When it comes to premium wireless earbuds, two standout options are the JBL Tour Pro 3 ($299) and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds ($299). Both represent the latest in personal audio technology, but they take notably different approaches to delivering a premium experience. Let's dive into what makes each unique and who they might be best for.
The wireless earbud market has come a long way since Apple introduced AirPods in 2016. Today's premium earbuds pack remarkable technology into tiny packages - from advanced noise cancellation to spatial audio processing that creates virtual surround sound environments. The JBL Tour Pro 3 represents the latest evolution, releasing in early 2024 with innovative features like a smart touchscreen case. Meanwhile, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds focus on perfecting core features like noise cancellation and sound quality.
Both earbuds deliver excellent audio quality, but in distinctly different ways:
The JBL Tour Pro 3 uses a hybrid dual-driver system (think two speakers per ear - one for bass and one for treble) that creates detailed, energetic sound. The inclusion of high-quality LDAC audio streaming (which sends about three times more data than standard Bluetooth) means you'll hear more detail in your music, provided your phone supports it. The spatial audio feature with head tracking is impressive for movies, making sound appear to come from fixed points around you as you move your head.
Bose takes a more traditional approach with the QuietComfort, using single full-range drivers tuned to their signature balanced sound profile. While they don't support LDAC, they use Bose's proprietary audio processing to deliver clear, accurate sound that works well across all genres. The sound isn't as technically advanced as the JBL, but many listeners prefer its natural, uncolored presentation.
Here's where we see a clear difference between these products:
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are widely considered to have the best noise cancellation in any wireless earbuds. They're particularly effective at blocking constant low-frequency sounds like airplane engines or bus rumble. The system adapts automatically to your environment and includes customizable modes for different situations.
JBL's noise cancellation in the Tour Pro 3 is good but not quite at Bose's level. It uses an adaptive system that measures your ear canal shape and surrounding noise 50,000 times per second to adjust the cancellation, but in practice, it doesn't create quite the same level of silence as the Bose.
Battery life has become increasingly important as we rely more on our wireless earbuds throughout the day:
The JBL clearly wins on battery life, offering nearly double the playback time of the Bose. This could be crucial if you're frequently away from power sources.
This is where the JBL Tour Pro 3 really stands out. Its charging case includes a 1.45-inch touchscreen that lets you:
The screen might seem gimmicky, but it's genuinely useful when your phone isn't readily accessible. The ability to use the case as a Bluetooth transmitter for airplane systems is particularly clever.
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds focus on core features rather than extra bells and whistles. They offer reliable touch controls and excellent integration with the Bose Music app, but nothing as innovative as JBL's smart case.
Both manufacturers have different approaches to fit:
Bose uses their StayHear ear tips, which include a soft wing that tucks into your ear's ridge. These are exceptionally comfortable for long listening sessions and stay secure during light exercise.
JBL provides memory foam tips that create a tighter seal, potentially improving noise isolation and bass response. However, some users find them less comfortable for extended wear.
Both earbuds handle calls well, but with different strengths:
The JBL Tour Pro 3 uses six microphones with advanced AI noise reduction, making it particularly good at handling windy conditions and background noise during calls.
Bose's system is more traditional but still effective, with good voice clarity in quiet environments but slightly less capable in challenging conditions.
Both support Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint connection (connecting to two devices simultaneously), but JBL adds support for newer standards like LE Audio and LC3 codecs, which could improve battery life and audio quality with future devices.
At $299, both earbuds represent a significant investment. The JBL Tour Pro 3 offers more features and longer battery life for the money, while the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds deliver class-leading noise cancellation and proven reliability.
Choose the JBL Tour Pro 3 if you:
Choose the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds if you:
Both the JBL Tour Pro 3 and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are excellent products that excel in different areas. JBL pushes the envelope with innovative features and impressive battery life, while Bose focuses on perfecting the fundamentals of noise cancellation and comfort. Your choice should ultimately depend on which aspects matter most to your daily use case.
