JBL Live Beam 3: A Game-Changing TWS with Innovative Features and Customization Options

JBL Live Beam 3 truly wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds were launched in India just last month. This premier model from the brand is particularly notable as it is the first earphone with an integrated display to be released in the country. While the JBL Tour Pro 2, the very first JBL TWS featuring a display, made its debut in various international regions in 2023, it did not find its way to India.

However, innovation isn’t restricted to just aesthetics with this model. JBL has also incorporated Lossless Digital Audio Codec (LDAC) support within its TWS offerings for the first time. These high-end earphones additionally provide active noise cancellation (ANC), True Adaptive Noise Cancellation, and support for spatial audio. Furthermore, they are rated IP55 for protection against dust and splashes. The JBL Live Beam 3 carries an official price tag of Rs. 24,999, but the JBL website lists it for Rs. 13,999.

Interestingly, the design has prompted varied reactions, with some considering it a gimmick while others find it to be practical. Yet design is not the sole area where JBL has demonstrated excellence. The presence of LDAC has drawn the interest of audio enthusiasts. So, do these features justify the investment? Let’s delve deeper.

JBL Live Beam 3 Design and Features: A Strong Contender

• Weight of the charging case — 72g
• Available colors — Black, Blue, and Silver
• IP55 protection (earbuds)

The JBL Live Beam 3 adopts an in-ear design with a curved stem. The earbuds sport a matte finish that conveys a premium feel and appearance. The rear side of the stem is the only area with a glossy finish, framing the JBL logo. Accompanying the earbuds are four sizes of silicone ear tips, enabling me to find a snug fit. Weighing in at 5g each, the earbuds are light and I hardly felt their presence, even after wearing them for extended hours.

JBL Live Beam 3 design

 

The case showcases a soapbox-style design with a glossy exterior. Remarkably, it resists fingerprint smudges, which I found surprising. My review unit came in Blue, although Black and Silver variants are available as well. At 72g, the case feels somewhat hefty and may require some time to adjust to. Its thickness, measuring 30.25mm, also means it protrudes slightly when placed in a pocket, which I still find a bit uncomfortable after three weeks of use.

Gesture controls enhance user interaction with the earbuds, allowing commands via taps on the stem. Users can perform single taps, double taps, or tap-and-hold actions, all of which can be customized through the companion app. Notably, controls can be grouped into categories including ambient sound, volume adjustments, and playback controls without the option to assign specific functions to specific actions.

Now, let’s address the standout feature: the JBL Live Beam 3 incorporates a 1.45-inch touch screen display. This display allows access to various settings for the earbuds, such as volume control, playback options, ANC, spatial sound, equalisers, and beyond. Unfortunately, the sliding gesture isn’t very responsive, which may lead to frustration when trying to navigate through the horizontally-scrolling settings.

It’s worth noting that the options available on the display mirror those found in the companion app, posing a question regarding the uniqueness of this feature. Nevertheless, I found the screen to be quite practical, often using it to adjust the equaliser and ANC while having another app open on my phone. This significantly saved me the hassle of toggling between apps.

But there’s more. I often connect my TWS to the smart TV while watching shows late at night, and the case facilitation allows me to manage the equaliser and spatial audio effortlessly. Even when using my work laptop, I didn’t need to install the JBL Portable app for PC, which often requires admin permissions. In short, if you prefer remote control functionality that isn’t linked to another device, this feature will prove invaluable over time and is not merely a gimmick.

JBL Live Beam 3: App and Specifications

• Drivers — 10mm dynamic drivers
• Companion app — JBL Headphones
• Gesture controls — Yes

The JBL Live Beam 3 earbuds work seamlessly with the JBL Headphones app available on both Android and iOS. This app acts as the central hub for sound customization settings. After pairing, you can view the battery levels of each earbud and the charging case. The interface includes three sections — General, Audio, and Others.

JBL Headphones app

 

The General section features Ambient Sound Control allowing users to toggle between ANC, Ambient Aware, and Talk Thru modes. The Talk Thru mode detects speech and automatically pauses any media. Customisation options for the charging case display let you change wallpapers, select feature shortcuts to display, and adjust brightness.

Two interesting utilities include Check My Best Fit and Smart Talk. The former checks for audio leaks and recommends different silicone tips for better sound quality. Smart Talk, part of the Talk Thru feature, sets sensitivity to speech detection with options ranging from five to twenty seconds. The user must speak continuously for that duration for the Talk Thru mode to activate, a beneficial addition for those who tend to speak in short sentences without interrupting media playback. Additionally, this section enables users to customize earbuds’ gestures.

