When it comes to choosing between the Beats Powerbeats Pro ($129.99) and JBL Live Beam 3 ($179.99), there's quite a bit to unpack. Let's dive into everything you need to know to make the right choice for your needs.
True wireless earbuds have come a long way since Apple launched the original AirPods in 2016. Today's models offer impressive features like active noise cancellation (which uses microphones to detect and cancel out environmental noise), multi-device connectivity, and smart assistant integration. While both of our contenders are premium offerings, they take notably different approaches to the wireless earbud experience.
The Powerbeats Pro, released in 2019, represents Beats' focus on workout-friendly design. The signature ear hooks, while possibly looking a bit dated to some, provide unmatched stability during intense activities. The build quality is excellent, with an IPX4 rating that means they're protected against sweat and light rain.
In contrast, the newer JBL Live Beam 3, released in 2023, takes a more modern approach. Its sleeker design without ear hooks reflects current trends, while the innovative charging case with a built-in display screen shows JBL's focus on smart features. The IP55 rating offers better protection against both dust and water compared to the Powerbeats.
The Powerbeats Pro delivers a classic Beats sound signature - punchy bass that's great for workout motivation, but not overwhelming. The Apple H1 chip provides excellent wireless connectivity and instant pairing with Apple devices. The lack of active noise cancellation is noticeable in 2024, but the passive noise isolation (physical blocking of outside sound) is quite good thanks to the secure fit.
The Live Beam 3 offers a more refined, balanced sound that works well across all music genres. The inclusion of True Adaptive Noise Cancelling makes a huge difference in noisy environments. The newer Bluetooth 5.3 technology provides better wireless stability and lower power consumption compared to the Powerbeats Pro's Bluetooth 5.0.
Battery technology has improved significantly since 2019. The Powerbeats Pro's 9 hours of playback was impressive then, but the Live Beam 3's 12 hours (or 9 with ANC on) shows how far we've come. Both support fast charging, but the Live Beam 3's wireless charging capability gives it an edge in convenience.
This is where the age difference between these products becomes most apparent. The Powerbeats Pro offers basic controls and Siri integration, which work well but feel limited by 2024 standards. The Live Beam 3 brings multipoint connectivity (connecting to two devices simultaneously), customizable touch controls, and that innovative charging case display that lets you control various functions without reaching for your phone.
If you're primarily looking for workout earbuds, the Powerbeats Pro remains hard to beat (pun intended). The ear hooks mean you never worry about them falling out, even during intense training. The physical buttons are easier to use with sweaty hands than touch controls.
The Live Beam 3 excels as an everyday companion. The noise cancellation makes commuting more pleasant, and the multipoint connectivity lets you seamlessly switch between your phone and laptop. The smart case display is genuinely useful, showing battery life, controlling playback, and adjusting settings without needing to pull out your phone.
Neither product is specifically designed for home theater use, but both can work well in this context. The Live Beam 3's lower latency Bluetooth 5.3 connection provides better sync between audio and video. However, neither supports advanced codecs like aptX Low Latency, so serious home theater enthusiasts might want to look at dedicated wireless TV headphones instead.
At $129.99, the Powerbeats Pro represents solid value for a sports-focused earbud, especially considering the original $249.99 launch price. The build quality and stability are still top-notch, and the integration with Apple devices is seamless.
The Live Beam 3 at $179.99 offers more features for the money, including that clever display case, superior water resistance, and modern features like ANC and multipoint connectivity. The longer battery life and more balanced sound signature make it a versatile choice for various situations.
The choice really comes down to your primary use case:
Choose the Powerbeats Pro if:
Choose the JBL Live Beam 3 if:
Remember, both are quality products that excel in their intended use cases. The Powerbeats Pro remains one of the best sport-focused earbuds available, while the Live Beam 3 represents the current state of the art in general-purpose wireless earbuds.
