JBL Live Buds 3 Review

Summary / TL;DR

The JBL Live Buds 3 are wireless earbuds designed for convenience and sound quality, featuring a sleek design, decent noise cancellation, and a bass-heavy sound profile. While they offer a stylish and durable build with a matte finish that resists fingerprints, they may not withstand rough handling. With an IPX5 rating, they're resistant to sweat and light splashes, suitable for workouts but not for swimming.

Sound performance is robust, with rich bass and clear mids, though the soundstage might feel narrow for audiophiles. Active Noise Cancellation helps reduce background noise, and features like Ambient Aware and TalkThru enhance usability. Battery life is reliable, offering up to 20 hours with the case, though charging isn't the fastest, and they lack wireless charging.

Connectivity is strong with Bluetooth 5.2 and multi-point capability, and touch controls are responsive. However, the fit might not be perfect for everyone, especially those with smaller ears. Priced competitively, they offer a balanced mix of features, making them a good option for users seeking quality without high costs, despite some limitations in advanced features and noise cancellation compared to premium models.

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If you like this review, you might also like our review on the JBL Vibe / Wave Beam or JBL Live 670NC or JBL Live Pro 2.

Introduction

Imagine you're in a noisy café or at a bustling airport, but all you want is to drown out the chaos and immerse yourself in your favorite tracks. Enter the JBL Live Buds 3—a pair of earbuds promising to deliver just that. These little gadgets are part of JBL's renowned lineup, known for offering quality sound without breaking the bank. With the advancement of wireless technology, the competition in the earbud space is fierce. So, where do these earbuds stand? Well, let’s roll up our sleeves and find out. Designed for folks who are always on the move, these earbuds aim to combine practicality with performance.

Of course, no product is perfect, and these aren't an exception. While they offer some impressive features that cater to modern needs, there's always more to the story. So, let's dig into what makes these earbuds tick, and what might make you think twice.

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Design and Build Quality

When it comes to design and build quality, the JBL Live Buds 3 strikes a balance between style and durability. These buds have a sleek, modern look that screams sophistication without shouting for attention. You know that feeling when you find a gadget that feels just right in your hand? That's what these buds offer.

Material and Finish

The earbuds are constructed from a sturdy plastic that feels solid but not too heavy, making them perfect for everyday use. The matte finish not only gives them a premium look but also helps resist fingerprints, keeping them looking fresh out of the box.

Case Design

The charging case is compact and fits comfortably in your pocket, without causing that annoying bulge. It's got a magnetic lid, which snaps shut with a satisfying click, ensuring your buds are safe and sound when not in use. The USB-C port for charging is a nice touch, making it future-proof and in line with most modern devices.

Build Quality

While the Live Buds 3 are generally well-built, they might not withstand rough handling like some rugged models. So, if you're planning on a mountain hike, you might want to handle them with a little extra care.

Water Resistance

These earbuds boast an IPX5 rating, which means they're resistant to sweat and light splashes. Perfect for those gym sessions or morning jogs in a drizzle. However, they aren’t fully waterproof, so maybe avoid wearing them during a swim. The combination of style, convenience, and practicality in the design of the JBL Live Buds 3 makes them a great companion for most urban adventures. Just remember to handle them with a bit of love and care to keep them in top-notch condition!

Sound Performance

If you're on the lookout for some earbuds that deliver solid sound, the JBL Live Buds 3 might just tickle your fancy. These little buddies pack a punch with their rich bass and clear mids, making your music sound fuller and more alive. Ever felt like your favorite song was missing something? Well, these buds might just fill that gap. The highs are pretty crisp as well, but they don't get too piercing, which is a relief if you're sensitive to treble.

The overall sound signature leans towards the bass-heavy side, which is great for pop, hip-hop, and EDM lovers. It's like having a mini concert in your ears—minus the crowd. However, not everything is perfect. If you're an audiophile who relishes in dissecting every tiny detail in your music, you might find the soundstage a bit narrow. It's kind of like looking through a small window when you'd rather have a panoramic view. The balance might also feel a tad off in some genres, especially classical or jazz, where you need a more neutral sound profile. 

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is another highlight here, doing a decent job of cutting out background noise. It's not going to turn a bustling city into a library, but it'll certainly help you focus more on the tunes or your podcast of choice. There is a slight hiss when ANC is on, but it's not too distracting once the music starts playing.

Ambient Aware and TalkThru features are nice touches too. They let you hear the outside world without needing to take the buds out, which can come in handy when you're grabbing your morning coffee and still want to catch the barista's friendly chatter. In a nutshell, these earbuds give you a dynamic sound experience that's fun and engaging, even if they have a few quirks. If you're after earbuds that offer more than just a basic listening experience, these might just be your jam.