The Audio section activates High-Resolution Audio mode, which enables LDAC support, equalisers, spatial audio modes, and Personi-Fi. The latter assesses your hearing preferences to optimize sound output accordingly. In my experience, turning on this feature enhanced the bass and midrange significantly.

Moreover, options are available for balancing sound between left and right, a max volume limiter, and a Private Call Mode that allows for one earbud to be used as a microphone. Lastly, the Others section includes features to locate the earbuds, save power, and even play soothing sounds.

Regarding specifications, the JBL Live Beam 3 is equipped with 10mm dynamic drivers, utilizes JBL’s Spatial Sound technology, and supports various codecs including AAC, SBC, and LDAC. The earbuds operate on Bluetooth 5.3, while the charging case employs Bluetooth 5.1. Bluetooth multipoint connectivity and an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance are also included. Each earbud contains a 68mAh battery, while the case houses a 680mAh battery.

JBL Live Beam 3: Performance and Battery Life

• Audio codecs — AAC, SBC, and LDAC
• Connectivity — Bluetooth 5.3 (earbuds); Bluetooth 5.1 (charging case)
• Battery — 68mAh (earbuds); 680mAh (charging case)

The JBL Live Beam 3 incorporates three ANC modes. From my experience, the noise cancellation is better than average but may not lead the pack. Indoors, external sounds like the AC or TV can be largely filtered out, while some noise still permeates. Outdoors, the performance slightly falters. Loud vehicle noise is mostly blocked along with nearby chatter, but still presents as a low hum. For those seeking a more robust ANC experience, alternatives such as the Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless (review) may be worth exploring.

JBL Live Beam 3 earbuds design

 

As for audio performance, the JBL Live Beam 3 exceeds expectations. The Harman tuning is apparent, and true to typical JBL style, the sound profile favors bass. Listening to lively tracks such as Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us or relishing the guitar in Hotel California by The Eagles was an outstanding experience. I also ventured into vocal-centric tracks like Bust Your Windows by Jazmine Sullivan and Houdini by Eminem. While I wished the higher frequencies were just a touch more prominent, there were minimal complaints.

This evaluation is based on standard music streaming from platforms like Spotify and YouTube Music. I also experimented with the LDAC codec using lossless tracks from Tidal, and the difference was distinctly felt. A prime example is Swimming Pools (Drank) by Kendrick Lamar, where one could appreciate instrument separation and the remarkable panning of vocals that immerses you fully in the soundstage.

However, it’s essential to understand that despite the impressive audio quality, these are TWS earbuds and will not match the performance of wired headphones at a similar price point. That said, this may not concern casual listeners.

I usually find TWS microphone quality lacking. The audio often sounds robotic with many picking up surrounding noise instead of the speaker’s voice. JBL offers a unique utility that allows one earbud to act as a microphone (stopping audio output in that earbud) when removed and positioned in front of the face. While functional, the performance is nothing outstanding. In quieter environments, users can be heard during calls or meetings, but the clarity diminishes in outdoor settings.

Ultimately, I found the battery life of the JBL Live Beam 3 commendable. The company claims 12 hours of playtime with ANC disabled and 10 hours with it on. In my usage, I consistently achieved between seven and eight hours with ANC active and exceeded nine hours without it, maintaining sound levels around 50-60%. Charging the case from empty to full takes approximately two hours. Notably, the charging case supports quick and wireless charging capabilities.

JBL Live Beam 3: Conclusion

After nearly a month of using the JBL Live Beam 3, I would assert that its unique selling point centers around versatility. At a price of Rs. 14,999, it may not offer the most powerful ANC available, nor the most balanced audio characteristics.

JBL Live Beam 3

 

Nonetheless, what it does provide is a range of options. The display on the charging case enables you to manage and tailor the audio experience of the earbuds, even when conventional mobile app access is inconvenient. You can fine-tune it for spatial audio, engage Personi-Fi for audio settings, or utilize the LDAC codec. The equaliser offers six presets to explore your ideal audio setting or customize your own.

JBL has equipped these earbuds with numerous features, creating a versatile device that allows a considerable range of users to personalize their audio experience and the device’s functionality.

However, if you possess specific preferences regarding ANC strength, sound tuning, or case thickness, this may not be the most suitable choice for you.