Bose SoundSport, Wireless Earbuds, (Sweatproof Bluetooth Headphones
Score: 69/100
JBL Vibe Beam
Score: 81/100$154.11
Rankings
The JBL Vibe Beam is a budget true-wireless earbud offering 32 hours of total playback, IP54 sweat resistance, and deep-bass-focused sound that can be tuned via the JBL app. It lacks ANC and the default sound is thin, while the case feels inexpensive.
The Bose SoundSport Wireless earbuds are neckband-style, sweat-proof earbuds designed for active users, offering balanced sound, a secure fit and quick charging, but they have modest battery life and lack ANC.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
6 hours | 8 hoursbest | |
9.1 mbest | — | |
— | 8 mmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 22.68 g | 4.4 gbest |
12 monthsbest | 12 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 22.68 g | 4.4 g |
IP Rating | IPX4 | IP54 |
Ear Tip Sizes | 3 sizes of StayHear+ Sport tips (Small, Medium, Large) | S, M, L |
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 6 hours | 8 hours |
Charging Port Type | Micro-USB | USB-C |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Macworld's Séamus Bellamy praised the SoundSport Wireless for their balanced, bass-enhanced sound, comfortable fit, situational awareness, and Tile tracking, while noting the bulky design, average 6-hour battery life, and lack of full waterproofing as drawbacks.
Everyday users commend the earbuds for staying in place during vigorous activity, the comfort of the StayHear+ tips, and the ability to hear surrounding traffic. Common complaints revolve around the weight, modest battery life, outdated Micro-USB port, occasional cable noise, and occasional Bluetooth dropouts.
“Balanced sound with extra bass keeps me motivated during runs.”
“The StayHear+ tips never fall out, even on intense workouts.”
“Quick charge is great, but I wish the battery lasted longer.”
Professional reviewers commend the Vibe Beam for its exceptional battery endurance, solid Bluetooth 5.2 stability, and deep-bass performance once the EQ is adjusted, but criticize the lack of ANC, the need for app-based sound tuning, and modest fit stability due to the lollipop form factor.
Everyday users love the long battery life, bass-heavy sound, and clear call quality, often highlighting durability in wet conditions, while recurring complaints focus on battery degradation over time, fit issues for active use, the cheap-feeling case, and unintuitive touch controls.
