New & Now: JBL Live Beam 3

There's something you thought you'd never need or love: JBL touchscreen earbuds. We got a first look at them back at CES 2024 (head over to that CES JBL post to see some of the brand's innovative products for 2024). Now that they're available, it's easy to see that the JBL Live Beam 3 earbuds exceed all expectations with a touchscreen case that allows users to customize sound easily. Control elements like volume, noise cancellation and so much more, all without the need to dive deep into the JBL app. In fact, you don't even have to unlock your phone. Keep it all under control with the 1.45-inch screen on the charging case. And while these unique JBL touchscreen earbuds bring the unique ability to control your music right to your case, there's much more that these hi-res earbuds can do.

When you think of high-resolution audio, you likely don't picture a pair of tiny earbuds. But the JBL Live Beam 3 features powerful 10mm drivers in each bud, delivering impressive sound quality at any volume. Whether you're listening to classic rock or new R&B music, you'll hear mighty, deep bass. Thanks to JBL Signature Sound, mids and highs come across beautifully as well. 

What's next? Spatial sound. JBL Spatial Sound places you in the center of your music, podcast or TV show, making it seem like you're listening to audio live. Sound comes from all around you thanks to this next-gen audio feature, making you feel like you're in the middle of the music.

These earbuds go even further with adaptive noise cancellation, and not just any ANC. This ANC can be controlled from the touchscreen. The JBL Live Beam 3 earbuds feature four microphones to help keep external sound out when you want to stay in your own sonic bubble. Adjust just how much noise cancellation you're hoping for on the case's screen. There's no need to open up an app or even unlock your phone.

A touchscreen on the JBL Live Beam 3 headphones is exciting, but what can it do practically? We've already mentioned that you can use it to adjust things like volume and ANC, but there's more. This area functions as a focal operations point: swipe between screens to adjust playback, spatial sound, EQ, and remaining battery lifethere's even a Find My earbuds function. Use this space to get notifications, start or stop a timer, or even use a flashlight. Have fun changing the background for the case's screen, too.

These are all things you could do in the JBL app; but you don't have to, because you can adjust the JBL Live Beam 3 earbuds with just a tap. There's no need to pull out your phone and open an app to tweak simple or complex settings. With these JBL touchscreen earbuds, the design centers around next-gen simplicity.

There's more to these headphones than just the screen. Anytime you buy wireless earbuds, you have to consider the practical aspects (instead of the wow factor). Things like battery life are always important: on a single charge, this pair of earbuds will go for 12 hours, and the case can hold another 36 hours within. The quick charge feature is impressive as well. Hoping to get a few extra hours of music on the fly? Power up for ten minutes and you'll have four extra hours of power. That makes the JBL Live Beam 3 a great choice for travelers, students, those who work in offices and anyone who wants to listen to music on the run.

Another pro-level plus? These JBL touchscreen earbuds have multi-point connection capabilities and can connect to two devices at once. Laptop and phone, TV and tablet, you name it: if it's Bluetooth, you can connect to it.

Whatever you're connected to, you won't have to worry much about loss or damage. These headphones are equipped with Google Finder. Google Finder uses their network of over 3 million Android devices to help pinpoint your device's location. You've invested in these headphones, and the last thing you want to do is lose them. Plus, they're IP55 rated, making them rain- and splash-proof and relatively resistant to dust. To get a better idea of IP ratings, read up with our article on IP waterproof ratings.

If you're considering a new pair of earbuds, the JBL Live Beam 3 should absolutely be on your list. These are $50 less than many competitors at the time of publishing all while keeping the best features, like spatial audio, ANC, impressive battery life and an exciting screen. With competitive pricing and capabilities, these are the perfect pick for any music lover. If you have any questions about these headphones, we're here to help. Reach out to our team at 800-860-3577, or do some research with our guide to headphones.