True wireless earbuds have come a long way since Apple launched the original AirPods in 2016. Today's models pack impressive tech into tiny packages, and two standout options are the Jabra Elite 4 Active ($100) and JBL Live Beam 3 ($216). Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active hit the market in April 2023, bringing Jabra's proven durability to a more affordable price point. The newer JBL Live Beam 3 launched in June 2024, incorporating the latest Bluetooth 5.3 standard and some innovative features like a smart display case.
Since these launches, we've seen the wireless earbud market continue to evolve, particularly around battery life and noise cancellation. The Jabra represents solid mid-2023 tech, while the JBL brings some newer innovations to the table.
Both earbuds deliver good sound quality, but there are notable differences:
For home theater use, the JBL pulls ahead slightly. The larger drivers and better soundstage create a more immersive experience when watching movies. However, both suffer from the slight audio delay (latency) common to all Bluetooth devices, which can make lip-sync slightly off during videos.
This is where we see one of the biggest differences:
The Jabra Elite 4 Active provides:
The JBL Live Beam 3 offers:
The JBL's battery life is genuinely impressive, nearly doubling the Jabra's endurance. For long flights or full workdays, this could be a deciding factor.
Both models are built to last, but there are important distinctions:
Jabra Elite 4 Active:
JBL Live Beam 3:
The Jabra's superior water resistance and lighter weight make it the better choice for active users.
Here's where the price difference becomes apparent:
Jabra Elite 4 Active:
JBL Live Beam 3:
The JBL's smart case is particularly noteworthy, offering easy access to controls without pulling out your phone.
Despite being the less expensive option, the Jabra excels at calls:
The JBL performs adequately but doesn't match the Jabra's call quality:
The Jabra Elite 4 Active at $100 represents excellent value for:
The JBL Live Beam 3 at $216 justifies its higher price for:
Consider these key questions:
For most users, I'd recommend the Jabra Elite 4 Active. It hits the sweet spot of features, performance, and value. The water resistance and call quality are particularly impressive at this price point.
However, if budget isn't a major concern and you want the latest features, better sound, and longest battery life, the JBL Live Beam 3 is an excellent choice. The smart case and wireless charging are genuine conveniences, and the sound quality improvement is noticeable.
Remember: both models offer good sound quality and reliable performance. The choice often comes down to specific features and use cases rather than overall quality.
| Jabra Elite 4 Active | JBL Live Beam 3 |
|---|---|
| Price - Your starting point for value assessment | |
| $100 (excellent value for features) | $216 (premium pricing) |
| Battery Life - Critical for all-day use without recharging | |
| 7 hours (28 total with case) | 12 hours (48 total with case) |
| Water Resistance - Important for workouts and durability | |
| IP57 (fully waterproof) | IP55 (splash resistant only) |
| Driver Size - Affects sound quality and bass response | |
| 6mm (balanced, clear sound) | 10mm (fuller bass, wider soundstage) |
| Microphone System - Crucial for call quality | |
| 4 mics (superior call clarity) | 2 mics (adequate for casual use) |
| Charging Options - Convenience factor | |
| USB-C only | USB-C + Wireless charging |
| Weight per Earbud - Affects comfort during long sessions | |
| 5g (lighter, better for workouts) | 8.8g (heavier but stable) |
| Smart Features - Extra functionality beyond basics | |
| Basic controls and voice assistant | Smart case with display, virtual surround |
| Quick Charge Capability - How fast you can get back to listening | |
| 1 hour from 10 min charge | 4 hours from 10 min charge |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects connection stability and range | |
| 5.2 (solid connection) | 5.3 (slightly better range and stability) |
The JBL Live Beam 3 offers superior movie performance with its larger 10mm drivers and virtual surround sound features. While the Jabra Elite 4 Active provides good audio, it lacks the deeper bass and wider soundstage that makes the JBL better for home theater use.
Both models have some audio latency that may affect lip-sync. However, the JBL Live Beam 3 has newer Bluetooth 5.3 technology that helps minimize this issue. For TV watching, we recommend using a dedicated wireless TV headphone system instead.
The JBL Live Beam 3 significantly outperforms with 12 hours per charge and 48 total hours with the case. The Jabra Elite 4 Active offers 7 hours per charge and 28 total hours with the case.
Neither model is ideal for gaming due to Bluetooth latency. The Jabra Elite 4 Active and JBL Live Beam 3 both have roughly 200ms of delay, which can be noticeable in fast-paced games.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active is significantly better for calls with its 4-microphone system and superior noise reduction. The JBL Live Beam 3 performs adequately but isn't as clear for calls.
The JBL Live Beam 3 includes wireless charging, while the Jabra Elite 4 Active doesn't. While convenient, wireless charging alone doesn't justify the price difference - consider other features in your decision.
Both models support multi-point connection, but the JBL Live Beam 3 has a slight edge with its newer Bluetooth 5.3 technology for more stable switching between devices.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active is better for workouts with its IP57 waterproofing and secure fit. While the JBL Live Beam 3 is water-resistant (IP55), it's less suitable for intense exercise.
The JBL Live Beam 3 offers slightly better noise cancellation, especially for low frequencies. However, both models provide adequate noise reduction for most environments.
Both models work well with streaming services. The JBL Live Beam 3 supports higher-quality codecs, while the Jabra Elite 4 Active offers solid basic performance.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active at $100 offers better value for most users. The JBL Live Beam 3 at $216 includes premium features but may not justify the higher price unless you specifically need its advantages.
Both the Jabra Elite 4 Active and JBL Live Beam 3 support single-earbud use, which is helpful for staying aware of your surroundings or extending battery life.
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: soundguys.com - blog.ear-phone-review.com - camelcamelcamel.com - youtube.com - rtings.com - headphonecheck.com - jabra.com - youtube.com - jabra.com - jabra.com - jabra.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