For home theater use, the JBL's spatial audio capabilities make it the better choice, creating a more immersive experience for movie watching. However, if you're primarily looking for commuting companions or office use, Bose's superior noise cancellation might be more valuable.
| JBL Tour Pro 3 ($299) | Bose QuietComfort ($299) |
|---|---|
| Battery Life - Critical for all-day use without recharging | |
| 11 hours (buds), 44 hours total | 6 hours (buds), 24 hours total |
| Active Noise Cancellation - Essential for commuting and office use | |
| Good performance, adaptive adjustment | Best-in-class, superior isolation |
| Smart Features - Convenience and flexibility in daily use | |
| Smart case with touchscreen, airplane adapter mode | Basic case, standard controls only |
| Sound Quality - Core audio performance and codec support | |
| Dual drivers, LDAC support, spatial audio | Single driver, balanced sound signature |
| Call Quality - Important for work use | |
| 6 mics, superior wind reduction | 4 mics, good in quiet environments |
| Comfort and Fit - Critical for extended wear | |
| Memory foam tips, deeper fit | StayHear tips, shallower fit |
| Water Resistance - Durability for exercise | |
| IPX5 rating (good for workouts) | IPX4 rating (splash resistant) |
| Additional Features - Extra value considerations | |
| Spatial audio, Auracast sharing, touchscreen case | CustomTune sound calibration |
| Quick Charge Speed - Helpful for emergency top-ups | |
| 10 minutes for 3 hours playback | 15 minutes for 2 hours playback |
The JBL Tour Pro 3 is better for movies due to its spatial audio with head tracking feature, which creates a more immersive home theater experience. The Bose QuietComfort lacks spatial audio capabilities, though it still provides excellent sound quality.
The Bose QuietComfort offers superior noise cancellation, consistently rated as best-in-class. While the JBL Tour Pro 3 has good ANC, it doesn't match Bose's performance in blocking external noise.
The JBL Tour Pro 3 significantly outperforms with 11 hours per charge and 44 hours total with the case. The Bose QuietComfort provides 6 hours per charge and 24 hours total with the case.
Both models work with TVs that support Bluetooth, but the JBL Tour Pro 3 has an advantage with its case functioning as a Bluetooth transmitter, allowing connection to non-Bluetooth sources.
The Bose QuietComfort is generally more comfortable for extended viewing due to its shallower fit and StayHear tips. The JBL Tour Pro 3 has a deeper fit that some users find less comfortable over time.
Yes, both the JBL Tour Pro 3 and Bose QuietComfort support Qi wireless charging through their cases.
The JBL Tour Pro 3 has more advanced audio capabilities with dual drivers and LDAC support, while the Bose QuietComfort offers more balanced, natural sound. For movies specifically, JBL's spatial audio gives it an edge.
Both models support multipoint connection, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously, useful for switching between your TV and phone.
The JBL Tour Pro 3 has lower latency and spatial audio support, making it better for gaming. The Bose QuietComfort may have slightly more lag in gaming scenarios.
The JBL Tour Pro 3 has IPX5 rating while the Bose QuietComfort has IPX4 - both are splash-resistant but not fully waterproof.
At the same price point ($299), the JBL Tour Pro 3 offers more features including the smart case and spatial audio, while the Bose QuietComfort focuses on superior noise cancellation and comfort.
Both perform well, but the JBL Tour Pro 3 has superior call quality with six microphones and better wind noise reduction compared to the Bose QuietComfort's four-microphone system.
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 - sweetwater.com - news.jbl.com - youtube.com - harmanaudio.com - jbl.com - krazykileys.ca - jbl.com - shop.menshealth.com - sweetwater.com - techradar.com - rtings.com - global.bose.com - cnet.com - bose.com - bestbuy.com - tomsguide.com - abt.com - boselatam.com - boseapac.com - audioxpress.com - cdw.com
