JBL Live 660NC vs Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
The Verdict
JBL Live 660NC and Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro serve different needs with distinct strengths. JBL's over-ear design delivers exceptional battery longevity, reaching 40 hours with ANC enabled and 50 hours without, plus genuine multipoint Bluetooth for seamless device switching. Samsung's in-ear design prioritizes portability and audio sophistication, featuring a custom coaxial dual-driver system with 360 Audio and head tracking, alongside IPX7 water resistance for durability. Battery life favors JBL significantly at 40 hours versus Samsung's 5-hour earbud capacity, though Samsung's case extends total to 18 hours. Sound quality leans toward Samsung's advanced driver configuration and codec support, while comfort depends on personal preference between over-ear and in-ear forms. JBL excels for travel and all-day use, Samsung for active listeners wanting premium audio in compact form. At $149 versus $229, JBL offers superior value for battery life; Samsung justifies premium pricing through audio engineering and water resistance. Choose JBL for endurance and savings, Samsung for audio quality and portability.
Who Should Buy
Buy the JBL Live 660NC if…
- →40-hour battery with ANC is exceptional at $149
- →JBL's signature fun sound profile is engaging for pop and rock
- →Multipoint Bluetooth connects two devices simultaneously
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro if…
- →24-bit Samsung Seamless codec for Hi-Fi audio quality on Galaxy devices
- →360 Audio with head tracking creates an immersive surround experience
- →Compact and lightweight at 5.5 g per earbud for comfortable fit
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
JBL Live 660NC
Pros
- 40-hour battery with ANC is exceptional at $149
- JBL's signature fun sound profile is engaging for pop and rock
- Multipoint Bluetooth connects two devices simultaneously
- Built-in voice assistant support for hands-free control
- Comfortable lightweight fit for extended wear
Cons
- ANC is decent but noticeably behind Sony and Bose
- No LDAC or aptX codecs — limited to AAC
- Bluetooth 5.0 is a generation behind newer models
- Plastic build doesn't feel premium
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
Pros
- 24-bit Samsung Seamless codec for Hi-Fi audio quality on Galaxy devices
- 360 Audio with head tracking creates an immersive surround experience
- Compact and lightweight at 5.5 g per earbud for comfortable fit
- IPX7 water resistance handles sweat and rain confidently
- Voice Detect automatically pauses and enables transparency mode
Cons
- Samsung Seamless codec only works with Samsung Galaxy devices
- 5-hour ANC battery life is short — case extends to 18 hours
- No multipoint Bluetooth for dual-device connectivity
- Touch controls can be finicky and hard to activate consistently
- ANC is not as strong as Sony WF-1000XM5 or AirPods Pro 2
Full Specifications
| Spec | JBL Live 660NC | Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 260 g | 5.5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 40 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off) | 5 hrs (earbuds with ANC), 18 hrs total with case |
| Charging | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 4 hrs | USB-C, Qi wireless, 5 min = 1 hr playback |
| Drivers | 40 mm | Custom coaxial 2-way driver (10mm woofer + 5.3mm tweeter) |
| Features | Adaptive Noise Cancelling, Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes, JBL Signature Sound, Multipoint Bluetooth connection, Google Assistant and Alexa built-in, Speed Charge support | Intelligent ANC with 3 adjustable levels, 360 Audio with head tracking, SmartThings Find for locating lost earbuds, Auto Switch between Samsung devices, Voice Detect for automatic transparency mode |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | Samsung Seamless (24-bit), AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IPX7 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all JBL products or all Samsung products. View full details for the JBL Live 660NC or the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro.