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Jbl Live 660Nc Vs. Apple Airpods Max Review

Last updated on Apr 13, 2023   9 minute read
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JBL Live 660NC

JBL Live 660NC

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Reasons why you might like the JBL Live 660NC

Overall Score 5.8 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Weight of 265 g
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Anc)
  • Battery Life of 50 hours
  • Can Be Used Wirelessly
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode
VS
Apple AirPods Max

Apple AirPods Max

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Reasons why you might like the Apple AirPods Max

Overall Score 5.8 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Weight of 384.8 g
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Anc)
  • Battery Life of 20 hours
  • Can Be Used Wirelessly
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode

Jbl Live 660Nc Vs. Apple Airpods Max Review In Summary

Category Features JBL Live 660NC Apple AirPods Max
DESIGN weight 265g 384.8g
has a detachable cable
can be folded
has a tangle free cable
cable length 1.2meters
has an over-the-ear foam
has stereo speakers
SOUND QUALITY has active noise cancellation (anc)
has passive noise reduction
lowest frequency 16Hz 20Hz
highest frequency 20,000Hz 20,000Hz
sound pressure level 97dB/mW 109dB/mW
driver unit size 40mm 40mm
impedance 32Ohms 47Ohms
has a neodymium magnet
POWER battery life 50hours 20hours
charge time 2hours 2hours
has a battery level indicator
battery power 664mAh
has a rechargeable battery
CONNECTIVITY can be used wirelessly
bluetooth version v5 v5
has usb type-c
has aac
maximum bluetooth range 10meters 10meters
MICROPHONE number of microphones 9only
has a noise-canceling microphone
EXTRAS has ambient sound mode
has in/on-ear detection
has a mute function
multipoint count 2only 2only
control panel placed on a device
can be used as a headset
warranty period 1years 1years
travel bag is included
has dolby atmos
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Jbl Live 660Nc Vs. Apple Airpods Max Review In Detail

Design

Weight

JBL Live 660NC 265g
Apple AirPods Max 384.8g

The JBL Live 660NC have a weight of 265g, these weigh below 320g, which we consider as the highest average a headphone should weigh for comfort during long use. We prefer a lower weight best for the reason that lighter devices are more comfortable to transport.

The Apple AirPods Max, at 384.8g weigh more than the JBL Live 660NC with a difference 119.8g

Has A Detachable Cable

JBL Live 660NC
Apple AirPods Max

Detachable cables are cables that have connectors on both ends. One end goes into your headphone earpieces, while the other end is inserted into an audio source. Some new headphones, and not just the expensive ones, are coming with detachable cables, JBL Live 660NC are one of those.

Can Be Folded

JBL Live 660NC
Apple AirPods Max

JBL Live 660NC are foldable, which makes them more portable. Foldable headphones are easier to transport and take up less storage space.

Has A Tangle Free Cable

JBL Live 660NC
Apple AirPods Max

Twisted headphone cables can be a great source of annoyance and inconvenience, JBL Live 660NC's cable is designed to minimize tangling. Constant twisting of the cables can also lead to microfractures in the copper wires, affecting sound quality, or completely damaging your headphones.

Cable Length

JBL Live 660NC 1.2meters
Apple AirPods Max

A long cable ensures more freedom of movement, but remember that every cable based on the conducting material used has a certain amount of parasitic resistance, inductance, and capacitance. How much depends on the length and construction. JBL Live 660NC comes with a 1.2meters cable.

Has An Over-The-Ear Foam

JBL Live 660NC
Apple AirPods Max

Over-ear headphones have larger earpads that fit around your entire ear JBL Live 660NC have a comfortable full-size form with earcups that fully enclose your ears. This design is loved for its increased sound isolation and the fact that it won't leak sound to your neighbors.

Apple AirPods Max with this design offer potential for maximum bass and loudness levels.

Has Stereo Speakers

JBL Live 660NC
Apple AirPods Max

JBL Live 660NC have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, this creates a richer sound and a better listening experience.

Both Apple AirPods Max and JBL Live 660NC have stereo speakers

JBL Live 660NC
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Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Anc)

JBL Live 660NC
Apple AirPods Max

Active noise cancellation uses more advanced technology to reduce unwanted ambient sounds. How it works, it listens to the sound pattern of incoming noise and then generates a mirror signal to cancel it out. In simple terms, it's like taking +1 outside (noise from your surrounding) and adding -1 inside (counter sound within the device) to make 0 resulting in a reduced level of noise.

JBL Live 660NC allow you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue as you don't have to crank up the volume to overcome background noise.

