JBL Live 670NC vs JBL Tune 720BT: The Ultimate Wireless Headphones Showdown

Choosing between the JBL Live 670NC and the JBL Tune 720BT can feel like a real head scratcher. Both come from one of the most trusted audio brands on the planet.

Both promise wireless freedom, long battery life, and that signature JBL bass. But they serve different listeners with different needs.

Whether you are a daily commuter, a casual listener, or someone who needs headphones that last all week, this comparison will help you decide. Stick around because by the end of this post, you will know exactly which pair belongs on your head.

Key Takeaways

• The JBL Live 670NC costs around $129.95 and features True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient mode. This makes it the better pick if you need to block out the world during commutes, flights, or noisy offices.
• The JBL Tune 720BT is priced around $49.95 to $59.95, making it a serious budget champion. It skips noise cancelling but delivers 76 hours of battery life on a single charge. That is over three full days of non stop playback.
• Both headphones use 40mm drivers and support Bluetooth 5.3, so wireless audio quality and connection stability are strong on both models. They also share the same 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range.
• Fit style differs significantly. The Live 670NC uses an on ear design at 219 grams. The Tune 720BT uses an over ear design at roughly 220 grams. Over ear headphones generally provide better passive sound isolation and comfort for long sessions.
• The JBL app works with both headphones and lets you customize your EQ settings. However, the Live 670NC gets extra app features like ANC adjustment and spatial audio support.
• If budget is your main concern, the Tune 720BT gives you incredible value. If sound isolation and premium features matter most, the Live 670NC is the smarter investment.

JBL Live 670NC: Overview and First Impressions

The JBL Live 670NC launched in early 2024 as a mid range wireless headphone with a strong feature set. It carries a retail price of about $129.95. JBL packed this model with True Adaptive Noise Cancelling, Smart Ambient mode, and support for spatial audio.

The build quality feels solid for the price. The headband uses a soft fabric material that sits comfortably on your head. The ear cushions press gently against your ears with enough padding for reasonable comfort during medium listening sessions.

First impressions are positive. The headphones feel lightweight at just 219 grams. They fold flat for easy storage in bags and backpacks. The touch controls on the right ear cup respond well to swipes and taps. JBL also included hands free voice assistant support with Amazon Alexa built in.

Pros:

• True Adaptive Noise Cancelling blocks background noise effectively
• Smart Ambient mode lets outside sounds in when you need them
• Spatial audio support creates an immersive listening experience
• Lightweight and foldable design
• JBL app offers deep customization

Cons:

• On ear fit can cause discomfort during very long sessions
• Short included audio cable at only 0.2 meters
• No aptX codec support
• 3 hour charge time is slower than some competitors

JBL Tune 720BT: Overview and First Impressions

The JBL Tune 720BT arrived in 2023 as a budget friendly over ear headphone. It sells for roughly $49.95 to $59.95 depending on the color and retailer. This price point puts it among the most affordable JBL wireless headphones available today.

The design is clean and simple. JBL used a lightweight plastic build that feels decent for the price. The over ear cups fully surround your ears. This makes them more comfortable for extended listening compared to on ear designs.

The Tune 720BT weighs about 220 grams, almost identical to the Live 670NC. It folds flat for portability. The button controls on the ear cup feel responsive and easy to use. You get a 1.2 meter audio cable included, which is a nice bonus for wired listening.

Pros:

• Exceptional 76 hour battery life
• Very affordable price point under $60
• Over ear design is comfortable for long listening sessions
• Included 1.2m audio cable for wired use
• Faster 2 hour charge time
• Foldable and lightweight

Cons:

• No active noise cancelling
• No ambient sound mode
• Sound quality is decent but not exceptional
• Build quality feels more budget oriented
• Only 1 microphone compared to 2 on the Live 670NC

Sound Quality Comparison

Both headphones use 40mm dynamic drivers. Both cover the standard 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range. Both deliver the bass forward sound signature that JBL is famous for. But the similarities end there.

The JBL Live 670NC produces what JBL calls their Signature Sound. It has a warmer, richer tone with well defined mids and clear highs. The bass hits hard without drowning out vocals and instruments. It also supports spatial audio, which adds a three dimensional feel to compatible content.

The JBL Tune 720BT uses JBL Pure Bass Sound. Bass is strong and punchy. However, the mids and highs lack the same level of detail you get from the Live 670NC. The overall sound is enjoyable for casual listening but does not impress audiophiles.

The Live 670NC has a driver sensitivity of 98 dB. The Tune 720BT comes in slightly higher at 101 dB. This means the Tune 720BT can get a bit louder at the same power level. Both have 32 ohm impedance, making them easy to drive from any smartphone or laptop.

Noise Cancelling: The Big Difference

This is where the JBL Live 670NC pulls far ahead. It features True Adaptive Noise Cancelling that adjusts in real time based on your environment. Walk into a noisy coffee shop, and the ANC ramps up automatically. Step into a quiet room, and it dials back to save battery.

The Smart Ambient mode is equally useful. It uses the external microphones to let important sounds through. You can hear traffic, announcements, or conversations without removing your headphones. This feature alone justifies the higher price for many buyers.

The JBL Tune 720BT has no active noise cancelling at all. It relies entirely on passive isolation from its over ear design. The ear cups do block some outside noise. But they cannot match the performance of dedicated ANC technology.

If you commute by train, work in a busy office, or travel by plane, the Live 670NC is clearly the better choice. If you mostly listen at home or in quiet settings, the Tune 720BT may serve you just fine.

Battery Life: A Clear Winner

Battery life is one area where the JBL Tune 720BT dominates. It delivers an incredible 76 hours of playback on a single charge. That is more than three full days of continuous music. Most users will charge these headphones once a week at most.

The JBL Live 670NC offers 65 hours of battery life without ANC. With Bluetooth and ANC active, it drops to around 50 hours. That is still excellent by any standard. But the Tune 720BT has a clear numerical advantage.

Charging speed also favors the Tune 720BT. It charges fully in about 2 hours. The Live 670NC needs roughly 3 hours for a full charge. Both support speed charging. A quick 5 minute charge gives you about 3 to 4 hours of playback on either model.

The Live 670NC packs a larger 850 mAh battery compared to the Tune 720BT’s 500 mAh battery. Despite the smaller battery, the Tune 720BT lasts longer because it has no ANC circuitry draining power.

Comfort and Fit

The fit style is fundamentally different between these two headphones. The JBL Live 670NC uses an on ear design. The ear cushions rest on top of your ears rather than around them. This keeps the headphones compact but can cause pressure and heat buildup over time.

The JBL Tune 720BT uses an over ear design. The cups surround your ears completely. This distributes pressure more evenly and reduces ear fatigue. Most users find over ear headphones more comfortable for sessions lasting several hours.

User reviews reflect this difference. The Live 670NC scored just 2 out of 10 for comfort in one user survey on Versus. The Tune 720BT earned a much higher 7.9 out of 10. Some Live 670NC users reported that the headphones hurt their ears after just 10 to 15 minutes of use.

Both headphones weigh about the same. The Live 670NC is 219 grams and the Tune 720BT is 220 grams. The weight difference is negligible. Comfort comes down to the on ear versus over ear design.

Build Quality and Design

Both headphones use plastic construction with a foldable design. Neither feels premium in hand, but both feel solid enough for daily use at their price points.

The JBL Live 670NC has a slightly more refined look. The fabric headband and cushioned ear pads give it a modern aesthetic. JBL offers it in multiple colors including black, blue, and white. The touch controls on the ear cup add a sleek, button free feel.

The JBL Tune 720BT looks clean and minimal. The plastic build is straightforward. JBL offers several color options including black, blue, purple, and white. Physical buttons handle all controls. Some users prefer buttons over touch controls because they offer tactile feedback and fewer accidental inputs.

Both models fold flat for portability. However, the Live 670NC does not include a carrying case. The Tune 720BT also lacks a carrying case. Neither headphone has an official IP rating for dust or water resistance, so keep them away from rain and sweat.

Connectivity and Bluetooth Features

Both headphones support Bluetooth 5.3. This means you get a stable wireless connection with low latency and good range. Pairing is fast and reliable on both models.

The JBL Live 670NC has a significant edge with Bluetooth LE Audio support. This newer standard offers better power efficiency and improved audio quality. It also supports multipoint connection, so you can connect to two devices at once and switch between them.

The Tune 720BT supports standard Bluetooth 5.3 without LE Audio. It includes a 3.5mm audio jack with a generous 1.2 meter cable. This lets you listen in wired mode when the battery dies or when you need a wired connection for a flight.

The Live 670NC also includes a 3.5mm option, but the cable is only 0.2 meters long. That short length makes wired use awkward unless you buy a longer cable separately. The Tune 720BT wins on wired connectivity by a wide margin.

Microphone Quality for Calls

The JBL Live 670NC has 2 microphones with noise cancelling capability. Voice calls sound clear on this model. The dual microphone setup helps filter out background noise during conversations. Your callers will hear you well in moderately noisy environments.

The JBL Tune 720BT has just 1 microphone without dedicated noise cancelling. Call quality is acceptable for quiet rooms. But background noise bleeds into calls more easily. If you take a lot of phone calls, the Live 670NC performs noticeably better.

Both headphones work as headsets for video calls on laptops and tablets. The Live 670NC handles this task more effectively thanks to its superior microphone array. For remote workers who join frequent meetings, this difference matters.

JBL App and Customization

Both headphones work with the JBL Headphones app available on iOS and Android. The app provides EQ customization so you can adjust bass, mids, and treble to your liking. Several preset EQ profiles come loaded for quick selection.

The JBL Live 670NC gets more app features than the Tune 720BT. You can adjust the ANC intensity, toggle Smart Ambient mode, enable spatial audio, and customize touch controls. The app also lets you update the firmware.

The JBL Tune 720BT has a simpler app experience. You get EQ adjustments and firmware updates. There are no ANC settings to adjust because the feature does not exist on this model. The experience is clean and straightforward, which some users actually prefer.

Both headphones support voice assistants. The Live 670NC has built in Amazon Alexa support with hands free activation. The Tune 720BT supports Google Assistant and Siri through your connected phone.

Price and Value for Money

The price gap between these two headphones is significant. The JBL Live 670NC retails at about $129.95. The JBL Tune 720BT sells for roughly $49.95 to $59.95. That makes the Tune 720BT less than half the cost.

The Tune 720BT offers outstanding value. You get Bluetooth 5.3, 76 hours of battery, JBL Pure Bass Sound, and a comfortable over ear fit for under $60. Few headphones at this price deliver so much.

The Live 670NC justifies its higher price with ANC, Smart Ambient mode, spatial audio, better microphones, and LE Audio support. These features add real daily utility. If you value silence during commutes or calls, the extra $70 to $80 is money well spent.

User reviews on Versus rate the Tune 720BT 8.3 out of 10 for value. The Live 670NC gets 8.0 out of 10. Both score well, but the Tune 720BT edges ahead slightly because it over delivers at its budget price point.

Who Should Buy the JBL Live 670NC?

The Live 670NC fits you best if you commute in noisy environments. Trains, buses, crowded streets, and open offices all become quieter with ANC active. The Smart Ambient mode keeps you safe and aware when you need it.

This headphone also suits people who value call quality. The dual microphone setup with noise cancelling delivers cleaner voice calls. Remote workers and frequent callers will appreciate this advantage.

If you enjoy spatial audio for movies or supported music, the Live 670NC delivers that experience. It creates a wider, more immersive soundstage that the Tune 720BT simply cannot replicate.

Choose this model if your budget allows $130 and you want a feature rich listening experience. The extra investment pays off with daily use in noisy settings.

Who Should Buy the JBL Tune 720BT?

The Tune 720BT is perfect for budget conscious buyers who want solid wireless headphones without spending much. Students, first time headphone buyers, and casual listeners will find great value here.

If battery life is your top priority, nothing in this comparison beats 76 hours. You can go nearly an entire week between charges with moderate daily use. This makes the Tune 720BT ideal for travelers who forget to charge their gear.

The over ear comfort also makes this a strong pick for people who wear headphones for hours at a time. Gamers, podcast listeners, and work from home users who keep headphones on all day will find the Tune 720BT more comfortable than the on ear Live 670NC.

Choose this model if you want a reliable, affordable, and comfortable pair of wireless headphones without the bells and whistles.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Pick?

The JBL Live 670NC is the better headphone overall. It has ANC, better sound, better microphones, and more features. But it costs more than double the price of the Tune 720BT and has a less comfortable on ear fit.

The JBL Tune 720BT is the better value. It costs less, lasts longer on a charge, feels more comfortable, and still sounds good for its price. It lacks ANC and advanced features, but many listeners do not need those.

Pick the Live 670NC if noise cancelling, call quality, and audio features top your list. Pick the Tune 720BT if comfort, battery life, and affordability matter most. Both are solid JBL headphones. Your daily routine and budget should guide your final decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the JBL Tune 720BT have noise cancelling?

No, the JBL Tune 720BT does not have active noise cancelling. It relies on passive noise isolation from its over ear design. The ear cups block some ambient noise, but they cannot compete with dedicated ANC like the JBL Live 670NC offers.

How long does the JBL Live 670NC battery last with ANC on?

The JBL Live 670NC provides about 50 hours of playback with Bluetooth and ANC both active. With ANC turned off, battery life extends to approximately 65 hours. Both figures are impressive for a headphone at this price.

Can I use the JBL Live 670NC and Tune 720BT with a wire?

Yes, both headphones include a 3.5mm audio cable for wired listening. The Live 670NC comes with a short 0.2 meter cable. The Tune 720BT includes a much longer 1.2 meter cable that is more practical for everyday wired use.

Are the JBL Tune 720BT good for working out?

The Tune 720BT has no official water or sweat resistance rating. They are over ear headphones that can get warm during exercise. They work best for casual listening, commuting, and home use rather than intense workouts.

Which headphones are more comfortable for long sessions?

The JBL Tune 720BT is more comfortable for long listening sessions. Its over ear design surrounds the ears and distributes pressure evenly. The Live 670NC uses an on ear design that can cause discomfort and pressure after extended wear.

Do both headphones work with the JBL app?

Yes, both the JBL Live 670NC and JBL Tune 720BT work with the free JBL Headphones app on iOS and Android. The app provides EQ customization for both models. The Live 670NC gets additional controls for ANC, ambient mode, and spatial audio.

Last update on 2026-05-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API