Earbuds / Compare
JBL Live Buds 3 vs Nothing Ear (a)
Product A: JBL
77 of 166 known
Change JBL Live Buds 3
Product B: Nothing
77 of 166 known
Change Nothing Ear (a)
66 of 157 fields differ
- 31 different values
- 35 known for one only
- 25 the same
- 66 missing for both
Biggest differences
Each bar uses the scale of all 138 earbuds.
- Playback per charge with ANC (claimed)A: 8hB: 5.5hJBL is 2.5 h higher.
- Quick chargeA: 4hB: 3.2hJBL is 0.8 h higher.
Weight
0 to 80 g
Weight per bud
A4.8g
B4.8g
Case weight
A69.8g
B39.6g
All 166 fields
Every value links to where we found it.


General
6 of 8 differ
Series
Not available
Model numbers
JBLLIVEBUDS3BLK, JBLLIVEBUDS3SILAM, LIVE BUDS 3, LIVE BUDS 3C1Owner's manualmm.jbl.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw940116cd/pdfs/JBL_Live%20Buds%203_QSG.pdfRead 10 October 2026Quick Start Guide model names LIVE BUDS 3 (earbuds) and LIVE BUDS 3C (charging case). JBLLIVEBUDS3BLK is the Black SKU on Harvey Norman and JBLLIVEBUDS3SILAM the Silver SKU on Amazon US.8Retailer pageharveynorman.co.nz/headphones-and-speakers/headphones/jbl-live-buds-3-adaptive-noise-cancelling-true-wireless-in-ear-headphones-black.htmlRead 10 October 2026Harvey Norman New Zealand lists model number JBLLIVEBUDS3BLK for Black.
GTIN / EAN
Not available
Not available
Announced
Not available
Status
Predecessor
Not available
Not available
Successor
Not available
Launch price (US)
Not available
Launch price (EU)
Not available
Design
2 of 4 differ
Form factor
Bud shape
Use one bud alone
Not available
RGB lighting
Not available
Not available
Drivers and sound
13 of 17 differ
Drivers per bud
AJBL Live Buds 3
| Type | Diameter (mm) | Count per earbud |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic | 10 | 1 |
Source1Owner's manualmm.jbl.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw940116cd/pdfs/JBL_Live%20Buds%203_QSG.pdfRead 10 October 2026Driver size 10 mm dynamic driver. One per earbud.3Reviewglobal.techradar.com/nl-nl/audio/earbuds-airpods/jbl-live-buds-3-review-nlRead 10 October 2026
BNothing Ear (a)
| Type | Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|
| Dynamic | 11 |
Driver type
Driver size
10mm
11mm
Drivers per bud
1
Not available
Diaphragm material
Not available
Frequency response
Min20 HzMax40 kHz1Owner's manualmm.jbl.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw940116cd/pdfs/JBL_Live%20Buds%203_QSG.pdfRead 10 October 20263Reviewglobal.techradar.com/nl-nl/audio/earbuds-airpods/jbl-live-buds-3-review-nlRead 10 October 2026
Not available
Impedance
16Ω1Owner's manualmm.jbl.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw940116cd/pdfs/JBL_Live%20Buds%203_QSG.pdfRead 10 October 20266Reviewsoundguys.com/product/jbl-live-buds-3Read 10 October 2026Catalog lists 16 ohm. The Quick Start Guide states the same.
Not available
Sensitivity
Not available
Not available
Sensitivity reference
Not available
Not available
Max sample rate
Not available
Max bit depth
Not available
Adaptive EQ
Not available
Personalised sound
No14Reviewsoundguys.com/nothing-ear-a-review-114747Read 8 October 2026The reviewed Ear (a) does not offer the hearing-test sound profile of B171 Ear. No later model capability is transferred.17Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/nothing/ear-a-truly-wirelessRead 8 October 2026The public Differences section explicitly describes no custom sound profile based on hearing. Tested edition is White B162 Ear (a). All colors share the documented model hardware, but test configuration remains named. Paid numerical results and hidden data are not accessed.
Onboard EQ
Yes2Maker product pagejblstore.co.id/en/product/jbl-live-buds-3Read 10 October 2026The Smart Charging Case adjusts volume and EQ.3Reviewglobal.techradar.com/nl-nl/audio/earbuds-airpods/jbl-live-buds-3-review-nlRead 10 October 2026
Not available
Custom EQ bands
EQ presets
Jazz, Vocal, Bass, Club, Studio, Extreme Bass3Reviewglobal.techradar.com/nl-nl/audio/earbuds-airpods/jbl-live-buds-3-review-nlRead 10 October 2026Six EQ presets plus a custom EQ. Preset names are from the JBL Headphones app screenshot on the Amazon listing.7Retailer pageamazon.com/dp/B0D3631X1BRead 10 October 2026App screenshot shows Jazz, Vocal, Bass, Club, Studio and Extreme Bass presets.
