Club Benefits
If you're bored with the AirPods Pro 3, JBL has just announced three alternatives that could sway you. JBL has launched its newest line of premium earbuds: the Live 4 series. The Live Buds 4, Live Beam 4, and Live Flex 4 boast JBL Smart OS 3.0, new and improved Personi-Fi, a Smart Charging Case and more colors — which I'll talk about later. JBL has also stuffed four mics with AI noise-reducing algorithms for crystal-clear calls.
Unlike other brands, JBL makes the same earbud in different wearing styles. "Buds" are Sony WF-1000XM6 "bean"-type, "Beam" are similar to AirPods Pro 3-competitor with silicone ear tips, and the Flex style is like the tipless AirPods 4. Now, you don't have to compromise premium features or sound if you don't like silicone ear tips, unlike Apple and Samsung's earbuds.
All styles of the Live 4 — Buds. Beam, and Flex — are available in black, blue, silver, and sand. The Beam (stem and silicone tip) and Flex (stem but no tip) are also available in green, purple, and orange.
| Header Cell - Column 0 | JBL Live Buds 4 | JBL Live Beam 4 | JBL Live Flex 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
Style | In-ear bud (No stem) | In-ear stem (Silicone tip) | Semi-open stem (No tip) |
Drivers | 10 mm Dynamic | 10 mm Dynamic | 12 mm Dynamic |
Noise Cancelling | True Adaptive 2.0 | True Adaptive 2.0 | True Adaptive 2.0 |
Smart Case | JBL Smart OS 3.0 | JBL Smart OS 3.0 | JBL Smart OS 3.0 |
Mics / Calls | 6-Mic + AI Algorithm | 6-Mic + AI Algorithm | 6-Mic + AI Algorithm |
Battery (ANC On) | 32 Hours Total | 40 Hours Total | 35 Hours Total |
Battery (ANC Off) | 40 Hours Total | 48 Hours Total | 50 Hours Total |
Speed Charge | 10 min = 4 hrs | 10 min = 4 hrs | 10 min = 4 hrs |
Durability | IP55 | IP55 | IP54 |
Colors | Black, Blue, Silver, Sand | 7 Colors (inc. Green/Purple) | 7 Colors (inc. Green/Purple) |
The feature I'm most excited for? The Smart Charging Case
The Smart Charging Case is the feature I'm most excited about. Even though the Smart Charging Case screen was seen on the Live 3 series, it still feels truly new and innovative. I hope this design element comes to other earbuds in time. One of my biggest gripes with the AirPods Pro 3 and Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro is that you can't adjust any settings without a phone.
With the JBL Smart Charging Case, we can now see battery life at a glance — without needing to pair to any device — control EQ, ANC, and skip songs. Of course, you'll need to be connected to your smartphone to use any of the audio-related features.
Although this isn't a new feature for the Tune 4 series, I'm glad to see it return improved. You can now add backgrounds to the screen or customize it with an original photo.
I will say I think the screen could look a little more modern. As it stands, it looks like something from five years ago. On future versions, a more glass-like appearance and sharper text will make the Live a must-have.
Stay tuned for our JBL Live 4 Series review
Of course, it's not just the case that I'm excited for. With Smart OS. 3.0, the Live 4 series have improved Personi-Fi. Personi-Fi is JBL's personalized hearing EQ. I've used this on previous models like the JBL Live 770NC, and I seriously love it. Personalized EQs are one of my favorite things to play around with when I get new headphones — they literally change your music to suit your tastes.
I won't be able to comment on things like sound quality, mic quality, and comfort until I've given the Live 4 series a fair test. I should be reviewing all three of the new earbuds soon, so keep your eyes peeled for our comprehensive review landing shortly.
What do you think about the new Live Buds 4, Live Beam 4, and Live Flex 4? Will you be grabbing a pair? In which color? I'd choose orange!
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