Battery Life and Charging

When you're on the go, the last thing you want is your earbuds dying on you. Thankfully, the JBL Live Buds 3 got your back with a decent battery life that'll keep the tunes going. These earbuds can play music for up to 6 hours on a single charge. Not too shabby, right? Plus, the charging case brings an extra 14 hours to the table, giving you a total of 20 hours of playtime. Charging is pretty straightforward. Just pop the buds back into their case, and they'll start juicing up.

The case itself charges via a USB-C port, which is a nice touch since it’s super common these days. You can say goodbye to messing around with a bunch of different cables. A full charge takes around 2 hours, which is pretty standard, but not the fastest out there. If you're in a rush, a quick 15-minute charge will give you about 1 hour of playtime. It's not magic, but it'll do in a pinch. One thing to note is that these buds don't support wireless charging. While it's not a dealbreaker, it would have been a nice extra convenience. So, for those who love cutting the cord in every aspect, you might have to stick with the trusty cable for now.

All in all, the JBL Live Buds 3 offer a reliable battery life and a straightforward charging process. While there are earbuds out there that might last a bit longer or charge a bit faster, these still hold their ground well for everyday use.

Connectivity and Features

Let's chat about the connectivity and features of these earbuds. Right off the bat, you're getting Bluetooth 5.2. This means you've got a stable connection, less dropouts, and faster pairing. It's like having a trusty sidekick that always has your back when you're jamming to your favorite tunes.

One neat trick these buds have up their sleeves is multi-point connectivity. You can connect them to two devices at once. So, let's say you're chilling at your laptop watching a show, and a call comes on your phone, the buds switch over seamlessly. It's like having a personal assistant doing the heavy lifting, no sweat! But, be warned, sometimes it can be picky about which device it wants to prioritize. It might take a couple of tries to get it just right.

Now, if you're into voice commands, these earbuds have got you covered. With built-in support for your favorite voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri, you can control your music, get directions, or check the weather without lifting a finger. Just speak your mind and the earbuds listen. Pretty sweet, huh?

Let's not forget the touch controls. You can tap or swipe on the earbuds to play, pause, skip tracks, or adjust volume. It's responsive enough, though it might require a bit of practice to nail down the perfect tap pressure, especially when you're in the middle of a workout and your fingers are a bit sweaty.

Oh, and the icing on the cake? These buds are equipped with IPX4 water resistance. While you won't want to take them for a swim, they can handle splashes and sweat. Whether you're caught in a drizzle or powering through an intense workout, they're ready to roll.

What's in the Box

So, you’ve got your hands on the JBL Live Buds 3, and you're probably wondering what's inside that shiny box. Let’s take a peek, shall we?

Opening the box, you’re greeted with the earbuds themselves, snugly nestled in their charging case. The case is compact and fits easily into most pockets or bags. It's not just about the looks here; the case is also your power buddy, keeping those buds charged when you're on the move.

Next up, you’ll find a USB-C charging cable. Thankfully, JBL has kept up with the times and opted for USB-C, which means faster charging and no fumbling around trying to figure out which way the plug goes. However, the cable is on the shorter side, which might be a little frustrating if your power outlet is far from your comfort spot.

Dig a little deeper, and you’ll come across a set of extra ear tips. These come in different sizes—small, medium, and large—so you can find that just-right fit for your ears. Fit is everything when it comes to earbuds, so it’s great that JBL has you covered here.

Of course, the box isn’t complete without a bit of reading material. There’s a quick start guide and a warranty card. The guide is handy if you want to jump right in without any fuss, though it’s fairly basic. The warranty card is your backup plan for peace of mind in case anything goes south.

And that’s pretty much it! It’s a simple, no-nonsense package that gets you set up with everything you need to start enjoying your music right away. Just wish the cable was a smidgen longer, but hey, can’t have it all, right?

Comfort and Fit

Let's chat about how these earbuds actually feel when you're wearing them. Comfort and fit can seriously make or break your listening experience, right?

Fit for Every Ear

The JBL Live Buds 3 come with multiple sizes of ear tips. This is great because it lets you pick the size that fits your ears best. They fit snugly, which is essential if you’re planning to use them for workouts or long commutes. You won't feel like they’re gonna pop out of your ears when you hit a bump in the road or break a sweat.

Comfortable All-Day Wear

The design is lightweight, which means you can wear these bad boys for hours without feeling like your ears are carrying a heavy load. The material is smooth and doesn’t irritate the skin, so you won't be itching to take them off after a while.

Potential Downsides

Now, every rose has its thorns, right? Some folks with smaller ears might find even the smallest ear tips a bit too big, which can cause discomfort if worn for too long. And while the snug fit is great for stability, it might feel a bit pressure-y in your ears if you’re not used to in-ear headphones.

