JBL Live Flex 4 review: excellent open-fit earbuds that rival Apples AirPods

Date:
Sat, 26 Sep 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Description:
I tested the JBL Live Flex 4 and found them to be an excellent pair of open-fit buds, with impressive sound quality, genuinely decent ANC, and even
a smart charging case.

FULL STORY ======================================================================JBL
Live Flex 4 review The JBL Live Flex 4 might be the perfect option for you if you want earbuds that put comfort first. Their lightweight, relaxed fit is perfect for listening on the go, meaning that, unlike some earbuds with a tight in-ear seal, they won't get tiresome or irritating after a while. And yet you can use them with ANC or transparency modes, giving you the option to shut the outside world out, or stay aware of your surroundings to impressive effect.

But perhaps the real draw of the JBL Live Flex 4 is their smart charging
case. It has a touchscreen equipped, enabling you to adjust ANC, EQ, playback and more, all without having to whip out your source device. If your phone or music streamer is in your bag or if you dont want to go to the hassle of opening up the JBL Headphones app, this is pretty convenient. Is the smart case gimmicky? Maybe a bit, but I like a good gimmick from time to time. And it's super-responsive, with a massive quantity of features onboard. Other
than those I mentioned above, the Flex 4 case lets you alter speech for calling, toggle spatial audio, switch audio source, and even use tools such
as a timer and flashlight. As a result, these earbuds easily rival the very best wireless earbuds when it comes to features and usability. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

The JBL Headphones app does offer a bit more functionality, though. For example, it gives you the ability to set a custom wallpaper for your earbuds case, and activate the higher-resolution codec, LDAC, which can provide
better quality playback if your source device is compatible. Most Android phones support LDAC, though iPhone users wont be able to make use of it. (Image credit: Future) JBL Live Flex 4 (Orange) at Amazon for 135 Ive mentioned ANC a few times, and I have to say, its surprisingly effective
here. You see, the JBL Live Buds 4 and JBL Live Beam 4 offer an in-ear seal, so I expected a lot from them in terms of noise-cancelling but they ended up being fairly middling in this area for me. Compared to the competition, however, I found the Live Flex 4 to be pretty adept at muffling my surroundings.

Sure, the open architecture means that harsher sounds will seep in, but when on walks and working in the office, sounds like cars passing by and
colleagues typing were subdued to decent effect. Again, the open design has its limitations, but the improved True Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0 on the Flex 4 proved to be a hit on this model.

The six-microphone system of the Flex 4 also means that calls are clear and although my voice wasnt always the most defined against background noise, I found my speech to be perfectly comprehensible, especially when making a recording and listening back to my voice. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Whats more, these buds offer pretty solid battery life. You get seven hours from the Flex 4 with ANC on, up to 10 hours with ANC off, and a maximum of 48 hours with the case. Thats a lot better than the new AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging, which sits at a similar price-point (although Apple 's offering is just slightly cheaper). The Flex 4 also support wireless charging, which is always nice to have.

But here comes the crucial question: do the JBL Live Flex 4 sound any good? Well, let me begin by saying that the Live Buds 4 and Live Beam 4 perform better than these and this comes down solely to the more relaxed fit, which means that sound is less concentrated in your ear canals, and low frequencies especially are less impactful.

This is why I typically steer clear of open-fit earbuds like the non-pro variants of the AirPods, for example. But actually, the Flex 4 ended up performing admirably, despite the limitations of the design.

They conjure up a relatively wide, spacious soundstage and, despite being open-fit earbuds, have pretty impactful bass too. With the default Studio EQ, the Flex 4 offer decent balance across the frequency range, although I did find that they were a little lacking in the low-end, but that was nothing
that a swift EQ tweak in the 32-250Hz range couldnt fix.

When tuning into Take Five by Dave Brubeck, I was treated to an expansive listen. Drums in the treble range sounded beautifully weighted and
expressive, keys and lead saxophone were separated neatly, and double bass came through with a rich, full-bodied quality. Making use of LDAC took the experience to the next level too, with some added intricacies in the
mid-range and finer detailing in percussion.

With Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley, guitar in the opening and vocals didnt quite have the texture or resolution that more premium earbuds can supply, but
still sounded clear and well-defined in the mix, even at the highest volumes.

And the earbuds performed well with just about every genre I threw at them. Even with the tech house track, Fascinator by Max Dean, pumping bass hit with phenomenal impact, and never seemed lethargic or overbearing. Vocal chops
came through with clarity, and sub-bass though not the most regimented or powerful Ive heard was prominent and didnt muddy sounds elsewhere in the frequency range.

One thing I wasnt so keen on, though, was the spatial audio mode. You have to switch LDAC off to access this (which is normal), but it doesnt sound
anywhere near as clean or precise as the standard tuning, so I decided to leave it off the vast majority of the time. (Image credit: Future) I also
want to touch on the look and design of the JBL Live Flex 4. Again, the buds are very comfortable in use, and although they offer a relaxed fit, I never felt as if they would fall out of my ears or leak excessive amounts of sound. The buds are also IP54-rated, meaning theyre protected against dust ingress and splashes of water, so it was never an issue if I wanted to use them on a rainy day.

Are the Flex 4 the most premium looking earbuds around? Perhaps not. They
have a bit of a plasticky look, and dont feel particularly luxurious. But their curved design is fairly attractive, and the case itself is finished to
a high standard. The Flex 4 are also available in a wide range of colors,
with plenty of vibrant options to choose from for those seeking a stand-out aesthetic.

Lets conclude, then, by discussing price. The JBL Live Flex 4 come in at 179.99 (about $240 / AU$340), which means they cost about the same as their predecessors, the JBL Live Flex 3. Are they worth it? Well, for me, the
answer is yes. They provide very solid sound quality, a fun and feature-rich smart case, genuinely good ANC for open-fit earbuds, and decent battery life to boot.

As a result, I consider the JBL Live Flex 4 to be a great pair of wireless earbuds that are more than worthy of my recommendation. Theyre not perfect, and the open design comes with its ups and downs, but for the cost youre getting great all-rounders that feel like a great alternative to the AirPods
5 with Wireless Charging especially for Android users who want advanced features and higher-res Bluetooth streaming. (Image credit: Future) JBL Live Flex 4 review: price & release date 179.99 (about $240 / AU$340) Revealed in May 2026 The JBL Live Flex 4 were revealed in May 2026, alongside their siblings, the JBL Live Beam 4 and JBL Live Buds 4 . They arrived on the
market about two years after their predecessor, the JBL Live Flex 3, was released.

JBLs new open-fit earbuds come in at 179.99 (about $240 / AU$340), about the same as their predecessors cost when they launched (in the UK, that is). Ive seen some limited availability in Australia, but theres no news of a release date or pricing for the US just yet well update this review if and when further details emerge, though.

In terms of competition, the Live Flex 4 have one clear rival: the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging. This model comes in at $149 / 149 / AU$219. And while we've yet to finalise our full review there, AirPods are stylish, offer impressive sound, a range of perks for iPhone owners and surprisingly effective ANC but, of course, they dont have the Flex 4s nifty smart
charging case. JBL Live Flex 4 review: specs Swipe to scroll horizontally

Drivers

12mm dynamic

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Battery life

7 hours (buds, with ANC on); 10 hours (buds, with ANC off); up to 48 hours (with charging case)

Weight

4.8g (per bud)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Frequency range

20Hz-40kHz

Waterproofing

IP54 (Image credit: Future) Should I buy the JBL Live Flex 4? Swipe to scroll horizontally

Attribute

Notes

Score

Features

Nifty smart case has no shortage of options, ANC good given limitations of open-fit earbuds.

4.5/5

Sound quality

Solid performance across the frequency range, with a spacious soundstage to match.

4/5

Design

Not the most premium-looking buds, but relaxed fit and customizable case are
a hit.

4.5/5

Value

A fitting price for the sound and features on board.

4.5/5 Buy them if

You prefer a more open-style earbud What makes the Live Flex 4 stand out
from their siblings is their open-style design. Their more relaxed, low-key fit is ideal for anyone who dislikes the sensation of earbuds that require a proper in-ear seal, which can become irritating for some listeners after a while.