Apple AirPods Max too have active noise cancellation making both devices ideal for plane rides and morning commutes. Each may work with different noise cancellation modes, pick the setting, mode, or noise cancellation type that you prefer for commute or that enhances your relaxation time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

JBL Live 660NC
Apple AirPods Max

Passive Noise Cancellation uses well-designed ear cups to seal out unwanted noise. This is used for both in-ear earphones and over-ear headphones where the headphone itself will keep surrounding noise out. The JBL Live 660NC sits tightly in place, creating an acoustic seal that reduces background noise and prevents your music from leaking out.

Both of these devices have passive noise reduction which means that also the Apple AirPods Max isolates you from ambient noise instead of actively using technology to cancel it out.

Lowest Frequency

JBL Live 660NC 16Hz
Apple AirPods Max 20Hz

Low-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio component reproduces low audible frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it. JBL Live 660NC's lowest frequency is at 16Hz, the lower the low-frequency response, the stronger and juicier the bass.

Apple AirPods Max's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this means that Apple AirPods Max got a juicier bass than the JBL Live 660NC

Highest Frequency

JBL Live 660NC 20,000Hz
Apple AirPods Max 20,000Hz

High frequency response measures if and how well an audio component reproduces high audible frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal on the way through. JBL Live 660NC's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, the higher the high-frequency response, the clearer and crispier the treble.

Apple AirPods Max's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this implies that both devices produce equal treble

Sound Pressure Level

JBL Live 660NC 97dB/mW
Apple AirPods Max 109dB/mW

Sound pressure is the average variation in atmospheric pressure caused by the sound, the sound level .i.e how loud something is can be perceived differently by different people so we need to have the means to get an objective measurement of sound level expressed in numerical terms.

The sound pressure level, SPL, is the pressure level of a sound, measured in decibels, dB, JBL Live 660NC's measurement is 97dB/mW. Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.

Apple AirPods Max's sound pressure level measurement is 109dB/mW.

Driver Unit Size

JBL Live 660NC 40mm
Apple AirPods Max 40mm

The driver unit is the component that produces sound in the device, its size dictates the loudness of the headphone. JBL Live 660NC driver unit is 40mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful and can produce better bass.

Apple AirPods Max driver unit is 40mm in diameter, making both devices similar in how loud their sound gets , as many tend to believe that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.

However, large drivers usually have difficulty reproducing high frequencies so yeah, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not mean that they produce better sound.

Impedance

JBL Live 660NC 32Ohms
Apple AirPods Max 47Ohms

Impedance is the device's resistance to the electromagnetic current, when electricity flows through a conductor, it faces electrical resistance that counters the flow of current. The resistance of a wire is measured in ohms. JBL Live 660NC's impedance is 32Ohms, the lower the impedance, the easier it is to get higher volume and requires less power.

Apple AirPods Max's impedance is 47Ohms. The impedance of earbuds is the electrical resistance of the driver unit present on the inside.

Has A Neodymium Magnet

JBL Live 660NC
Apple AirPods Max

Neodymium magnets if used in audio devices produce a higher sensitivity and substantial sound output using less power to do so. They can help produce music at quite a high sound pressure level, SPL, with the use of high magnetic flux. The Apple AirPods Max have this type of magnet.

Power

Battery Life

JBL Live 660NC 50hours
Apple AirPods Max 20hours

If your headphones play wirelessly, cancel ambient noise, or enhance your listening experience with active features, their battery life will reduce over time. The device's battery life is given by the manufacturer, with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and have to charge the device less often. JBL Live 660NC's battery life is 50 hours

Apple AirPods Max's battery life is 20 hours. Each time you recharge your headphones, they get a little less listening time. The effect is barely noticeable at first. But over a few years, you may find that your device, no longer plays for long like it used to.

Charge Time

JBL Live 660NC 2hours
Apple AirPods Max 2hours

It takes 2 hours to fully charge the JBL Live 660NC's battery. It is recommended to fully charge the battery before using the headphones for the first time or when they have been unused for extended periods.

Apple AirPods Max takes 2 hours to fully charge the battery

Has A Battery Level Indicator

JBL Live 660NC
Apple AirPods Max

JBL Live 660NC have a battery level indicator, an indicator shows you when the device has a low battery. The battery indicator lights show the charging status of your headphones.

Apple AirPods Max too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators allow you to determine the charging state of your headphones, whether fully charged, or the battery is running low.

Battery Power

JBL Live 660NC
Apple AirPods Max 664mAh

Battery power, or battery capacity, represents the amount of electrical energy that a battery can store. Apple AirPods Max's battery power is 664mAh, more battery power can be an indication of longer battery life.