Volume limit
Not available
Not available
Spatial audio
1 of 2 differ
Spatial audio
JBL Spatial Sound2Maker product pagejblstore.co.id/en/product/jbl-live-buds-3Read 10 October 20263Reviewglobal.techradar.com/nl-nl/audio/earbuds-airpods/jbl-live-buds-3-review-nlRead 10 October 2026
Not available
Head tracking
Not available
Not available
Noise cancelling
4 of 11 differ
Active noise cancelling
ANC type
Not available
Not available
ANC microphones in both earbuds
Not available
Adaptive ANC
ANC levels
ANC attenuation (claimed)
Not available
Transparency mode
Adjustable transparency
Not available
Automatic ANC and transparency blend
Not available
Not available
Conversation detection
Not available
Not available
Wind noise reduction
Measured
3 of 23 differ
Frequency response notes (measured)
Not available
Default response has elevated sub-bass, recessed 200 to 500 Hz mids and reduced output above 8 kHz relative to the SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve.14Reviewsoundguys.com/nothing-ear-a-review-114747Read 8 October 2026Reviewer original default-response chart and discussion against SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve. Firmware 1.0.1.41, app 2.3.16. No approximate chart amplitude is entered as an exact numerical metric.
Bass amount (measured)
Not available
Not available
Treble amount (measured)
Not available
Not available
Deviation from target (measured)
Not available
Not available
Consistency between fittings (measured)
Not available
Not available
Harmonic distortion (measured)
Not available
Not available
Sound leakage (measured)
Not available
Not available
Noise isolation (measured)
Not available
Not available
Noise isolation, best (measured)
Not available
Not available
Passive isolation (measured)
Not available
Not available
Call quality notes (measured)
Not available
Not available
Mic low-frequency extension (measured)
Not available
Not available
Mic high-frequency extension (measured)
Not available
Not available
Mic speech-to-noise ratio (measured)
Not available
Not available
Latency (measured)
Not available
Not available
Bluetooth latency, worst (measured)
Not available
Not available
2.4 GHz latency, worst (measured)
Not available
Not available
Latency in game mode (measured)
Not available
Not available
Battery life (measured)
AJBL Live Buds 3
Not availableLongest tested use per charge
Not available
8.82h
Battery life with case (measured)
Not available
Not available
Full charge time (measured)
Not available
Not available
Weight per bud (measured)
Not available
Not available
Microphones and calls
0 of 7 differ
Voice microphones in both earbuds
All microphones in both earbuds
Bone conduction voice sensor
Not available
Not available
Mic noise reduction
Not available
Not available
Call audio bandwidth
Not available
Not available
Mic mute control
Not available
Not available
Sidetone
Not available
Not available
Connectivity
4 of 18 differ
Chip
Not available
Not available
Connections
Bluetooth
Bluetooth codecs
Bluetooth profiles
RFCOMM, SPP, HFP, A2DP, AVDTP, AVCTP, AVRCP2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026
Auracast
Not available
Not available
Multipoint
Multipoint devices
Multipoint with LDAC
Not available
Not available
Paired devices remembered
Not available
Automatic switching between own devices
Not available
Not available
Fast pairing
Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair1Owner's manualmm.jbl.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw940116cd/pdfs/JBL_Live%20Buds%203_QSG.pdfRead 10 October 2026Quick Start Guide shows the Android account pop-up for the earbuds and Microsoft Swift Pair on Windows 10 v1803+. Android 6 or later.
Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026
Audio sharing
Not available
Not available
Wireless range (claimed)
Not available
Not available
Wireless receiver
Not available
Not available
Receiver connector
Not available
Not available
Simultaneous 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audio
Not available
Not available
Latency
1 of 3 differ
Low latency mode
Not available
Claimed latency
Not available
Not available
Lowest claimed latency
Not available
Not available
Compatibility
1 of 4 differ
Platforms
Connection per platform
Not available
Not available
Features that need a specific device
AJBL Live Buds 3
| Feature | Needs |
|---|---|
| LDAC Hi-Res Audio | Compatible Android phone. |
| Advanced controls (ANC, Ambient Aware, TalkThru) | Enable by connecting the earbuds to the JBL Headphones app. |
| Google Finder and Google Audio Switch | Android devices. Google Fast Pair on the Quick Start Guide needs Android 6 or later. |
BNothing Ear (a)
| Feature | Needs |
|---|---|
| LDAC high-resolution audio | Compatible Android source with LDAC enabled and high-definition audio enabled in Nothing X. For high-bitrate streams the maker recommends disabling Dual Connection. |
| Nothing X configuration | Android 5.1 or later, or iOS 13 or later according to current Ear (a) support. |
| Google Fast Pair | Supported Android device with Google Play services 11.7 or later, Android 6.0 or later. |
| Automatic Low Lag Mode | Game Mode on a compatible Nothing phone. Other users can enable Low Lag Mode in Nothing X. |
Source12Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726219572881-How-do-I-use-the-LDAC-featureRead 8 October 2026LDAC FAQ recommends adaptive bitrate and, for a higher-quality stream, disabling Dual Connection. It does not categorically prohibit all concurrent LDAC/multipoint use, so multipoint_ldac is not set false. Current compatibility FAQ gives iOS 13 minimum, stronger than legacy full specifications iOS 11. Low-lag and Fast Pair conditions come from the original product page. An under-120-ms headline differs from the as-low-as-120-ms disclaimer, so no exact numeric latency is stored.16Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026Product-page Disclaimers 8, 15 and 16 give Nothing phone Game Mode, dual-connection and Google Fast Pair conditions. ChatGPT integration is not stored as universal assistant support.
Official licence
Not available
Not available
Battery and charging
11 of 13 differ
Battery per bud
60mAh1Owner's manualmm.jbl.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw940116cd/pdfs/JBL_Live%20Buds%203_QSG.pdfRead 10 October 2026Lithium-ion 60 mAh at 3.85 V per earbud.8Retailer pageharveynorman.co.nz/headphones-and-speakers/headphones/jbl-live-buds-3-adaptive-noise-cancelling-true-wireless-in-ear-headphones-black.htmlRead 10 October 2026Listing lists 60 mAh per earbud and 620 mAh for the case. Its sound pressure level of 97 dB differs from the guide and is not stored.
User-replaceable earbud battery
Not available
Not available
Claimed battery life
AJBL Live Buds 3
| Mode | Includes case recharges | Hours (h) |
|---|---|---|
| ANC off | No | 10 |
| ANC on | No | 8 |
| ANC off | Yes | 40 |
Source1Owner's manualmm.jbl.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw940116cd/pdfs/JBL_Live%20Buds%203_QSG.pdfRead 10 October 2026Music playtime with Bluetooth on: ANC off up to 10 h, ANC on up to 8 h, True Adaptive ANC on up to 7 h. The 7 h True Adaptive ANC row has no schema mode of its own and is not stored. Talk time is listed as 4.5 h with ANC off and 5.5 h with ANC on. Longer with ANC on is not plausible, so no talk time is stored. The 40 h total is from the JBL Indonesia page.2Maker product pagejblstore.co.id/en/product/jbl-live-buds-3Read 10 October 202610 hours of playtime plus another 30 in the charging case, 40 hours total with ANC off.
BNothing Ear (a)
| Mode | Codec | Includes case recharges | Hours (h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANC off | AAC | No | 9.5 |
| ANC off | AAC | Yes | 42.5 |
| ANC on | AAC | No | 5.5 |
| ANC on | AAC | Yes | 24.5 |
| Transparency | AAC | No | 5.5 |
| Transparency | AAC | Yes | 24.5 |
| Call | Not available | No | 5.2 |
| Call | Not available | Yes | 23 |
Longest claimed use per charge
10h
9.5h
Playback per charge with ANC (claimed)
8h
5.5h
Playback per charge without ANC (claimed)
10h
9.5h
Total with case (claimed)
40h
42.5h
Total with case and ANC (claimed)
Not available
24.5h
Talk time (claimed)
Not available
5.2h
Charging guidance
The Quick Start Guide lists a charging time of 2 hours from empty and does not say whether this is the earbuds, the case or both. The case also charges on a Qi wireless pad (not included).1Owner's manualmm.jbl.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw940116cd/pdfs/JBL_Live%20Buds%203_QSG.pdfRead 10 October 2026Charging time 2 hrs from empty. The charging page also shows charging through a Qi-certified wireless pad (not included).
