JBL JBL Live Buds 3 True Wireless Noise-Canceling Review

You're paying for a screen on the case, not great earbuds. The core audio and ANC performance is mid-tier at a premium price. Get the Sony WF-1000XM5 or save money with an Anker model instead.

The JBL Live Buds 3 are a weird one. You're paying a premium for a party trick—a color touchscreen on the charging case—while the actual earbud performance lands squarely in the middle of the pack. The one thing to know is this: if you don't care about that screen, you can get better sound, better noise canceling, and better comfort for the same money, or less. We dug into our database, and the numbers confirm it. These buds are fine, but they're not competitive at their price point.

What surprised us was how average the performance is across the board. For earbuds that cost up to $230, landing in the 40th to 50th percentile for core features like sound, ANC, and comfort is a tough sell. The screen on the case is novel, but it doesn't make the music sound any better or block out more noise. You're getting mid-tier performance wrapped in a flashy case.

Not worth it. At $170 to $230, you're in the same price range as class leaders like the Sony WF-1000XM5, which absolutely demolish these in sound and noise canceling. You're paying for a screen, not superior audio. If the screen is a must-have, maybe. But for pure performance per dollar, look elsewhere.

This is where it gets rough. The Sony WF-1000XM5, often found around the same price, is in a different league for ANC and sound quality. Even the more affordable Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC offers better adaptive noise canceling and a more cohesive experience for about half the price. The Nothing Ear (a) gives you a similar bold design with better tuning for less cash. The Live Buds 3 get outclassed on all sides unless that screen is your non-negotiable.

If you're looking for the best sound or the strongest noise cancellation for your money, this isn't it. Go get the Sony WF-1000XM5 instead. If you want a great value with surprisingly good features, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is a much smarter buy.

We can't recommend the JBL Live Buds 3 for most people. The novelty of the case screen wears off fast, and you're left with earbuds that are just okay in a sea of excellent alternatives. If you absolutely must have a touchscreen on your charging case and money is no object, go for it. For everyone else who wants great sound, effective noise canceling, and a good value, there are at least three better options at this price point. Skip these.