Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) vs JBL Tour One M2
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) deliver excellent portability and seamless Apple ecosystem integration with Spatial Audio and adaptive EQ in a lightweight 4.28g design, but lack active noise cancellation and high-res audio support. JBL Tour One M2 are over-ear headphones offering substantially better battery life (30 hours with ANC), True Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0, LDAC hi-res audio, and multipoint pairing—making them superior for commutes and content consumption. However, they weigh 268g and cost $130 more. Choose AirPods if you prioritize convenience, Apple device synchronization, and portability; select the JBL Tour One M2 if you want industry-leading ANC, longer battery endurance, hi-res audio quality, and don't mind a heavier form factor. For most users seeking comprehensive features at better value, the JBL Tour One M2 represent the stronger overall package.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) | JBL Tour One M2 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 4.28 g (per bud) | 268 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 6 hrs buds, up to 30 hrs total with case | 30 hours ANC on (50 hours ANC off) |
| Charging | Lightning or MagSafe (depending on case variant) | USB-C, 10 min = 5 hours quick charge |
| Features | Apple H1 chip, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ adjusts sound to ear geometry, Skin-detect sensor for auto-play/pause, Force sensor controls, MagSafe Charging Case option | True Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0, Spatial Sound with head tracking, Personi-Fi 2.0 hearing personalization, Multipoint pairing, LDAC hi-res audio |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 (buds and case) | None |
| Drivers | — | 40mm dynamic |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Pros
- Spatial Audio with head tracking at a mid-range price
- Comfortable open-fit design — no silicone tips needed
- IPX4 water and sweat resistance on both buds and case
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration with quick pairing
- MagSafe charging case option is convenient
Cons
- No active noise cancellation
- Open-fit allows ambient noise in — poor passive isolation
- No aptX or hi-res codecs — AAC only
- Limited usefulness outside the Apple ecosystem
- Short per-charge battery life compared to ANC rivals
JBL Tour One M2
Pros
- Strong feature set including LDAC and spatial audio
- Effective adaptive ANC
- Comfortable and foldable design
- Good multipoint implementation
Cons
- Sound signature divisive out of the box
- Companion app can be buggy
- Build quality feels plasticky
- Microphone quality below class leaders
Related Comparisons
Explore more in headphones, see all Apple products or all JBL products. View full details for the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) or the JBL Tour One M2.