Charge the earbuds in the closed case. Use USB-C to charge the case, with a 5 V / 1.5 A or higher adapter. The maker reports 80 minutes for an earbud charge in an unplugged case and 90 minutes for an empty earbuds-and-case set charged together. Ten minutes gives up to 3.2 hours of earbud playback with ANC off, or 2 hours with ANC on. The separate case-inclusive quick-charge claim is 10 hours with ANC off and 6 hours with ANC on in support, while the product-page footnote says 9.5 hours with ANC off. These are maker laboratory estimates, not case-only charge times.6Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026Product-page Disclaimer 10 to 12 separates 80-minute buds and 90-minute combined timing, gives adapter guidance 5 V / 1.5 A or higher, and uses Nothing Power 45 W at 25 C. The adapter rating is not device input power. Disclaimer 12 gives 9.5 h case-inclusive after 10 minutes, conflicting with the 10 h headline and dedicated support article. Both source statements are retained without guessing a reconciliation.
Quick charge time
Earbud playback after quick charge
Charging case
4 of 10 differ
Case battery
620mAh1Owner's manualmm.jbl.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw940116cd/pdfs/JBL_Live%20Buds%203_QSG.pdfRead 10 October 2026Lithium-ion 620 mAh at 3.8 V.8Retailer pageharveynorman.co.nz/headphones-and-speakers/headphones/jbl-live-buds-3-adaptive-noise-cancelling-true-wireless-in-ear-headphones-black.htmlRead 10 October 2026
User-replaceable case battery
Not available
Not available
Case charging port
Case full charge time
Not available
Not available
Wireless charging
Yes1Owner's manualmm.jbl.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw940116cd/pdfs/JBL_Live%20Buds%203_QSG.pdfRead 10 October 20262Maker product pagejblstore.co.id/en/product/jbl-live-buds-3Read 10 October 20263Reviewglobal.techradar.com/nl-nl/audio/earbuds-airpods/jbl-live-buds-3-review-nlRead 10 October 2026
Wireless standards
Not available
Wireless charging power
Not available
Not available
Speaker in case
Not available
Not available
Screen on case
Yes2Maker product pagejblstore.co.id/en/product/jbl-live-buds-3Read 10 October 2026The Smart Charging Case shows messages and controls the earbuds. Display size from Amazon and SoundGuys.3Reviewglobal.techradar.com/nl-nl/audio/earbuds-airpods/jbl-live-buds-3-review-nlRead 10 October 20267Retailer pageamazon.com/dp/B0D3631X1BRead 10 October 2026Listing describes a 1.45-inch touchscreen display on the Smart Charging Case.
Not available
Case works as audio transmitter
Not available
Not available
Controls
4 of 5 differ
Controls
Earbud volume control
Gestures
Tap once, Tap twice, Tap three times, Hold for 2 seconds1Owner's manualmm.jbl.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw940116cd/pdfs/JBL_Live%20Buds%203_QSG.pdfRead 10 October 2026Controls page shows Tap x1, Tap x2, Tap x3 and Hold (2 s) on each earbud. Advanced controls need the JBL Headphones app.7Retailer pageamazon.com/dp/B0D3631X1BRead 10 October 2026App screenshot: tap cycles noise cancelling, ambient aware and off, double-tap is TalkThru, tap and hold triggers the voice assistant.
Single pinch: play/pause or answer/end call, Double pinch: skip forward or reject call, Triple pinch: skip back, Pinch and hold: switch ANC/transparency3Owner's manualcdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0586/3270/0077/files/ear_a_EN.pdfRead 8 October 2026Original OPERATIONS panel shows force-sensor pressure controls. Custom volume and voice-assistant assignments are separate Nothing X options. Fitted tips are medium.
Remappable controls
Voice assistant
Bixby, Siri, Google Assistant1Owner's manualmm.jbl.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw940116cd/pdfs/JBL_Live%20Buds%203_QSG.pdfRead 10 October 2026Controls page shows Bixby, Siri and Others. SoundGuys lists Google Assistant and Siri.6Reviewsoundguys.com/product/jbl-live-buds-3Read 10 October 2026
Not available
Sensors and health
2 of 9 differ
In-ear detection
Yes1Owner's manualmm.jbl.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw940116cd/pdfs/JBL_Live%20Buds%203_QSG.pdfRead 10 October 2026Auto play/pause page.3Reviewglobal.techradar.com/nl-nl/audio/earbuds-airpods/jbl-live-buds-3-review-nlRead 10 October 20266Reviewsoundguys.com/product/jbl-live-buds-3Read 10 October 2026
Sensors
Not available
Not available
Heart rate sensor
Not available
Not available
Skin temperature sensing
Not available
Not available
Hearing aid feature
Not available
Not available
Medical clearances
Not available
Not available
Hearing test
Hearing protection
Not available
Not available
Health features
Personal Sound Amplification with customized ambient sound levels2Maker product pagejblstore.co.id/en/product/jbl-live-buds-3Read 10 October 2026Personal Sound Amplification with customized ambient sound levels is named in the calls feature text.