Youre enticed by the smart charging case If youre intrigued by the Flex 4s interactive, touchscreen-fitted charging case, then Ive got good news: it works really well. Sure, its a bit gimmicky, and you can perform all of the functions it provides (and more) with the JBL Headphones app, but its a convenient option if you have your source device in a bag, or want
ultra-quick access to settings. Dont buy them if

Premium sound is a must for you While the Flex 4 sound good for a pair of open-fit earbuds, their design architecture is inherently limiting as far as audio fidelity goes. Their siblings, the Live Beam 4 and Live Buds 4, provide a proper in-ear seal, allowing them to deliver a bit more low-end thump and detail.

You want amazing noise cancelling While I actually think that the Live Flex
4 perform well in the ANC department especially considering that theyre open-style earbuds theyre still not going to give you that layer of the silence that proper in-ear models can give you. Of course, if you want the best of the best in the noise-crushing world, then it's worth checking out
the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Gen 2 . JBL Live Flex 4 review: also consider Swipe to scroll horizontally Row 0 - Cell 0

JBL Live Flex 4

AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging

Huawei Freebuds Pro 5

Price

179.99 (about $240 / AU$340)

$149 / 149 / AU$219

179.99 (about $240 / AU$340)

Drivers

12mm dynamic

High-excursion dynamic

11mm dynamic woofer and micro-planar tweeter

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Yes

Yes

Battery life

7 hours (buds, with ANC on); 10 hours (buds, with ANC off); up to 48 hours (with charging case)

5 hours (buds, with ANC on); (buds, with ANC off); 22 hours (with charging case)

6 hours (buds, with ANC on); 9 hours (buds, with ANC off); up to 38 hours (with charging case)

Weight

4.8g (per bud)

4.3g (per bud)

5.5g (per bud)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 6.0

Frequency range

20Hz-40kHz

Not stated

10Hz-48kHz

Waterproofing

IP54

IP57

IP57 (buds); IP54 (case)

AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Could there be a clearer competitor for the Live Flex 4? The AirPoids 5 with Wireless Charging take up an open-fit design but pair it with noise-cancelling capabilities, and are also priced very similarly to their JBL rival, albeit a little cheaper. If youve got an Apple device, these are bound to be a strong option, with impressive sound quality, solid ANC, and gorgeous looks though Android users may find them to be limited, features-wise, and they leave a lot to be desired when it comes to battery life. While our AirPods 5 reviews are still in progress, you can read our full AirPods 4 with ANC review (and look for discounts on the older model).

Huawei Freebuds Pro 5 OK, these are a little different, as they provide an actual seal more like the JBL Live Beam 4. But if thats all good with you, then the Huawei Freebuds Pro 5 are certainly worth checking out. We awarded them the elusive five-star rating, thanks to their impeccable noise cancelling, ultra-comfortable fit, and broad set of features oh, and they sound pretty good as well. Read our full Huawei Freebuds Pro 5 review . How I tested the JBL Live Flex 4 (Image credit: Future) Spent two weeks testing
Used in the office and while out and about Mainly streamed music over Tidal I spent two weeks testing the JBL Live Flex 4, testing them out at home, in an office environment, and while out on walks. This enabled me to get a strong grasp of their ANC capabilities, and understand what its like to live with them over a sustained period.

When listening to music, I typically streamed tracks over Tidal on my Xiaomi 17 phone, which supports LDAC, enabling me to get the highest quality listen out of the Flex 4 that I could. As always, I sifted through the TechRadar reference playlist to begin with, but I also bumped a bunch of tracks from my personal library.

More generally, Ive spent years testing audio gear here at TechRadar, where I serve as a Senior Reviews Writer. Ive put all sorts of audio tech to the
test, be that premium wireless headphones like the Sony 1000X The Collexion
or party speakers such as the Marshall Bromley 450 . Ive also reviewed a wide range of earbuds, including open-ear models like the Anker Soundcore AeroClip and the Edifier LolliClip . Read TechRadars reviews guarantee First reviewed: September 2026 JBL Live Flex 4: Price Comparison 179.99 135 View 179.99
135.99 View voucher gift 135.99 View 179.99 145.99 View 179.99 View Show more We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices powered by



======================================================================
Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/audio/earbuds-airpods/jbl-live-flex-4-review


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)