All in all, the comfort and fit of the JBL Live Buds 3 strike a nice balance between being secure and being comfortable for most ear sizes. But like trying on a pair of jeans, your mileage may vary, so it’s good to try them on and see how they feel for yourself!

Competitor Comparison

In the bustling market of wireless earbuds, the JBL Live Buds 3 face some stiff competition. Let’s see how they stack up against other popular options.

Apple AirPods Pro

The Apple AirPods Pro are often hailed as the gold standard for noise cancellation. Their Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is top-notch, making them a favorite for city dwellers and travelers alike. However, the JBL Live Buds 3 provide a more budget-friendly alternative while still offering decent noise cancellation. If you're an Apple user, integration and seamless connectivity might sway you towards the AirPods, but Android users might find the JBL's universal compatibility more appealing.

Sony WF-1000XM4

Sony’s offering is another strong competitor with its exceptional sound quality and ANC. They are known for their rich sound experience that audiophiles love. That said, the JBL Live Buds 3 deliver impressive sound performance at a more accessible price point, making them an attractive choice for those who want solid audio without breaking the bank. The slightly bulkier design of the Sony buds might also be a dealbreaker for those prioritizing a sleeker fit.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

If comfort and noise cancellation are your primary concerns, Bose has been a long-standing leader. Their earbuds are incredibly comfortable for long listening sessions and offer excellent noise isolation. The JBL Live Buds 3, while comfortable, might not match Bose’s plush fit but compensate with a more dynamic sound signature and a lighter price tag.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

Samsung’s bean-shaped design is unique and caters to those who want something different. They excel in delivering balanced sound. However, the JBL Live Buds 3 may offer a more robust bass experience, which is perfect for bass lovers. While the unique shape of the Galaxy Buds Live is appealing, not everyone finds them comfortable for extended use. Conclusion: The JBL Live Buds 3 position themselves as a strong contender by offering a good balance of features, sound quality, and price. They might not dominate in every category, but they certainly hold their own, making them a worthy consideration for anyone shopping in this crowded space.

Video by: JBL

Conclusion

Wrapping things up, the JBL Live Buds 3 seem to be a pretty solid choice for those who care about sound quality and comfort on the go. With their sleek design and impressive sound output, they suit both audiophiles and casual listeners.

Their sound performance is something you can genuinely appreciate, especially if you love bass that's not too overpowering. On the flip side, these buds might not be the top pick for folks who are sticklers for the most advanced features or need the absolute best noise cancellation. Sure, they do a decent job at reducing ambient noise, but it's not going to completely cut out the hustle and bustle if you're in a packed train. Battery life is another strong point, making them dependable for long commutes or flights. However, if you're a heavy user, the charging speed might feel a tad slow. It's like waiting for your toast in the morning when you're already late for work—it gets there, but you wish it were faster.

Overall, for the price range, these earbuds provide a balanced mix of quality, comfort, and functionality. They're not perfect, but they're pretty close for the average user. So, if you're hunting for a pair of earbuds that tick most of the boxes without breaking the bank, these could be your new best buds.

FAQ

• Are these headphones waterproof?

The JBL Live Buds 3 come with an IPX4 rating, which means they can handle splashes and light rain but aren’t made for swimming or heavy water exposure. Think of them as your trusted buddy for a sweaty workout or a rainy commute, but not your dive companion.

• How do I reset the JBL Live Buds 3?

Sometimes your earbuds might act up like a kid throwing a tantrum. To reset them, simply place them back in the charging case and hold down the button inside the case until the LED blinks. This usually clears up most issues.

• Can I use these earbuds for phone calls?

Yes, you can! They've got built-in microphones that are decent for calls. The sound quality is generally good, but if you're in a noisy environment, your voice might not come through crystal clear for the person on the other end.

• Do they support voice assistants?

Absolutely! These earbuds are like a genie in a bottle, compatible with popular voice assistants. You can summon Google Assistant or Alexa with a simple touch, making it easy to change tracks, check the weather, or set reminders while on the go.

• How long does the battery last?

The battery life is pretty solid. You get about 6 hours of playtime on a single charge, and with the case, it bumps up to around 18 hours. However, if you crank the volume way up or use noise-cancellation a lot, expect a bit less.

• What's the Bluetooth range?

You're looking at a typical range of about 33 feet (10 meters). So, you can wander around your house without dragging your phone with you. But remember, walls and other obstacles might cut the range short.

• Can I use just one earbud at a time?

Yup, you can use either the left or right earbud solo. This is great if you want to keep one ear open to the world while enjoying your tunes or taking calls.

• What if they don't fit properly?

Fit can be a bit tricky since everyone's ears are unique. The JBL Live Buds 3 come with multiple ear tip sizes, so try swapping them until you find the perfect fit. A good seal is crucial for the best sound and comfort.

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Pros & cons

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Technical specifications