- News
- Posted
JBL Live Beam 4, Live Buds 4 & Live Flex 4
JBL is refreshing its Live series with three new true wireless models designed to reflect the different ways people use in-ear and open-fit earbuds in everyday life. The Live Beam 4, Live Buds 4 and Live Flex 4 all follow the same general direction - Hi-Res Audio Wireless, True Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0, JBL Spatial Sound, Bluetooth 6.0 and a new Smart Charging Case with a larger display. The differences between the three models are still significant, however, covering not only the shape of the earbuds, but also the type of fit, driver size, water and dust resistance, and battery life. As a result, the Live 4 series is not a set of three nearly identical products, but a small family of models aimed at users with different expectations - from those looking for maximum isolation, through fans of compact in-ear designs, to listeners who prefer a more open earbud construction.
The Live series has long occupied a more advanced consumer position in JBL's catalog, combining lifestyle-oriented usability with technologies that only recently were reserved for more expensive products. In this new generation, that role is especially clear, as the company has not limited itself to a visual update. Instead, it has expanded the ecosystem of features available directly through the case and the JBL Headphones app. All three models support JBL Spatial Sound, a technology designed to turn a conventional stereo signal into a more spacious listening experience. The manufacturer also highlights support for Hi-Res Audio Wireless, which is intended to improve detail reproduction when listening to music, podcasts and calls. Users can also adjust the sound to their own preferences using Personi-Fi 3.0 and the JBL Headphones app, which provides EQ settings, configuration options and location-based tools. All three models operate across a claimed frequency range of 20 Hz - 40 kHz and use dynamic drivers, with the Live Beam 4 and Live Buds 4 fitted with 10-mm units, while the Live Flex 4 uses larger 12-mm drivers.
The most visible change in the new series is the redesigned Smart Charging Case. JBL says it now works six times faster and has a display that is almost 30% larger. The new interface has more polished graphics, light and dark modes, dynamic indicators and a revised screen-unlocking method. Instead of a simple wallpaper change, users now get nine display functions, allowing them to adjust volume, skip tracks, switch ANC modes and fine-tune EQ settings without reaching for a smartphone. In practice, the case becomes an additional control panel rather than just a box for charging the earbuds.
Noise reduction is handled by True Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0 with real-time calibration. The earbuds continuously analyze the surroundings and automatically adjust the level of noise reduction, while Smart Ambient allows users to maintain contact with what is happening around them. The Live Beam 4 and Live Flex 4 also include Smart Talk, which automatically lowers the volume of the music when the user starts speaking. This is intended to make quick conversations easier without removing the earbuds or manually pausing playback. JBL has also focused on call quality. Each of the new models uses six microphones with beamforming technology and AI-based algorithms designed to reduce background sounds and improve voice clarity in difficult conditions, such as public transport or a busy street. The new series also supports LE Audio and Auracast, opening the way to more energy-efficient streaming and modern audio broadcasts. All three models support fast charging via USB-C and Qi wireless charging.
The JBL Live Beam 4 is a slim in-ear model with 10-mm dynamic drivers and an IP55 rating. It is designed to offer the longest battery life among the sealed in-ear designs in the new series. The earbuds themselves run for up to 12 hours with Bluetooth on and ANC off, up to 10 hours with ANC enabled and up to 8 hours with True Adaptive ANC active. Total battery life with the case reaches up to 48 hours. Each earbud weighs 4.85 g, while the charging case weighs 73 g. The earbuds have 65-mAh batteries, while the case uses a 680-mAh battery. A full charge from empty takes 2 hours. The JBL Live Beam 4 is priced at €199/£149/$199.
The JBL Live Buds 4 is the more compact in-ear option, also equipped with 10-mm dynamic drivers and IP55 protection. This model is intended for users who want the isolation typical of in-ear earbuds, but prefer a smaller and more compact form. The Live Buds 4 offer up to 10 hours of listening with Bluetooth on and ANC off, up to 8 hours with noise cancelling active and up to 7 hours with True Adaptive ANC. Total battery life with the case is up to 40 hours. Each earbud weighs 4.8 g, the case weighs 71 g, and battery capacity is 57 mAh in the earbuds and 590 mAh in the case. The JBL Live Buds 4 is priced at €199/£179/$199.
The JBL Live Flex 4 stands out with its open earbud design, larger 12-mm dynamic drivers and IP54 protection. This model is aimed at users who do not like conventional in-ear designs or want to maintain a more natural connection with their surroundings, while still expecting advanced features such as ANC, Smart Ambient and Smart Talk. The Live Flex 4 offers up to 10 hours of playback with Bluetooth on and ANC off, up to 7 hours with ANC enabled and up to 6 hours with True Adaptive ANC. Total battery life with the case reaches up to 50 hours, the highest figure in the series. Each earbud weighs 4.5 g, the case weighs 67.1 g, and battery capacity is 44 mAh in the earbuds and 580 mAh in the case. The JBL Live Flex 4 is priced at €199/£179/$199. Info and photos by JBL.
