JBL Live Beam 3 vs JBL Live Flex 3: Clearer Conversations or Long-Playtime Performance?
By Elisabeth Christ
Updated July 2024
In the realm of cutting-edge wireless earbuds, JBL continues to push boundaries with the Live Beam 3 and Live Flex 3. These two models, both set to be released later this summer, promise to deliver exceptional audio experiences while catering to different user needs. Whether you prioritize impeccable call clarity or require earbuds that can withstand the elements, this comparison will help you navigate the nuances and make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways
The JBL Live Beam 3, priced at $200, weighs in at 5 grams per earbud and features a 1.45-inch LED touchscreen on the charging case, IP55-rated durability, 10mm dynamic drivers, and Adaptive Noise Cancelling with up to 30dB isolation. In contrast, the JBL Live Flex 3, also at $200, is slightly heavier at 9 grams per earbud, boasts an open-stick design, IP54-rated protection, 12mm dynamic drivers, and True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with up to 40dB isolation. Both models offer multipoint connectivity, Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio, fast charging (10 minutes for 4 hours playback), and support for high-res audio codecs like LDAC.
JBL Live Beam 3
Stronger in Sound Quality
✓ IP55-rated water resistance
✓ Clear highs, well-defined mids, and balanced bass
✓ True Adaptive Noise Cancellation (ANC) and JBL Spatial Sound support
✓ Up to 48 hours of battery life
JBL Live Flex 3
Stronger in Battery Life
✓ IP54-rated dustproof
✓ 12mm dynamic drivers
✓ Up to 50 hours of battery life
✓ 1.45-inch LED touch display
#1 Price & Design
JBL Live Flex 3
JBL Live Beam 3 and Live Flex 3, both priced at $200, bring distinct design philosophies to cater to different user preferences. The Live Beam 3, weighing in at a lightweight 5 grams per earbud, sports a sleek lollipop-style design with stems that provide intuitive controls. These earbuds are built to endure the elements with an IP55 rating, ensuring resistance against dust and water. The 10mm dynamic drivers powered by JBL Signature Sound promise a robust audio experience. Available in various colors, the Beam 3 is set to be a stylish and functional accessory.
On the other hand, the Live Flex 3, slightly heavier at 9 grams per earbud, offers a unique open-stick design that stands out. These earbuds are IP54-rated, providing solid protection against dust and splashes, making them perfect for active users. Equipped with 12mm dynamic drivers, the Flex 3 delivers a powerful sound that is both deep and balanced. Both models feature a 1.45-inch LED touchscreen display on the charging case, a modern touch that allows users to control volume, toggle ANC, and even view social media notifications. This blend of aesthetics and practicality ensures that both the Live Beam 3 and Flex 3 cater to a wide range of user needs.
#2 Touchscreeen Display on the Charging Case
JBL Live Beam 3
The 1.45-inch LED touchscreen display on the charging case of both the JBL Live Beam 3 and Live Flex 3 adds a significant layer of functionality and convenience. This display is not just a gimmick; it allows users to adjust the volume, toggle ANC, retrieve calls, and even view texts and social media notifications directly from the case. This feature is particularly useful for those on the go, eliminating the need to constantly reach for their smartphones. Additionally, the display can provide real-time battery status updates, ensuring users are never caught off guard with low power.
The touchscreen functionality extends to customization options via the JBL headphones app. Users can personalize their experience, tweaking gesture controls and adjusting ANC settings directly from the display. This seamless integration of technology and user interface makes both the Live Beam 3 and Live Flex 3 not only advanced in their capabilities but also incredibly user-friendly. The sleek design of the display complements the overall aesthetics of the earbuds, enhancing the modern and sophisticated look of these devices.
#3 Noise Cancellation
JBL Live Flex 3
The JBL Live Beam 3 and Live Flex 3 both excel in noise cancellation, though they approach it slightly differently to suit various environments. The Live Beam 3 features Adaptive Noise Cancelling, capable of isolating up to 30dB of external noise depending on the frequency. This is achieved through a combination of six beamforming mics and four noise-sensing mics, ensuring that ambient sounds are effectively minimized. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a noisy office, the Beam 3’s noise cancellation will create a peaceful listening environment.
The Live Flex 3, however, takes it a notch higher with True Adaptive Noise Cancelling that can isolate up to 40dB of ambient noise. This model also incorporates the Smart Talk feature, which automatically lowers the volume when someone is speaking and returns it to its original level after the conversation ends. Both models support TalkThru via the JBL headphones app, allowing users to have conversations without removing the earbuds. The advanced noise cancellation capabilities of these earbuds make them ideal for frequent travelers and those who need to focus in noisy surroundings.
