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JBL Live Beam 3 vs Sony INZONE Buds

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

JBLLive Beam 3SonyINZONE Buds
Overview
ReleasedJune 2024October 2023
Sound
TypeIn-earIn-ear
Noise cancellingYesYes
Transparency modeYesYes
Driver size10 mm8.4 mm
Bluetooth codecsSBC and LDACLC3
Chip–Sony L1
Drivers10 mm dynamic drivers; 20 Hz to 40 kHz; 16 Ω; sensitivity 98 dB SPL at 1 kHz; maximum SPL 96 dB8.4 mm Dynamic Driver X with different diaphragm dome and edge materials
Noise cancelling detailTrue Adaptive Noise Cancelling with four noise-sensing microphones that adapt in real time; auto compensation in the JBL Headphones app adjusts to fit and ear canal; Ambient Aware and TalkThru–
Audio featuresHi-Res Audio Wireless with LDAC; JBL Spatial Sound; Personi-Fi 3.0; JBL announced LE Audio as a later over-the-air update; JBL doesn't list its other codecs (A2DP 1.4 includes SBC)INZONE Hub for Windows provides equaliser, 360 Spatial Sound for Gaming, sound-field personalisation from ear photographs and sound-tone personalisation using test tones and feedback microphones; compatible with PS5 Tempest 3D AudioTech
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 10 hoursUp to 11 hours
Wireless chargingYes–
Battery life detailUp to 12 hours per charge with noise cancelling off (48 hours with the case), 10 hours with noise cancelling on, 9 hours with True Adaptive noise cancelling on; talk time up to 6 hours (5 hours with noise cancelling on); 68 mAh per earbud, 680 mAh caseUSB-transceiver playback up to 11 hours with noise cancellation on or 12 hours off. Bluetooth LE Audio playback up to 18 hours with noise cancellation on or 24 hours off. Total with case is published only with noise cancellation off, up to 24 hours through the USB transceiver or 48 hours through LE Audio; no ANC-on case total is inferred.
Charging caseSmart Charging Case with a 1.45-inch touchscreen (Bluetooth 5.1); USB-C and wireless charging; lanyard loop; full charge in 2 hours–
Fast charging10 minutes of charging gives up to 4 hours of playbackApproximately two hours to charge the earbuds fully; Sony states five minutes charging provides approximately one hour of use
Design
Weight (each earbud)5 g6.5 g
Water and sweat resistanceIP55IPX4
Bluetooth5.35.3
Two devices at onceYes–
ControlsEarbud gestures customisable in the JBL Headphones app; Smart Charging Case touchscreen controls playback, volume, EQ, noise cancelling and calls, and shows messagesCustomisable touch controls for volume, microphone mute and other functions; available assignments vary with connection mode and device
MicrophonesSix beamforming microphones for calls, with voice EQ and voice level optimiserBuilt-in microphones with AI-based voice noise reduction
Fit and ear tipsStick design with ear tips in several sizes (the spec sheet lists four sizes, the UK product page three)Four ear-tip sizes; Sony's white and black earbuds weigh approximately 6.5 g each including medium tips, while Glass Purple weighs approximately 6.7 g each
Case weight72 g (spec sheet; the UK product page lists 82 g)–
Water resistance detailIP55 for the earbudsIPX4 applies to the earbuds
Works withJBL Headphones app; multipoint connection to two devices; Google Finder and Google Audio SwitchUSB-C 2.4 GHz transceiver with PC and PS5/mobile modes; Sony claims below 30 ms transceiver latency. Bluetooth 5.3 LE Audio with LC3 only, without Bluetooth Classic; Sony states iPhone and iPad do not support direct Bluetooth connection. Compatible phone app support was added on 3 April 2024, requires updated firmware and LE Audio, and is unavailable over the USB transceiver; firmware updates use INZONE Hub on PC.
ColoursBlue, Purple, Silver (JBL UK); Black also sold in some regionsWhite, black or Glass Purple; colour variants remain configurations of the same model
In the boxEarbuds, ear tips, USB-C charging cable, charging case, warranty and safety sheets, Quick Start GuideEarbuds, charging case, USB-C transceiver, USB charging cable and ear tips

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