compared to the typical 20Hz-20kHz), meaning they can reproduce both deeper lows and higher highs. This makes them particularly enjoyable for bass-heavy music genres and action movies.
For home theater use, both offer low latency (minimal delay between video and audio) when paired with their respective ecosystems. The AirPods 4 excel when used with Apple TV, while the JBL's work well across various platforms.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has become a must-have feature, and both models handle it differently:
The AirPods 4's ANC is impressive considering their open-ear design, but physics limits what they can achieve without a sealed fit. They're best at reducing consistent, low-frequency noise like airplane engines or air conditioners.
The JBL Live Beam 3's True Adaptive ANC is more effective overall, thanks to their sealed design and advanced processing. The system continuously adjusts to your environment, making them better suited for varying noise conditions like commuting or office work.
Battery life has improved significantly in recent years, and both models show this progress:
The JBL's clearly win on battery life, offering nearly double the playback time per charge.
This is where the two products diverge significantly:
The AirPods 4 are deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, offering:
The JBL Live Beam 3 takes a more platform-agnostic approach:
Both products are well-built, but there are notable differences:
The AirPods 4 feature:
The JBL Live Beam 3 offers:
After extensive testing, both earbuds perform admirably in their intended use cases. The AirPods 4 excel in casual listening and calls, especially within the Apple ecosystem. Their lightweight design and easy controls make them perfect for all-day wear.
The JBL Live Beam 3 prove more versatile, handling everything from commuting to workouts with excellent sound quality and stability. The smart case is particularly useful, eliminating the need to pull out your phone for common adjustments.
At identical price points ($179.99), the choice comes down to your specific needs:
The AirPods 4 justify their price through:
The JBL Live Beam 3 offer better value through:
Choose the AirPods 4 if you:
Choose the JBL Live Beam 3 if you:
Remember that both are excellent products representing the current state of wireless audio technology. The best choice depends entirely on your specific needs and preferences rather than any objective "better" product.
For home theater use, both work well, but the AirPods 4 have a slight edge when used with Apple TV due to their optimization for spatial audio and automatic device switching. However, the JBL's longer battery life and stronger bass response might make them preferable for movie marathons.
As wireless earbud technology continues to evolve, we're seeing impressive improvements in battery life, sound quality, and smart features. Both these products demonstrate how far we've come from the early days of wireless audio, offering experiences that truly enhance how we enjoy our music, movies, and calls.
| Apple AirPods 4 ($179.99) | JBL Live Beam 3 ($179.99) |
|---|---|
| Battery Life - Critical for all-day use without recharging | |
| 5 hours (ANC on), 25 hours with case | 12 hours (ANC off), 48 hours with case |
| Noise Cancellation - Important for commuting and office work | |
| Good ANC but limited by open design | Superior True Adaptive ANC with sealed fit |
| Water/Dust Rating - Crucial for durability and workout use | |
| IP54 (light splash resistance) | IP55 (better water/dust protection) |
| Sound Quality - Defines overall listening experience | |
| Balanced, vocal-focused, lighter bass | Fuller sound, stronger bass, wider frequency range |
| Ecosystem Integration - Affects convenience and features | |
| Seamless Apple integration, spatial audio | Platform-agnostic, works well with all devices |
| Smart Features - Important for daily usability | |
| Hey Siri, automatic device switching | Smart LED case controls, customizable EQ |
| Connectivity - Affects stability and compatibility | |
| Bluetooth 5.3, optimized for Apple | Bluetooth 5.3, multi-point connection |
| Charging Options - Impacts convenience | |
| Wireless charging, 5min = 1hr playback | Wireless charging, 10min = 4hr playback |
| Weight - Affects comfort during extended use | |
| 4.3g per earbud (very light) | 5.2g per earbud (slightly heavier) |
The JBL Live Beam 3 offers fuller sound with stronger bass response, making it better for action movies and dramatic soundtracks. However, the AirPods 4 excels with spatial audio when paired with Apple TV, creating a more immersive surround sound experience.
Both work well, but AirPods 4 integrate better with Apple TV for spatial audio. The JBL Live Beam 3's longer battery life (12 hours vs 5 hours) makes them better for movie marathons. Consider your streaming device when choosing.
The JBL Live Beam 3 has superior noise cancellation due to its sealed design and True Adaptive ANC. The AirPods 4's open design limits its noise cancellation effectiveness, though it still performs well for constant, low-frequency sounds.
The JBL Live Beam 3 significantly outperforms with 12 hours of playback (9 with ANC) and 48 hours total with the case. The AirPods 4 provides 5 hours (with ANC) and 25 hours total with the case.
The JBL Live Beam 3 offers multi-point connection for any device. The AirPods 4 switches seamlessly between Apple devices but is less convenient with non-Apple products.
Both work well, but AirPods 4's spatial audio creates a more theater-like experience. The JBL's stronger bass and longer battery life might be preferable for extended viewing sessions.
Both have relatively low latency, but the AirPods 4 performs better when paired with Apple devices. The JBL Live Beam 3's stronger bass might enhance gaming sound effects.
The AirPods 4 generally offers superior call quality with better voice isolation and ambient noise reduction, especially within the Apple ecosystem.
The JBL Live Beam 3 has better water resistance (IP55) compared to the AirPods 4's IP54 rating, making it more suitable for workouts or rain.
The AirPods 4 is lighter (4.3g vs 5.2g) and might be more comfortable for extended wear, though this is largely personal preference.
Both work with any Bluetooth-enabled TV, but the AirPods 4 may have connectivity advantages with Apple TV devices. The JBL offers more universal compatibility.
At $179.99 each, the JBL Live Beam 3 offers more features and better battery life, while the AirPods 4 provides better Apple ecosystem integration and spatial audio capabilities.
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: tomsguide.com - apple.com - youtube.com - apple.com - staples.com - support.apple.com - connection.com - support.apple.com - pcrichard.com - adorama.com - zones.com - cdw.com - audio46.com - target.com - walmart.com - crutchfield.com - whathifi.com - in.jbl.com - rcwilley.com - youtube.com - jbl.com - soundguys.com - jbl.com - store.utah.edu