#4 Sound Quality
JBL Live Beam 3
When it comes to sound quality, both the JBL Live Beam 3 and Live Flex 3 deliver exceptional audio performance, but with distinct characteristics. The Live Beam 3 is powered by 10mm dynamic drivers and JBL Signature Sound, offering a balanced audio profile with clear mids and highs. This setup ensures that vocals and instruments are crisp and well-defined, making it perfect for a wide range of music genres. High-res audio support with SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3 codecs further enhances the listening experience, providing rich and detailed sound.
The Live Flex 3, on the other hand, features larger 12mm dynamic drivers that produce deep bass, balanced mid-range, and refined high frequencies. This combination results in a powerful and immersive soundstage, ideal for bass enthusiasts and those who enjoy a full-bodied audio experience. The inclusion of JBL Spatial Sound adds a new dimension to the audio, creating a sense of space and depth. Whether you’re listening to music, watching movies, or playing games, the Flex 3’s sound quality will captivate your senses and elevate your auditory experience.
#5 Mics and Calls
JBL Live Flex 3
Clear and reliable communication is a hallmark of both the JBL Live Beam 3 and Live Flex 3, thanks to their advanced microphone setups. The Live Beam 3 is equipped with six beamforming mics and four noise-sensing mics, designed to deliver crystal-clear call quality. These mics work together to focus on your voice while filtering out background noise, ensuring that you’re heard loud and clear even in noisy environments. The Smart Talk feature further enhances call quality by automatically lowering the volume when you start speaking, making conversations more natural and seamless.
The Live Flex 3 also boasts six beamforming mics that provide excellent call clarity. This model includes a unique VoiceAware slider feature in the JBL headphones app, allowing you to control how much of your voice you hear during calls. This ensures that you can maintain a natural speaking volume without feeling the need to shout. Both models support voice assistants, including Google Assistant and Alexa, making it easy to manage calls, send messages, and access information hands-free. Whether you’re on a conference call or chatting with friends, the Live Beam 3 and Flex 3 will keep your conversations clear and uninterrupted.
#6 Battery Life and Connectivity
JBL Live Beam 3
Battery life is a critical factor for wireless earbuds, and both the JBL Live Beam 3 and Live Flex 3 excel in this area. The Live Beam 3 offers an impressive 12 hours of playtime with ANC off and 10 hours with ANC on. The charging case provides an additional 36 hours of battery life, ensuring that you have enough power for extended use. Fast charging capabilities mean that just 10 minutes of charging can give you up to 4 hours of playback, making it easy to top up your battery on the go.
The Live Flex 3, while slightly lower in individual earbud battery life, still provides a respectable 10 hours of playtime with ANC off and 7 hours with ANC on. However, its charging case extends the total battery life to a substantial 40 hours, offering more than enough power for long trips or busy days. Both models feature USB-C for charging and support wireless charging, providing flexibility and convenience. With multipoint connectivity and Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio support, you can seamlessly switch between devices and enjoy a stable and high-quality connection.
JBL Live Flex 3
Connectivity is seamless and advanced in both the JBL Live Beam 3 and Live Flex 3. The Beam 3 supports Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio, ensuring a stable connection with low latency and high audio quality. Multipoint connectivity allows you to connect to multiple devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch between your phone, tablet, and laptop. The Personi-Fi 3.1 feature adds a personalized touch, allowing you to tailor the audio profile to your preferences.
The Live Flex 3 also features Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio support, ensuring high-quality wireless audio. Its multipoint connectivity and Google audio switch make it easy to manage connections across different devices. The Personi-Fi 3.2 feature takes personalization to the next level, providing even more customization options for your audio experience. Both models include a Google finder for locating misplaced buds, adding an extra layer of convenience. With these advanced connectivity features, the Live Beam 3 and Flex 3 ensure a seamless and enjoyable user experience, whether you’re listening to music, making calls, or watching videos.
JBL Live Beam 3 vs JBL Live Flex 3
Final Thoughts
![4. JBL Live Beam 3 vs JBL Live Flex 3 [Zzz].png__PID:b96229f6-c311-45ad-b15b-58a398bf00f3](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0285/7700/5701/files/4._JBL_Live_Beam_3_vs_JBL_Live_Flex_3_Zzz.png?v=1721614769)
JBL Live Beam 3 vs JBL Live Flex 3
Choosing between the JBL Live Beam 3 and Live Flex 3 boils down to your specific needs. The Live Beam 3 is ideal for those who prioritize call clarity and a lightweight design, making it perfect for professionals and on-the-go users who need reliable communication. Meanwhile, the Live Flex 3 offers superior sound quality and robust durability, making it the go-to choice for fitness enthusiasts and those who require resilient earbuds for outdoor activities. Both models represent the pinnacle of JBL’s innovation, ensuring that no matter your preference, you’re getting top-tier performance and cutting-edge features.
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