True wireless earbuds have come a long way since the first AirPods launched in 2016. Today's premium models, like the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 ($199) and JBL Live Beam 3 ($179), pack incredible technology into tiny packages. Let's explore how these two recent releases stack up against each other and help you decide which might be right for you.
Both earbuds launched in early 2024, representing the latest in wireless audio technology. They include features that were once reserved for much more expensive headphones, like active noise cancellation (which uses microphones to detect and cancel out unwanted sounds) and spatial audio (creating a more immersive, theater-like sound experience).
The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 takes a more balanced approach to sound. Think of it like a well-tuned studio monitor - it aims to reproduce music exactly as it was recorded. The 10mm drivers (the tiny speakers inside) deliver clear highs without being harsh, and bass that's present but not overwhelming. This makes them great for all types of music, from classical to rock.
The JBL Live Beam 3 follows JBL's traditional sound signature with more emphasis on bass. If you enjoy hip-hop, EDR, or any bass-heavy music, you might prefer these. They also support a wider frequency range (20Hz-40kHz vs Jabra's 20Hz-20kHz), though honestly, human ears can't hear above 20kHz anyway.
For home theater use, both support spatial audio, but Jabra's implementation with Dolby Atmos feels more refined. When watching movies, the sound placement is more precise, making it easier to tell where footsteps or explosions are coming from.
Here's where we see a significant difference. The JBL Live Beam 3 leads with up to 12 hours of playback per charge (10 hours with noise cancelling on), plus 36 more hours in the case. That's impressive compared to the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2, which manages 6-8 hours per charge and about 27 hours total with the case.
Both support wireless charging and fast charging - about 5 minutes of charging gives you roughly an hour of playback. This is especially useful when you're rushing out the door and realize your earbuds are dead.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has become a must-have feature, and both models handle it well, but differently:
Jabra's approach is more sophisticated, with adaptive noise cancellation that automatically adjusts based on your environment. It's particularly effective at blocking out continuous noise like airplane engines or air conditioners. There's also a "HearThrough" mode that lets you hear your surroundings clearly when needed.
JBL's system is simpler but still effective. It's great at blocking low-frequency noise but might let through more high-frequency sounds like voices. Their ambient aware feature (letting you hear your surroundings) works well but isn't quite as natural-sounding as Jabra's.
Water and dust resistance ratings tell an important story here:
Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2: IP57 (can be submerged in shallow water)JBL Live Beam 3: IP55 (resistant to water splashes)This makes the Jabra more suitable for intense workouts or rainy conditions. Both are well-built, but Jabra's higher rating provides more peace of mind.
Both earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3 and can connect to two devices simultaneously (called multipoint connectivity). This means you can be watching a video on your tablet and still take calls from your phone without manually switching connections.
The JBL's smart case with its touch display is a unique feature, letting you control various functions without using your phone. While neat, it's not necessarily a game-changer for most users.
At $199, the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 costs $20 more than the $179 JBL Live Beam 3. The price difference isn't huge, but it's worth considering what you're getting:
Jabra advantages:
JBL advantages:
In daily use, both perform admirably, but there are situations where one clearly pulls ahead:
For commuting, the Jabra's better noise cancellation makes it the superior choice. On long flights, JBL's longer battery life gives it the edge. For workouts, Jabra's better water resistance makes it more suitable. For home theater use, Jabra's more refined spatial audio implementation creates a more immersive experience.
Consider these questions to help choose:
Both the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 and JBL Live Beam 3 are excellent earbuds that represent the current state of true wireless technology. The Jabra edges ahead in terms of technical capabilities and durability, while the JBL offers better battery life and value.
For most users, I'd recommend the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 if the extra $20 isn't a concern. Its better water resistance and noise cancellation make it more versatile, and the balanced sound works well across all types of content. However, if battery life is a priority or you prefer bass-heavy sound, the JBL Live Beam 3 is an excellent choice that saves you some money too.
Remember, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider how you'll primarily use them, and choose accordingly.
| Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 ($199) | JBL Live Beam 3 ($179) |
|---|---|
| Battery Life - Critical for all-day use without recharging | |
| 6-8 hours (buds), 27-36 hours total with case | 10-12 hours (buds), 48 hours total with case |
| Water Resistance - Important for workouts and outdoor use | |
| IP57 (fully waterproof) | IP55 (water-resistant only) |
| Noise Cancellation - Essential for commuting and office use | |
| Advanced adaptive ANC with customizable profiles | Standard ANC, less adjustable but effective |
| Frequency Response - Impacts overall sound quality and detail | |
| 20Hz-20kHz (standard range) | 20Hz-40kHz (wider but beyond human hearing) |
| Driver Size - Affects sound power and bass response | |
| 10mm drivers with balanced tuning | 10mm drivers with bass-forward tuning |
| Connectivity - Important for multi-device users | |
| Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint connection | Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint connection |
| Fast Charging - Crucial for quick top-ups | |
| 5 min charge = 1 hour playback | 10 min charge = 4 hours playback |
| Special Features - Adds value beyond basic functions | |
| Dolby Atmos spatial audio, HearThrough mode | Smart case with display, LDAC support |
The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 ($199) offers superior Dolby Atmos spatial audio implementation, making it the better choice for home theater use. Its sound staging and positional audio are more precise, creating a more immersive movie-watching experience compared to the JBL Live Beam 3 ($179).
The JBL Live Beam 3 significantly outperforms with 10-12 hours of playback per charge and 48 hours total with the case. The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 offers 6-8 hours per charge and 27-36 hours total with the case.
Yes, both the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 and JBL Live Beam 3 support Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously, like your TV and phone.
The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 features more advanced adaptive noise cancellation that automatically adjusts to your environment, making it more effective than the JBL Live Beam 3's standard ANC system.
While both models can be used for gaming, neither is specifically optimized for it due to slight Bluetooth latency. For serious gaming, we recommend dedicated gaming headsets.
The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 has an IP57 rating (fully waterproof), making it more durable than the JBL Live Beam 3 with its IP55 rating (water-resistant only).
The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 offers a more balanced, neutral sound profile, while the JBL Live Beam 3 provides stronger bass response. Choice depends on personal preference.
Both models work well for video calls, but the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 has slightly better microphone quality and noise reduction for clearer calls.
Both models work equally well with Bluetooth-enabled TVs, but the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2's better spatial audio makes it preferable for TV watching.
The JBL Live Beam 3 is slightly more affordable at $179, while the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 costs $199. The $20 difference might be worth it for better water resistance and spatial audio.
Both are suitable for exercise, but the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2's better water resistance makes it more suitable for intense workouts compared to the JBL Live Beam 3.
Both offer touch controls, but the JBL Live Beam 3's smart case with display provides additional control options that some users might find convenient, while the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 offers more customizable touch controls through its app.
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 - soundguys.com - rtings.com - rtings.com - loudnwireless.com - soundguys.com - jabra.com - youtube.com - techradar.com - jabra.com - jabra.com - seriousinsights.net - 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
