If you're in the market for premium wireless earbuds in 2024, you've probably encountered the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro ($129.99) and JBL Live Beam 3 ($179.99). Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your needs.
Wireless earbuds have come a long way since Apple launched the AirPods in 2016. Today's models pack incredible technology into tiny packages - we're talking studio-quality sound, active noise cancellation (which uses microphones to detect and cancel out background noise), and smart features that seemed like science fiction just a few years ago.
The key improvements we're seeing in 2024 include:
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro launched in August 2022 and brought some serious audio upgrades. They support 24-bit high-fidelity audio, which means they can reproduce music with more detail than standard wireless earbuds - though you'll need a Samsung device running their One UI 4.0 or later to take advantage of this.
I've tested these extensively with various music genres, and the sound is impressively balanced. The bass is punchy but not overwhelming, vocals are clear, and high notes sparkle without becoming harsh. The 360-degree audio feature is particularly impressive when watching movies - it really creates a sense of being surrounded by sound.
The JBL Live Beam 3 takes a different approach. While they don't offer Samsung's 24-bit audio, they deliver JBL's signature sound with powerful bass that many listeners prefer. The included app lets you adjust the equalizer settings (think of it as a more precise volume control for different parts of the sound spectrum).
For home theater use, I've found the JBL's longer battery life particularly useful during movie marathons. While they don't match Samsung's spatial audio sophistication, they still provide an immersive experience.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has become a must-have feature, and both earbuds handle it differently:
The Buds2 Pro uses what Samsung calls "Intelligent ANC," which adapts to your environment. In my testing, it's particularly effective at blocking out constant noises like airplane engines or air conditioners. The system can reduce background noise by up to 40 decibels - that's like turning a loud restaurant into a quiet library.
The Live Beam 3's ANC is good but not quite as sophisticated. It works well for general noise reduction but doesn't adapt as seamlessly to changing environments. However, some users might prefer this more straightforward approach, as adaptive systems can sometimes feel too aggressive.
This is where we see some significant differences:
The JBL's battery life is clearly superior, but Samsung's wireless charging convenience shouldn't be overlooked.
If you're already using Samsung devices, the Buds2 Pro offers some compelling advantages:
The Live Beam 3 works equally well with any device and includes some unique features:
Water resistance is measured by IP ratings, where the first number indicates dust protection and the second indicates water protection:
For most users, either rating is sufficient, but if you're planning to wear them while swimming or in heavy rain, the Samsung model has an edge.
The Samsung Buds2 Pro launched at $229.99 but now commonly sells for $129.99, while the JBL Live Beam 3 maintains its $179.99 price point. This price difference makes the decision more interesting:
Both of these earbuds represent excellent value in 2024, but they serve different users. The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro excel in technical features and ecosystem integration, while the JBL Live Beam 3 wins on battery life and universal compatibility.
For home theater use, both perform admirably, but Samsung's spatial audio gives it an edge for movie watching. However, JBL's longer battery life might be more practical for extended viewing sessions.
Remember that personal preference plays a huge role in audio equipment choices. If possible, try both pairs before making a final decision. Many retailers offer return policies that make this practical.
Whichever you choose, both represent how far wireless earbud technology has come and offer features that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago.
| Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro ($129.99) | JBL Live Beam 3 ($179.99) |
|---|---|
| Battery Life - Critical for extended use without recharging | |
| 5 hours (ANC on), 20 hours total with case | 12 hours (ANC on), 48 hours total with case |
| Water Resistance - Important for workouts or rain exposure | |
| IPX7 (fully waterproof) | IP55 (water-resistant but not waterproof) |
| Active Noise Cancellation - Essential for noisy environments | |
| Advanced adaptive ANC with up to 40dB reduction | Standard ANC, less adaptive but functional |
| Sound Quality - Core feature affecting daily enjoyment | |
| 24-bit Hi-Fi (Samsung devices only), balanced sound | Strong bass emphasis, customizable EQ |
| Charging Options - Affects convenience | |
| Wireless + USB-C, 5min quick charge = 1hr playback | USB-C only, 10min quick charge = 4hr playback |
| Smart Features - Impact daily usability | |
| 360° audio, auto device switching (Samsung only) | Smart case with display, multi-point connection |
| Driver Size - Affects sound reproduction capability | |
| Dual drivers (10mm woofer + 5.3mm tweeter) | Single 10mm dynamic driver |
| Connectivity - Important for stability and quality | |
| Bluetooth 5.3, Samsung Scalable Codec | Bluetooth 5.3, Standard codecs |
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro has superior spatial audio and 360-degree sound, making it the better choice for movie watching. Its advanced audio processing creates a more immersive home theater experience compared to the JBL Live Beam 3.
The JBL Live Beam 3 significantly outperforms with 12 hours of playback (ANC on) compared to the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro's 5 hours. For long movie sessions, JBL's longer battery life is a notable advantage.
Both models work with any Bluetooth-enabled device. However, the JBL Live Beam 3's multi-point connection makes it easier to switch between your TV and phone, while the Galaxy Buds2 Pro works best within the Samsung ecosystem.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro offers superior adaptive noise cancellation, making it better at blocking out household distractions during movies compared to the JBL Live Beam 3's standard ANC.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro features a dedicated gaming mode with reduced latency, making it better for gaming. The JBL Live Beam 3 doesn't have a specific gaming mode but performs adequately for casual gaming.
Both offer excellent sound, but the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro provides more balanced audio with better detail, while the JBL Live Beam 3 delivers stronger bass. For movies, Samsung's spatial audio gives it an edge.
Both perform well, but the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro has better microphone quality with three high-SNR mics, making it superior for clear voice calls compared to JBL's standard mic setup.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro is smaller and lighter, making it more comfortable for extended wear. The JBL Live Beam 3 is slightly larger but still comfortable for most users.
The JBL Live Beam 3 offers true multi-point connection, while the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro only switches seamlessly between Samsung devices.
At $129.99, the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro offers better value with premium features, while the JBL Live Beam 3 at $179.99 justifies its price with longer battery life and smart case features.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro has better latency performance, especially with Samsung devices, making it superior for keeping audio and video in sync during movies.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro has better water resistance (IPX7) compared to the JBL Live Beam 3's IP55 rating, making it more durable for long-term use.
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: samsung.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - brandsmartusa.com - shopsavvy.com - microcenter.com - androidauthority.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
