When it comes to true wireless earbuds in 2024, we're seeing some fascinating developments in both sound quality and smart features. I've spent time with both the Denon PerL Pro ($149) and the JBL Live Beam 3 ($199), and they represent two different approaches to premium wireless audio.
The wireless earbud market has evolved significantly since Apple launched the original AirPods in 2016. Today's premium earbuds need to deliver on multiple fronts:
The Denon PerL Pro launched in late 2023, bringing audiophile-grade features to a surprisingly affordable price point. Its standout feature is aptX Lossless support, which means it can play music without any quality loss - something that was impossible with Bluetooth until recently.
The JBL Live Beam 3, announced at CES 2024, takes a different approach. While it still delivers excellent sound, it adds innovative features like a smart display on the charging case and advanced noise cancellation that adapts to your environment.
Both earbuds deliver excellent audio, but they're tuned for different preferences:
The Denon approach prioritizes accuracy and detail. Their use of aptX Lossless (think CD-quality sound, but wireless) and a special titanium driver (the tiny speaker in each earbud) creates incredibly precise sound. If you're someone who wants to hear every nuance in your music, this is compelling.
JBL takes a more consumer-friendly approach with their signature sound - slightly boosted bass and crisp highs that make popular music really shine. Their LDAC support (Sony's high-quality wireless audio format) is excellent, though not quite as technically perfect as aptX Lossless.
This is where things get interesting:
The Denon PerL Pro focuses on sound customization. Their Masimo Adaptive Acoustic Technology creates a personal hearing profile, similar to getting your ears tested by an audiologist. It's impressive technology that makes a real difference in how you hear your music.
JBL's approach with the Live Beam 3 is more about convenience. The smart charging case with its touch display lets you control everything without pulling out your phone. After using both, I find the JBL's approach more practical for daily use, even though the Denon might sound slightly better.
Here's where the JBL pulls ahead:
Both support wireless charging, but JBL's longer battery life makes it better for travel or long days away from a charger.
Both offer active noise cancellation (ANC), which uses microphones to detect and cancel out background noise. The JBL's approach is more advanced, with True Adaptive ANC that automatically adjusts to your environment. The Denon's implementation is good but more traditional - you pick a level and it stays there.
The JBL Live Beam 3's IP55 rating means it's protected against dust and water jets - great for workouts or rain. The Denon's IPX4 rating only protects against splashes, making it less suitable for intense exercise.
At $149, the Denon PerL Pro delivers exceptional sound quality and solid features for the price. It's the better choice if audio quality is your primary concern and you have a device that supports aptX Lossless.
The JBL Live Beam 3 at $199 costs more but offers more features and better battery life. The smart case and adaptive noise cancellation might justify the premium for many users.
Choose the Denon PerL Pro if:
Choose the JBL Live Beam 3 if:
Both earbuds show where the market is heading - better sound quality and more intelligent features. The Denon represents the audiophile approach becoming more affordable, while the JBL shows how smart features can enhance the daily experience.
For my money, the choice comes down to use case. I'd pick the Denon for pure music enjoyment at home or in the office, but the JBL for travel or more active situations. The good news is that either choice delivers excellent performance - it's just a matter of matching the features to your needs.
Remember that both models will receive firmware updates over time, potentially adding features or improving performance. This has become standard practice in the premium earbud market, so your purchase should keep getting better with time.
| Denon PerL Pro ($149) | JBL Live Beam 3 ($199) |
|---|---|
| Audio Codec Support - Determines maximum sound quality possible | |
| aptX Lossless (CD quality), aptX Adaptive, AAC | LDAC, AAC (very good but not lossless) |
| Battery Life - Critical for all-day use without recharging | |
| 8 hours (buds) + 24 hours (case) | 12 hours (buds) + 36 hours (case) |
| Driver Size - Larger drivers typically provide fuller sound | |
| 12mm titanium triple-layer | 10mm dynamic |
| Water Resistance - Important for workouts or outdoor use | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant) | IP55 (water/dust resistant) |
| Noise Cancellation - Key for commuting and office use | |
| Standard ANC with manual adjustment | True Adaptive ANC with automatic adjustment |
| Special Features - Added conveniences that may justify price | |
| Masimo Adaptive Acoustic Technology for personalized sound | Smart case with display, wireless charging, on-screen controls |
| Microphones - Critical for call quality | |
| 8 total (4 per side with bone conduction) | 6 total with beamforming |
| Multi-device Support - Helpful for switching between phone/laptop | |
| Basic multipoint connection | Advanced multipoint with smart switching |
The Denon PerL Pro offers superior sound quality with aptX Lossless support and 12mm titanium drivers, making it the better choice for critical listening. The JBL Live Beam 3 still delivers excellent audio but focuses more on consumer-friendly tuning.
Both work well for movies, but the Denon PerL Pro has lower latency with aptX support, making it slightly better for video content. The JBL offers spatial audio features that can enhance movie immersion.
The JBL Live Beam 3 wins with 12 hours per charge plus 36 hours from the case, compared to the Denon's 8 hours plus 24 from the case.
Yes, both work well for late-night viewing. The Denon PerL Pro has slightly better audio quality, while the JBL offers longer battery life for extended viewing sessions.
The JBL Live Beam 3 features more advanced adaptive noise cancellation that automatically adjusts to your environment. The Denon offers standard ANC that works well but requires manual adjustment.
The JBL Live Beam 3 has better water resistance with IP55 rating (water/dust resistant), while the Denon is IPX4 (splash resistant only).
Both perform well, but the Denon PerL Pro has 8 microphones with bone conduction technology, potentially offering clearer call quality.
Both support multipoint connection, but the JBL Live Beam 3 offers more advanced switching between devices.
The JBL Live Beam 3 features a smart case with display controls, making it more intuitive to use. The Denon uses standard touch controls on the earbuds.
For gaming, the Denon PerL Pro has lower latency with aptX, making it the better choice for gaming scenarios where timing is crucial.
At $149, the Denon PerL Pro offers better value for sound quality focused users. The JBL Live Beam 3 at $199 justifies its higher price with more features and longer battery life.
Both work with all Bluetooth devices, but the Denon PerL Pro requires a compatible device for aptX Lossless, while the JBL works optimally with any modern smartphone or tablet.
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: techradar.com - popsci.com - masimo.com - whathifi.com - audio46.com - headphones.com - head-fi.org - rtings.com - denon.com - stereonet.com - avsforum.com - audiosciencereview.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