Not available
Fit and durability
3 of 7 differ
Ear tips included
Ear tip materials
Stabilisers
Not available
Not available
Ear tip fit test
Dust and water rating, buds
IP551Owner's manualmm.jbl.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw940116cd/pdfs/JBL_Live%20Buds%203_QSG.pdfRead 10 October 2026IP55 is printed in the specification table. SoundGuys states IP55 for the earbuds.3Reviewglobal.techradar.com/nl-nl/audio/earbuds-airpods/jbl-live-buds-3-review-nlRead 10 October 2026
Dust and water rating, case
Not available
Water resistance depth
Not available
Not available
Software
3 of 6 differ
Companion app
App platforms
Not available
User firmware updates
Finding network
Not available
Precision finding
Not available
Not available
Live translation
Not available
Not available
Dimensions and weight
1 of 4 differ
Weight per bud
4.8g(0.2 oz)1Owner's manualmm.jbl.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw940116cd/pdfs/JBL_Live%20Buds%203_QSG.pdfRead 10 October 2026Quick Start Guide lists 4.8 g per earbud (9.6 g combined). TechRadar and SoundGuys list 4.6 g. The maker document is preferred.3Reviewglobal.techradar.com/nl-nl/audio/earbuds-airpods/jbl-live-buds-3-review-nlRead 10 October 2026Specification table lists 4.6 g per earbud. The Quick Start Guide lists 4.8 g and is preferred.
Bud dimensions
Not available
Not available
Case weight
Case dimensions
Not available
Not available
Certifications
0 of 3 differ
Hi-Res Audio
Communication certifications
Not available
Not available
FCC IDs
Not available
Not available
Other certifications
Not available
Not available
In the box
2 of 2 differ
In the box
JBL Live Buds 3 earbuds, Smart Charging Case, USB Type-C to Type-A charging cable, Ear tips in 4 sizes (XS, S, M, L), Quick Start Guide1Owner's manualmm.jbl.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw940116cd/pdfs/JBL_Live%20Buds%203_QSG.pdfRead 10 October 2026Contents page shows XS, S, M and L ear tips. The Amazon listing lists the Type-C to Type-A cable.7Retailer pageamazon.com/dp/B0D3631X1BRead 10 October 2026Listing lists 4 sizes of ear tips, charging case, earbuds and a Type-C to Type-A charging cable.
Pair of earbuds, Charging case, Ear tips in sizes S, M and L, USB Type-C cable, Safety and warranty information, User guide2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026Exact Ear (a) standard list. Ear tips S, M and L include the fitted medium pair. No external power adapter is listed.
Cables included
AJBL Live Buds 3
| Type | Count |
|---|---|
| USB-C to USB-A charging cable | 1 |
BNothing Ear (a)
| Type | Count |
|---|---|
| USB Type-C | 1 |
Links
Not compared
Product page
Not available
Spec sheet
Not available
checkout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-a2Maker product pagecheckout-my.nothing.tech/products/ear-aRead 8 October 2026Original full manufacturer Ear (a) specifications remain public on this regional maker page. Hardware belongs to B162, distinct from B171 Ear and later Ear (3a). The current US Black offer supplies regional availability.
Manual
mm.jbl.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw940116cd/pdfs/JBL_Live%20Buds%203_QSG.pdf1Owner's manualmm.jbl.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw940116cd/pdfs/JBL_Live%20Buds%203_QSG.pdfRead 10 October 2026
cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0586/3270/0077/files/ear_a_EN.pdf3Owner's manualcdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0586/3270/0077/files/ear_a_EN.pdfRead 8 October 2026Original maker-hosted Nothing Ear (a) English product guide, one-page folded sheet. Model B162 is printed on the title panel. English operations, pairing, charging and wear-detection panels were visually inspected because the PDF outlines most English text.
EPREL registration number
Not available
Not available
Warranty
1 of 1 differ
Manufacturer warranty (source market)
Not available
Both are also in the API. Back to all earbuds.















