When you're ready to invest in high-end wireless earbuds, choosing between the JBL Tour Pro 3 ($299) and Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 ($399) isn't straightforward. Both were released in August 2024, representing the latest in wireless audio technology. Let me break down what matters most and help you decide which is right for you.
The wireless earbud market has evolved significantly since 2021's first "premium" models. The biggest improvements have been in three areas:
Both the Tour Pro 3 and Pi8 showcase these advancements, but they take different approaches to implementation.
Let's start with what matters most - how they sound. The B&W Pi8's 12mm carbon fiber drivers produce exceptionally clear audio. Think of carbon fiber like a super-light, super-stiff material that moves air very precisely - imagine the difference between a paper plate and a fine china plate when you tap them. This translates to more accurate sound reproduction, especially in complex musical passages.
The JBL Tour Pro 3 takes a different approach with a hybrid system: one driver handles bass (like a subwoofer) while another manages higher frequencies (like a tweeter). This can work really well, but in practice, the B&W's single premium driver delivers more natural sound.
Having tested both extensively, I find:
Both earbuds offer ANC, but they implement it differently:
The Pi8 uses an advanced system with repositioned microphones that better capture external noise. It's notably more effective at blocking out consistent sounds like airplane engines or office humming.
The Tour Pro 3's ANC is good but not class-leading. However, it offers more customization through its app, letting you adjust exactly how much outside sound you want to hear.
This is where things get interesting:
The JBL's battery life is impressive and more practical for long trips or busy days when charging isn't convenient.
The Tour Pro 3's standout feature is its smart charging case with a touchscreen display. You can control playback, adjust settings, and even see who's calling - all without touching your phone. It's genuinely useful, not just a gimmick.
The Pi8 focuses on audio quality features instead, offering:
Having used both for different scenarios, here's how they perform:
The Pi8's superior noise cancellation makes it better for noisy environments, but the Tour Pro 3's longer battery life means less charging anxiety.
Both support low-latency audio for watching videos, but the Pi8's aptX Adaptive codec provides better synchronization. The Tour Pro 3's spatial audio feature can enhance movie watching, creating a more immersive experience.
The Pi8's IP54 rating makes it the clear choice for workouts or rain exposure. The Tour Pro 3 lacks official water resistance certification.
Both handle calls well, but the Tour Pro 3's six-microphone array edges out for voice clarity, especially in windy conditions.
At $100 less, the JBL Tour Pro 3 offers:
The B&W Pi8 justifies its higher price with:
Consider these questions:
Both are excellent choices, but they serve different users:
Choose the JBL Tour Pro 3 if you:
Choose the B&W Pi8 if you:
I personally lean toward the Pi8 for its superior sound quality and build, but I can't fault anyone for choosing the feature-rich Tour Pro 3, especially given its lower price point. The choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities.
| JBL Tour Pro 3 ($299) | Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 ($399) |
|---|---|
| Driver Configuration - Determines overall sound quality and character | |
| Hybrid: 10mm dynamic + balanced armature | 12mm Carbon Cone (higher quality, more accurate) |
| Total Battery Life - Critical for extended use without charging | |
| 44 hours (11h buds + 33h case) | 20 hours (6.5h buds + 13.5h case) |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) - Essential for commuting and travel | |
| Good but not class-leading | Superior with better microphone placement |
| Water Resistance - Important for exercise or outdoor use | |
| No official rating | IP54 (protected against dust/water splashes) |
| Bluetooth Codec Support - Affects wireless audio quality | |
| Standard codecs only | aptX Lossless (higher quality audio transmission) |
| Case Features - Additional functionality beyond charging | |
| Smart touchscreen display with controls | Audio retransmission for wired sources |
| Multipoint Connection - Useful for switching between devices | |
| Basic switching | Advanced multipoint (smoother transitions) |
| Sound Signature - Overall audio character | |
| Balanced with emphasized bass | Audiophile-grade neutral, more detailed |
| Special Features - Extra capabilities that add value | |
| Spatial audio, customizable EQ, 6-mic array | High-res audio support, premium materials |
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 offers superior sound quality for movies with its 12mm carbon drivers providing better detail and spatial awareness. While the JBL Tour Pro 3 has good sound, its spatial audio feature doesn't quite match the Pi8's natural sound staging for film content.
Both work well for TV watching, but the Pi8 has an advantage with its aptX Lossless codec that reduces audio delay. The Tour Pro 3 works fine but may have slight latency depending on your TV's Bluetooth implementation.
The JBL Tour Pro 3 significantly outperforms with 44 total hours versus the Pi8's 20 hours. For long movie sessions or binge-watching, JBL's longer battery life is a clear advantage.
Yes, both work with Bluetooth-enabled receivers. The Pi8's case can also connect to non-Bluetooth sources via included cables, making it more versatile for older home theater equipment.
The Pi8 has superior noise cancellation, making it better for immersive movie watching. The Tour Pro 3 offers good but not exceptional noise cancellation.
Both are comfortable, but the Tour Pro 3 has slightly better long-term comfort due to its lighter weight. The Pi8 is still comfortable but might need occasional adjustment during lengthy movies.
The Pi8 offers superior multipoint connectivity, making it easier to switch between your TV, phone, and tablet. The Tour Pro 3 can also connect to multiple devices but with less seamless transitions.
Both work equally well in any lighting condition since they're in-ear devices. This isn't a deciding factor like it would be for visual equipment.
At $299, the Tour Pro 3 offers better value with good sound and longer battery life. However, if sound quality is paramount, the Pi8's $399 price is justified for serious home theater enthusiasts.
The Tour Pro 3 offers audio sharing features through its app, while the Pi8 doesn't have this capability. This could be useful for shared movie watching.
The Tour Pro 3 has more intuitive controls with its smart case display. The Pi8 uses traditional touch controls that work well but offer less functionality.
Neither is ideal for gaming due to Bluetooth latency, but the Pi8's aptX Lossless codec provides slightly better performance. For serious gaming, wired headphones are recommended.
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 - thetechnovore.com - youtube.com - youtube.com - audioadvice.com - audioholics.com - avnirvana.com - bowerswilkins.com - audioholics.com - digitaltrends.com
