JBL Live 770NC vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
Choosing between JBL Live 770NC and Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) can be tricky. Both are excellent, but they serve different priorities. This guide highlights what matters for US shoppers.
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JBL Live 770NC
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
Comparison: JBL Live 770NC vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
JBL Live 770NC
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
| Criterion | JBL Live 770NC | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(1,519)Amazon | ★4.6(3,079)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 + 3.5mm AUX (wired) | Bluetooth 5.0; USB-C (charging + lossless wired audio) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.3 (LE Audio ready via OTA update) | 5.0 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC (LC3 ready via future update) | AAC, SBC (Wireless); ALAC (Wired via USB-C) |
ANC | Yes (True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with 4 noise-sensing mics) | Yes (Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation) |
Transparency | Yes (Smart Ambient / TalkThru) | Yes (Transparency mode) |
Drivers | 40mm Dynamic Drivers (JBL Signature Sound) | 40mm Apple-designed dynamic driver |
Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz (Wireless) / 20 Hz – 40,000 Hz (Wired) | Not officially specified |
Microphones | 2 Beamforming Microphones for calls (Wind-noise reduction) | 9 mics (8 for ANC, 3 for voice pickup - 2 shared) |
Battery Life | Up to 65 hours (ANC off) / Up to 50 hours (ANC on) | Up to 20 h (with ANC/Spatial Audio) |
Battery Life | N/A (No charging case) | N/A (Smart Case preserves battery, does not charge) |
Charging | USB-C; Full charge in 3 hours; 5 min charge = 4 hours playback | USB-C |
Multipoint | Yes (Multi-point connection for 2 devices) | Automatic Switching (Apple ecosystem only) |
Low Latency Mode | Yes (Video Mode available via JBL Headphones App) | Ultra-low latency via USB-C (wired) |
Wired Mode | Yes (Detachable 3.5mm audio cable included; Microphone DOES NOT work in wired mode) | Yes (Lossless digital audio via USB-C cable) |
Water Resistance | No (No IP rating stated) | None |
Weight | 9.03 oz (256 g) | 0.85 lb (385 g) |
Controls | Physical Buttons (Volume, Power, Bluetooth) + Touch Control on earcup (Voice Assistant, ANC) | Digital Crown (volume/control), Noise Control button |
App Eq | JBL Headphones App (Personi-Fi 2.0, Parametric EQ, Spatial Sound) | iOS Settings (Headphone Accommodations) |
Extras | JBL Spatial Sound; Auto Play/Pause; Google Finder support; Comfort-fit fabric headband | Personalized Spatial Audio; Find My support; Smart Case (low power mode) |
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JBL Live 770NC
✓ Pros:
- • Excellent battery life (up to 65 hours) minimizes charging frequency
- • Personi-Fi 2.0 adapts the sound profile to your specific hearing capabilities
- • True Adaptive ANC effectively adjusts to changing environments automatically
- • Lightweight design with a fabric headband ensures comfort for long sessions
- • Supports Bluetooth Multipoint for seamless switching between phone and laptop
✗ Cons:
- • Microphone functionality is disabled when using the wired connection
- • Lacks high-bitrate codecs like LDAC or aptX at launch
- • No official water resistance (IP) rating makes them unsuitable for heavy workouts
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Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
✓ Pros:
- • Seamless switching and integration within Apple ecosystem
- • Class-leading ANC and Transparency modes
- • Native Lossless Audio support via USB-C cable
- • Premium build quality with breathable mesh canopy
✗ Cons:
- • Heavier than most competitors (385g)
- • Smart Case offers minimal physical protection
- • Retains older H1 chip (misses Adaptive Audio/Conversation Awareness)
- • Expensive MSRP ($549) unchanged
- • No official water resistance rating
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Which one is better?
Looking at user satisfaction (JBL Live 770NC: 4.6★ vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C): 4.6★), JBL Live 770NC pulls ahead. The gap is small—choose based on the priorities below.
Who should buy each?
JBL Live 770NC excels at: Excellent battery life (up to 65 hours) minimizes charging frequency, Personi-Fi 2.0 adapts the sound profile to your specific hearing capabilities
Watch for: Microphone functionality is disabled when using the wired connection
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) excels at: Seamless switching and integration within Apple ecosystem, Class-leading ANC and Transparency modes
Watch for: Heavier than most competitors (385g)
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
JBL Live 770NC excels if you value excellent battery life (up to 65 hours) minimizes charging frequency. Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is better if you prioritize seamless switching and integration within apple ecosystem. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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