The JBL Live Beam 3 true wireless earbuds have made quite a splash in the audio market, offering a unique combination of features that set them apart from the competition. With a smart charging case featuring a built-in display, impressive battery life, and support for high-resolution audio codecs, these earbuds aim to provide a premium listening experience for discerning users. Today we’ll dive deep into the design, features, performance, and overall value of the JBL Live Beam 3 to help you determine if they’re the right choice for your audio needs.
Key Takeaways
- The JBL Live Beam 3 features a unique smart charging case with a 1.45-inch touch display
- Impressive battery life of up to 48 hours total (12 hours from earbuds, 36 hours from case)
- Support for high-resolution audio codecs, including LDAC
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Ambient Aware modes for versatile listening
- Customizable EQ and spatial audio profiles through the JBL Headphones app
- IP55 water and dust resistance rating for durability
- Competitive pricing, offering good value for the features provided
Design and Build Quality
Earbuds Design
The JBL Live Beam 3 earbuds feature a sleek and modern design with a curved stem reminiscent of Apple’s AirPods Pro. The earbuds have a matte finish that not only looks premium but also feels comfortable in the ear. Each earbud weighs just 5 grams, making them lightweight enough for extended wear without causing fatigue.
The earbuds come with four sizes of silicone ear tips, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for most users. The in-ear design provides a good seal, which is crucial for optimal sound quality and noise isolation.
Smart Charging Case
One of the standout features of the JBL Live Beam 3 is its smart charging case. The case features a 1.45-inch touch display on the front, which sets it apart from most other true wireless earbuds on the market. The case has a shimmery finish that resists fingerprints, and it’s available in three colors: Black, Blue, and Silver.
At 72 grams, the charging case is relatively heavy compared to some competitors. It’s also thicker than average at 30.25mm, which may make it slightly bulky in some pockets. However, the added functionality of the display may outweigh these minor inconveniences for many users.
Durability
The JBL Live Beam 3 earbuds come with an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance. This means they can withstand light splashes and sweat, making them suitable for workouts and light rain. However, they are not fully waterproof, so avoid submerging them in water.
Features and Functionality
Smart Display
The 1.45-inch touch display on the charging case offers quick access to various settings and features, including:
- Playback controls
- Volume adjustment
- ANC and Ambient Sound modes
- Spatial audio settings
- Equalizer adjustments
While some may consider the display a gimmick, it proves useful in several scenarios:
- Adjusting settings without accessing your phone
- Using features when connected to devices without the JBL app (e.g., smart TVs or laptops)
- Quick battery level checks for both earbuds and the case
Gesture Controls
The JBL Live Beam 3 features touch-sensitive controls on the stems of the earbuds. Users can customize these controls through the JBL Headphones app, choosing from the following groups of functions:
- Ambient sound control
- Volume control
- Playback control
It’s worth noting that you can only assign two out of these three groups to the earbuds at a time, which may require some compromise in functionality.
JBL Headphones App
The JBL Headphones app provides a wealth of customization options and features:
- Ambient Sound Control: Toggle between ANC, Ambient Aware, and Talk Thru modes
- Smart Talk: Automatically pauses media when you start speaking
- Check My Best Fit: Ensures optimal earbud fit for the best audio experience
- Equalizer: Customize sound profiles or choose from presets
- Spatial Audio: Enable and adjust JBL’s Spatial Sound technology
- Personi-Fi: Personalized sound profile based on a hearing test
- Find My Buds: Locate misplaced earbuds
Audio Performance
Sound Quality
The JBL Live Beam 3 delivers impressive audio quality, thanks to its 10mm dynamic drivers and support for high-resolution audio codecs. The sound signature leans towards a bass-heavy profile, which is typical of JBL products. This makes them well-suited for genres like hip-hop, EDM, and pop music.
Some key aspects of the audio performance include:
- Rich, punchy bass: Ideal for bass-heavy genres
- Clear and detailed mids: Vocals and instruments come through with good clarity
- Slightly recessed highs: Treble could be more prominent in some tracks
- Wide soundstage: Good instrument separation and spatial awareness
High-Resolution Audio Support
One of the standout features of the JBL Live Beam 3 is its support for high-resolution audio codecs, including:
- AAC
- SBC
- LDAC
The inclusion of LDAC support is particularly noteworthy, as it allows for higher-quality wireless audio streaming on compatible devices. When using LDAC with lossless music sources like Tidal, users can experience a noticeable improvement in audio detail and clarity.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The JBL Live Beam 3 offers three ANC modes:
- Active Noise Cancellation
- Ambient Aware (transparency mode)
- Talk Thru (enhanced transparency for conversations)
While the ANC performance is above average, it may not match the noise-cancelling capabilities of top-tier competitors like Sony or Bose. The earbuds effectively reduce low-frequency noises like air conditioning or vehicle engines, but some higher-frequency sounds may still be audible.
Spatial Audio
JBL’s Spatial Sound technology aims to create a more immersive listening experience. The JBL Live Beam 3 offers three spatial audio profiles:
- Music
- Movies
- Games
While the spatial audio feature can enhance the perceived soundstage, it may not provide the same level of immersion as more advanced implementations from competitors like Apple or Sony.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Battery Performance
The JBL Live Beam 3 boasts impressive battery life:
- Earbuds: Up to 12 hours (ANC off) or 10 hours (ANC on)
- Charging Case: Additional 36 hours
- Total Playback Time: Up to 48 hours
In real-world testing, users can expect:
- 7-8 hours of playback with ANC on
- 9+ hours of playback with ANC off
The charging case supports quick charging and wireless charging, providing added convenience.
Connectivity
The JBL Live Beam 3 features Bluetooth 5.3 support for the earbuds and Bluetooth 5.1 for the charging case. Key connectivity features include:
- Bluetooth Multipoint: Connect to two devices simultaneously
- Google Fast Pair: Quick and easy pairing with Android devices
- Stable Connection: Minimal dropouts or interference during use
Microphone Quality
The JBL Live Beam 3 features six external microphones (three per earbud) for calls and noise cancellation. Call quality is generally good in indoor settings, with clear voice reproduction. However, performance may degrade in noisy outdoor environments.
A unique feature is the ability to use one earbud as a dedicated microphone by removing it from your ear and holding it closer to your mouth. While this can improve voice clarity in some situations, it’s not a game-changing feature for most users.
Price and Value
The JBL Live Beam 3 is officially priced at Rs. 24,999 in India, but it’s often available for a discounted price of Rs. 14,999 on the JBL website. At this lower price point, the earbuds offer excellent value for money, considering their feature set and audio performance.
Here’s a quick comparison with some competitors:
| Model | Price (INR) | Key Features |
| JBL Live Beam 3 | 14,999 – 24,999 | Smart display case, LDAC support, 48h battery life |
| Sony WF-1000XM4 | 19,990 | Best-in-class ANC, LDAC support, 24h battery life |
| Apple AirPods Pro 2 | 26,900 | Seamless iOS integration, Spatial Audio, 30h battery life |
| Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 | 21,990 | Audiophile-grade sound, ANC, 28h battery life |
Conclusion: Is the JBL Live Beam 3 Worth It?
The JBL Live Beam 3 offers a compelling package for users seeking a versatile pair of true wireless earbuds with some unique features. Here’s a summary of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Innovative smart charging case with touch display
- Excellent battery life
- High-resolution audio support (LDAC)
- Customizable sound profiles and features
- IP55 water and dust resistance
- Competitive pricing
Cons:
- ANC performance is good but not class-leading
- Spatial audio implementation could be more immersive
- Charging case may be bulky for some users
For users who prioritize battery life, sound customization, and the convenience of a smart charging case, the JBL Live Beam 3 represents excellent value, especially at its discounted price. However, if you’re seeking the absolute best in noise cancellation or spatial audio, you may want to consider higher-end options from Sony or Apple.
Ultimately, the JBL Live Beam 3 strikes a good balance between features, performance, and price, making it a solid choice for many users looking for a versatile and capable pair of true wireless earbuds.
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