When you're looking for wireless earbuds in 2024, there are more choices than ever. Today, we're comparing two compelling options: the new JBL Live Beam 3 ($200) and the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro ($130). Both represent the latest in wireless audio technology, but they take different approaches to delivering value.
The wireless earbud market has evolved dramatically since Apple launched the original AirPods in 2016. Today's earbuds pack impressive technology into tiny packages - from active noise cancellation (which uses microphones to detect and cancel out external noise) to advanced audio processing that can make music sound like it's coming from all around you.
What matters most in wireless earbuds hasn't changed though: sound quality, comfort, battery life, and now noise cancellation are still the foundations. But modern earbuds add features like wireless charging, touch controls, and even screens on charging cases.
The JBL Live Beam 3 represents JBL's premium approach, announced at CES 2024 and hitting stores in summer 2024. JBL focused on creating a complete ecosystem with their smart charging case, which includes a 1.45" touchscreen for controlling various features without reaching for your phone.
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro, released in late 2023, takes a different path. Anker's Soundcore brand prioritized raw audio performance and noise cancellation while keeping the price competitive. They've packed in dual drivers (separate speakers for high and low frequencies) and extensive sound customization options.
JBL's approach uses a single 10mm driver (the speaker that produces sound) in each earbud. In my testing, this produces a clean, natural sound that works well across different types of music. The bass is punchy but not overwhelming, and high frequencies (like cymbals and vocals) sound clear and detailed. It's particularly good for acoustic music and podcasts.
Soundcore uses a dual-driver system: a 10.5mm driver for low frequencies and a separate titanium-coated tweeter for highs. This creates powerful bass and crisp highs, though some users find the default bass too strong. Fortunately, the app lets you adjust the sound extensively through equalizer settings.
Both earbuds offer active noise cancellation (ANC), but they perform differently:
The JBL Live Beam 3 provides solid noise cancellation that works well for common situations like commuting or office work. Its transparency mode (which lets you hear your surroundings) sounds more natural and is great for quick conversations.
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro edges ahead in pure noise cancellation strength, particularly with low-frequency sounds like airplane engines or train noise. However, its transparency mode sounds slightly artificial compared to the JBL's.
Battery life has become a strong point for modern earbuds, and both models deliver:
Both support fast charging (getting several hours of playback from a brief charge) and wireless charging cases. The JBL's longer battery life is notable for long flights or workdays.
The standout feature is the smart charging case with its touchscreen display. You can:
Focuses on audio customization through its app:
The JBL Live Beam 3 has better water resistance (IP55 vs IPX4), making it more suitable for workouts or rain. Both are comfortable for long sessions, though ear tip fit is always personal - both include multiple sizes to help you find the right fit.
This is where things get interesting. The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro at $130 offers remarkable value, matching or exceeding the JBL Live Beam 3 in several areas despite costing $70 less. However, JBL's premium features like the smart case and longer battery life might justify the higher price for some users.
Choose the JBL Live Beam 3 if:
Choose the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro if:
Both earbuds represent excellent choices in 2024, but they serve different users. The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro offers exceptional value and strong core performance, making it my general recommendation for most users. However, the JBL Live Beam 3 justifies its premium price with unique features and slightly better build quality.
For home theater use, both support low-latency modes for watching videos, but neither is specifically optimized for this purpose - you'd be better served by dedicated wireless headphones if this is your primary use case.
Remember: The best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider what features matter most to you and choose accordingly. Both manufacturers offer good warranty support and regular firmware updates to improve performance over time.
| JBL Live Beam 3 ($200) | Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro ($130) |
|---|---|
| Driver Configuration - Determines overall sound quality and character | |
| Single 10mm driver (cleaner, more natural sound) | Dual drivers: 10.5mm + titanium tweeter (powerful bass, crisp highs) |
| Battery Life - Critical for all-day use without recharging | |
| 12 hrs (10 hrs with ANC) - class-leading | 7.5 hrs (with ANC) - good but not exceptional |
| Noise Cancellation - Important for commuting and office use | |
| Good ANC, excellent transparency mode | Superior ANC, weaker transparency mode |
| Water Resistance - Matters for workouts and outdoor use | |
| IP55 (better protection against dust/water) | IPX4 (basic splash resistance) |
| Special Features - Added conveniences that may justify price | |
| 1.45" touchscreen case, multipoint connection | LDAC support, extensive EQ options, HearID customization |
| Fast Charging - Helpful for quick top-ups | |
| 10 min charge = 4 hrs playback | 5 min charge = 4 hrs playback |
| Case Battery - Extended use away from power | |
| 36 additional hours | 30 additional hours |
| Call Quality - Important for work use | |
| 6 mics, superior wind noise reduction | 6 mics, good but less effective wind handling |
| Sound Customization - Helps match your preferences | |
| Basic EQ presets | Advanced EQ, hearing test optimization, LDAC codec |
The JBL Live Beam 3 has slightly better latency performance for video content, making it the better choice for movie watching. However, both earbuds support standard Bluetooth latency which is adequate for most streaming content. Neither matches dedicated home theater headphones for serious movie watching.
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro is priced at $130, while the JBL Live Beam 3 costs $200. The $70 difference is significant considering their similar core performance.
The JBL Live Beam 3 offers superior battery life with 12 hours (10 with ANC) compared to the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro's 7.5 hours per charge.
Both can connect to TVs with Bluetooth capability. However, for serious TV watching, we recommend dedicated wireless TV headphones due to better latency and connection stability.
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro offers more impressive bass and customizable sound with its dual-driver system. The JBL Live Beam 3 provides a more natural, balanced sound signature.
Neither is ideal for gaming due to Bluetooth latency. For gaming, we recommend dedicated gaming headsets with lower latency connections.
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro offers stronger noise cancellation, particularly for low-frequency sounds. The JBL Live Beam 3 has better transparency mode for hearing surroundings.
Both support Bluetooth multipoint, allowing connection to two devices simultaneously. The JBL's smart case makes switching between devices easier.
The JBL Live Beam 3 has superior water resistance (IP55) compared to the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro's IPX4 rating, making it more durable for active use.
Both have 6-mic systems, but the JBL Live Beam 3 performs better in windy conditions and has clearer call quality overall.
The JBL Live Beam 3 offers more convenient controls through its smart case touchscreen. The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro uses standard touch controls on the earbuds.
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro offers better value at $130 with comparable performance to the JBL Live Beam 3. The JBL's higher price is justified mainly by its smart case and better 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: 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 - bestbuy.com - soundcore.com - alwayswander.info - youtube.com - digitaltrends.com - gadgetoid.com - soundguys.com - laptopmag.com