The extra $50 for the Live Beam 3 buys you newer technology and more features, but the Powerbeats Pro's focused approach to sport performance still makes it a compelling choice for active users. Consider your primary use case carefully, and choose accordingly.
| Beats Powerbeats Pro ($129.99) | JBL Live Beam 3 ($179.99) |
|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation - Critical for commuting and office use | |
| No ANC, passive isolation only | True Adaptive ANC with adjustable levels |
| Battery Life - Important for all-day listening and travel | |
| 9 hours + 15 from case (24 total) | 12 hours + 36 from case (48 total) |
| Water/Dust Protection - Essential for workouts and outdoor use | |
| IPX4 (sweat/splash resistant) | IP55 (better dust/water protection) |
| Fit Security - Critical for active use and workouts | |
| Ear hooks provide maximum stability | Traditional in-ear fit, no hooks |
| Smart Features - Impacts daily convenience | |
| Basic controls, Apple H1 chip integration | Smart case display, multipoint connection, app control |
| Sound Signature - Affects listening enjoyment | |
| Bass-forward, energetic (great for workouts) | Balanced, detailed (better for varied content) |
| Charging Options - Affects convenience | |
| Fast charging via Lightning only | Wireless charging + USB-C fast charging |
| Bluetooth Version - Impacts connection stability and range | |
| 5.0 (2019 standard) | 5.3 (latest standard, better efficiency) |
| Device Ecosystem - Important for seamless use | |
| Optimized for Apple devices | Platform agnostic, works equally well with all |
| Price Value Proposition - What you get for your money | |
| Lower price, focused on sport performance | Higher price, more features and newer tech |
The JBL Live Beam 3 ($179.99) is better for home theater use due to its lower latency Bluetooth 5.3 connection and active noise cancellation. The Powerbeats Pro ($129.99) has more audio delay and lacks noise cancellation features.
The JBL Live Beam 3 offers more balanced sound quality with better detail across all frequencies. The Powerbeats Pro has stronger bass emphasis, which some users prefer for workouts but may be less ideal for movie dialogue.
The JBL Live Beam 3 offers superior battery life with 12 hours per charge and 48 hours total with the case. The Powerbeats Pro provides 9 hours per charge and 24 hours total with the case.
Yes, both models work with smart TVs that support Bluetooth audio. The JBL Live Beam 3 has better latency performance for TV watching, while the Powerbeats Pro may experience slightly more audio delay.
The Powerbeats Pro is specifically designed for workouts with secure ear hooks and IPX4 sweat resistance. The JBL Live Beam 3 has better water resistance (IP55) but lacks ear hooks for stability.
Both support voice assistants, but the Powerbeats Pro has better integration with Siri on Apple devices. The JBL Live Beam 3 works equally well with all voice assistants across platforms.
The JBL Live Beam 3 features active noise cancellation technology, while the Powerbeats Pro only offers passive noise isolation through its ear tips.
The JBL Live Beam 3 supports multipoint connection for easy switching between devices. The Powerbeats Pro requires manual reconnection when switching devices.
The JBL Live Beam 3 has superior call quality with advanced noise reduction and better microphones. The Powerbeats Pro offers decent call quality but lacks advanced noise reduction features.
Neither is ideal for gaming due to Bluetooth latency. However, the JBL Live Beam 3 has slightly better performance with its newer Bluetooth 5.3 connection compared to the Powerbeats Pro.
The JBL Live Beam 3 offers more features and newer technology for $179.99. The Powerbeats Pro is more affordable at $129.99 but has fewer features and older technology.
Neither product supports true surround sound. While both can be used for watching movies, they only provide stereo sound. The JBL Live Beam 3 offers a slightly better movie experience due to its noise cancellation and balanced sound profile compared to the Powerbeats Pro.
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: rtings.com - mddevicerepair.com - adambowie.com - verizon.com - globalmobilesinc.com - costco.com - support.apple.com - soundguys.com - techshop.umich.edu - cnet.com - rcwilley.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