Has A Rechargeable Battery

JBL Live 660NC
Apple AirPods Max

A rechargeable battery is a type of electrical battery that can be charged, discharged into a load, and recharged many times, as opposed to a disposable or primary battery, which is supplied fully charged and discarded after use. JBL Live 660NC's battery can be recharged and used over again.

The Apple AirPods Max too have a rechargeable battery.

JBL Live 660NC
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Connectivity

Can Be Used Wirelessly

JBL Live 660NC
Apple AirPods Max

JBL Live 660NC can be used wirelessly, wireless devices allow you more freedom of movement.

The Apple AirPods Max also can be used wirelessly

Bluetooth Version

JBL Live 660NC v5
Apple AirPods Max v5

Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. JBL Live 660NC has a v5

Apple AirPods Max has a Bluetooth version of v5. Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Has Usb Type-C

JBL Live 660NC
Apple AirPods Max

JBL Live 660NC support USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power on a single cable. The USB-C plug is now part and parcel of most current laptops, phones, and tablets, it features reversible plug orientation and cable direction.

Has Aac

JBL Live 660NC
Apple AirPods Max

JBL Live 660NC support AAC, a codec that is used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate.

The Apple AirPods Max support AAC as well. Designed to be the successor of the MP3 format, AAC generally achieves higher sound quality than MP3 encoders at the same bit rate.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

JBL Live 660NC 10meters
Apple AirPods Max 10meters

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology standard that is used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances. The JBL Live 660NC can connect at a 10meters distance via Bluetooth or infrared to another device.

The Apple AirPods Max can connect at a 10meters distance via Bluetooth

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

JBL Live 660NC
Apple AirPods Max 9only

Apple AirPods Max have only 9 microphones, more microphones result in better sound quality and enable the device to filter out background noise.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

JBL Live 660NC
Apple AirPods Max

JBL Live 660NC use a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are designed to filter out background noise from the desired sound. Especially useful in noisy environments.

The Apple AirPods Max too use a noise-canceling type of microphone.

JBL Live 660NC
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Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

JBL Live 660NC
Apple AirPods Max

JBL Live 660NC support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to pass through ambient noises so that they can still be heard. It’s useful when you want to listen to music but also be aware of what’s happening around you, for example when you’re having a jog but would still want to be able to hear traffic.

The Apple AirPods Max support ambient sound mode as well allowing you to hear the ambient sound even while wearing them.

Has In/On-Ear Detection

JBL Live 660NC
Apple AirPods Max

Apple AirPods Max support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when they are removed from your ears so that the music is paused, saving battery life and improving your listening experience while at it.

Has A Mute Function

JBL Live 660NC
Apple AirPods Max

JBL Live 660NC have a mute function, they have an option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device. The mute function means that you unilaterally turn off the microphone, but you can still hear the other party's voice.

The Apple AirPods Max too have a mute function.

Multipoint Count

JBL Live 660NC 2only
Apple AirPods Max 2only

JBL Live 660NC support multipoint, which allows you to link to more Bluetooth devices and switch between them. For example, you can easily switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.

The Apple AirPods Max support multipoint count. Bluetooth multipoint would come in handy because you can be on one call without missing notifications coming from another device.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

JBL Live 660NC
Apple AirPods Max

There is a control panel on the JBL Live 660NC body, so you can easily access the volume control or remote without having to interact with a cable or another device it's connected to.

The Apple AirPods Max too have a control panel on them.

Can Be Used As A Headset

JBL Live 660NC
Apple AirPods Max

JBL Live 660NC can be used as a headset. A headset is one headphone or pair with a built-in microphone. Headsets can be used for apps that require communication i.e. Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, games with voice chat, mobile phones, etc.

Apple AirPods Max can be used as a headset. since they have a built-in microphone

Warranty Period

JBL Live 660NC 1years
Apple AirPods Max 1years

The period of time that warrant free repair and adjustment services in case of a malfunction occurring under normal use that has followed instruction manuals. When covered under the manufacturer’s warranty it is possible to get a replacement in the case of a malfunction. JBL Live 660NC have a warranty period of 1 years

The Apple AirPods Max have a warranty period of 1years.

Travel Bag Is Included

JBL Live 660NC
Apple AirPods Max

Carrying headphones without a case, or putting them in bags without a casing can easily put them at risk of getting damaged. The JBL Live 660NC come with their own special case or pouch, which is useful for safe transportation.

Apple AirPods Max too have a travel bag or case included.

Has Dolby Atmos

JBL Live 660NC
Apple AirPods Max

Dolby Atmos is a surround sound technology that allows sounds to be interpreted as three-dimensional objects. Apple AirPods Max have Dolby Atmos, which allows them to have immersive, 360-degree sound.