Let's dive into a detailed comparison of two interesting wireless earbuds: the Denon PerL Pro ($349) and the JBL Tour Pro+ ($149.94). I've spent time testing both, and they each bring something unique to the table.
Wireless earbuds have come a long way since Apple launched the original AirPods in 2016. Today's models pack impressive technology into tiny packages, with features that seemed impossible just a few years ago. The key improvements we're seeing in 2024 include better battery life, more sophisticated noise cancellation, and support for high-resolution audio codecs (special ways of transmitting digital music that preserve more detail).
The Denon PerL Pro launched in mid-2023, representing Denon's latest push into premium wireless audio. It's packed with cutting-edge features like Masimo Adaptive Acoustic Technology (which creates a personalized sound profile based on how your ears are shaped) and support for aptX Lossless (a way to stream music without any quality loss, similar to a CD).
The JBL Tour Pro+ arrived in 2022 and takes a more mainstream approach, focusing on reliable performance and value. While it doesn't have some of the newest features, it nails the basics that most people care about.
The standout feature here is the personalization technology. When you first set up these earbuds, they run a test that measures how your ears respond to different frequencies. This isn't just marketing - I noticed a clear improvement in sound quality after running the calibration. The bass becomes more precise, and you can hear more detail in complex music.
The support for aptX Lossless is impressive, though you'll need a recent Android phone with the right chipset to use it. Even without it, these earbuds sound excellent, with clear separation between instruments and a wide "soundstage" (the feeling that sounds are coming from different directions around you).
JBL has been making speakers since 1946, and their experience shows. While the Tour Pro+ doesn't have the latest codec support, it delivers JBL's signature sound - clear and balanced, with slightly emphasized bass that makes music fun without being overwhelming. For most popular music and podcasts, these sound great.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) works by creating sound waves that cancel out background noise. Both models handle this differently:
The Denon PerL Pro uses more advanced algorithms that adapt to your ear shape and external noise. It's more effective at blocking irregular sounds like voices or street noise. However, it's not quite at the level of class leaders like Sony's WF-1000XM5.
The JBL Tour Pro+ takes a simpler approach that works well for constant sounds like airplane engines or air conditioners but struggles more with variable noise. It's good enough for most situations, just not exceptional.
This is where the price difference becomes interesting. The less expensive JBL actually offers better battery life:
Both cases support wireless charging, which is convenient but can be slower than using a cable. In real-world use, both will easily last through a full day of listening.
Comfort is highly personal, but there are some objective differences:
Both come with multiple ear tip sizes, but the Denon includes foam tips, which can provide a better seal and improved bass response.
While both can be used with smart TVs, neither is specifically optimized for home theater use. The Denon's aptX Lossless support could theoretically provide better audio quality for movies, but you'll need compatible equipment. Latency (delay between video and audio) is minimal on both, making them suitable for casual TV watching.
Both handles calls well, but in different ways:
In my testing, the Denon handled windy conditions better, while the JBL was perfectly fine for indoor calls.
Let's be clear: the Denon PerL Pro offers better sound quality and more advanced features. But at more than twice the price of the JBL Tour Pro+, it's worth asking if those improvements matter to you.
If you:
But if you:
Consider your typical use case:
For commuting or office work, both will serve you well. The JBL's longer battery life might actually make it more practical.
For critical listening or music production, the Denon's superior sound quality and personalization features give it an edge.
For sports or workouts, the JBL's lighter weight and lower price (less worry about damage) make it a better choice.
The wireless earbud market continues to evolve rapidly. We're seeing trends toward:
Both these models are relatively current, but expect to see new versions with additional features in the next 1-2 years.
After extensive testing, I find myself reaching for the JBL more often, despite the Denon's superior technical capabilities. The combination of good-enough sound quality, longer battery life, and more comfortable fit makes it a better daily driver for my needs.
However, when I want to really focus on music, the Denon's superior sound quality and personalization features make it special. It's a reminder that "better" depends entirely on your personal needs and preferences.
| Denon PerL Pro True Wireless ($349) | JBL Tour Pro+ ($149.94) |
|---|---|
| Audio Codec Support - Determines maximum sound quality potential | |
| aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC only (adequate for most streaming) |
| Battery Life - Critical for all-day use without recharging | |
| 8 hours buds + 24 hours case | 10 hours buds + 30 hours case |
| Driver Size - Impacts bass response and overall sound fullness | |
| 10mm titanium drivers (premium materials) | 6.8mm dynamic drivers (good but basic) |
| Noise Cancellation Quality - Essential for commuting or office use | |
| Advanced adaptive ANC with personalization | Standard ANC (good for constant noise) |
| Sound Personalization - Affects how well they match your hearing | |
| Masimo AAT with ear shape analysis | Basic EQ adjustments only |
| Water Resistance - Important for workouts or rain | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant) | IPX5 (better water protection) |
| Extra Features - Nice-to-have capabilities | |
| Spatial audio, multipoint, wireless charging | Multipoint, wireless charging |
| Weight Per Earbud - Affects long-term comfort | |
| 7.5g (slightly heavier) | 5.0g (more comfortable for long sessions) |
| Microphone System - Important for calls | |
| 8 mics total with bone conduction | 3 mics with beamforming |
| Case Size - Affects pocket-ability | |
| 72.4 x 30.2 x 35mm (bulkier) | 65.0 x 24.5 x 32mm (more compact) |
The Denon PerL Pro ($349) has an edge for home theater use due to its aptX Lossless support and spatial audio features. However, both earbuds work well for TV watching with minimal audio lag. The JBL Tour Pro+ ($149.94) offers similar performance for casual viewing at a lower price point.
For most users, no. The JBL Tour Pro+ offers excellent value with comparable battery life and good sound quality. Unless you specifically need aptX Lossless or advanced sound personalization, the extra cost of the Denon PerL Pro may not be justified.
The JBL Tour Pro+ wins with 10 hours per charge and 30 hours total with the case, compared to the Denon PerL Pro's 8 hours and 24 hours total.
Yes, both models work with smart TVs that support Bluetooth audio. The Denon PerL Pro may offer slightly better audio quality if your TV supports aptX, but both provide good performance for TV watching.
The Denon PerL Pro offers more sophisticated noise cancellation with personalization features, though neither matches the top-tier ANC of Sony or Bose models. The JBL Tour Pro+ provides adequate noise reduction for most situations.
Both handle calls well. The Denon PerL Pro uses 8 microphones total for superior call quality, while the JBL Tour Pro+ uses 3 microphones that perform adequately for most situations.
The JBL Tour Pro+ is generally more comfortable due to its lighter weight (5.0g vs 7.5g). However, the Denon PerL Pro includes foam tips which some users prefer for extended wear.
While both work for gaming, neither is specifically optimized for it. The Denon PerL Pro has slightly lower latency, but dedicated gaming headphones would be better for serious gaming.
The JBL Tour Pro+ is better suited for exercise with its lighter weight and higher IPX5 water resistance rating, compared to the Denon PerL Pro's IPX4 rating.
Yes, both the Denon PerL Pro and JBL Tour Pro+ support wireless charging through their cases.
The Denon PerL Pro offers superior sound quality with better codec support and personalization features. However, the JBL Tour Pro+ still provides excellent sound that satisfies most listeners.
Both support multipoint connectivity, allowing connection to two devices simultaneously. The Denon PerL Pro and JBL Tour Pro+ handle device switching similarly well.
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 - digitaltrends.com - harmanaudio.com - bestbuy.com - soundguys.com - tomsguide.com - jbl.com - bestbuy.com - seriousinsights.net - mm.jbl.com - support.jbl.com - bigapplebuddy.com
