Weight
- CMF Ear B173
- 5.2 g per earbud
- JBL LIVE BUDS 3
- 9.2 g per earbud
Earbud comparison
CMF Ear B173 vs JBL LIVE BUDS 3
Compare sound, battery life, fit, controls and connections.
01Selected  CMF Ear (3) B173
KSh 21,500In Stock | 02  JBL LIVE BUDS 3
KSh 19,000In Stock |
|---|
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2 of 4 products
Our quick verdict
The JBL LIVE BUDS 3 has better water and dust protection (IP55), lasts longer between charges (up to 40 hours) and is slimmer, while the CMF Ear B173 has faster recharging (1.17 hours), is lighter on the head and has larger 12 mm drivers.
Connections
- CMF Ear B173
- Bluetooth 5.4 connection
- JBL LIVE BUDS 3
- Bluetooth 5.3 connection
Fit
- CMF Ear B173
- Three pairs of ear tips
- JBL LIVE BUDS 3
- Ear tips included
Battery life
- CMF Ear B173
- Up to 5.5 hours
- JBL LIVE BUDS 3
- Up to 30 hours with the case
Controls
- CMF Ear B173
- Pinch controls on earbuds
- JBL LIVE BUDS 3
- Touch controls for playback, calls and listening modes
Key differences
The main differences to help you choose.
CMF Ear B173
- Recharges faster: 1.17 hours (vs 2 hours).
- Newer Bluetooth 5.4 (vs 5.3).
- Lighter: 5.2 g each (vs 9.2 g).
- Larger drivers: 12 mm (vs 10 mm).
- Supports spatial audio.
- Hi-Res Audio certified.
JBL LIVE BUDS 3
- IP55 water and dust resistance (vs IP54).
- Longer rated battery life: up to 40 hours (vs 5.5 hours).
- Slimmer: 15.9 mm thick (vs 20.75 mm).
- Lower price: KSh 19,000 (vs KSh 21,500).
What matters most to you?
6 priorities selected.
| Priority | CMF Ear B173 | JBL LIVE BUDS 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Three pairs of ear tips | Ear tips included |
| Weight | 5.2 g per earbud | 9.2 g per earbud |
| Battery life | Up to 5.5 hours with ANC | Up to 30 hours with the case |
| Two devices | Stays connected to two devices | Stays connected to two devices |
| Controls | Pinch controls on earbuds | Touch controls for playback, calls and listening modes |
| Noise cancellation | Active noise cancellation | Noise cancellation for listening |
| Connections | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Water resistance | IP54 water and dust resistance | IP55 water and dust resistance |
| Charging time | 70 minutes wired, 120 minutes wirelessly | 2 hours from empty |
| Drivers | 12mm dynamic driver | 10 mm dynamic drivers |
| Impedance | 32 ohms | 16Ω |
| App support | Nothing X | JBL Headphones app |
| Voice assistant | Charging-case Talk button activates voice assistant | Yes |
| Transparency / ambient mode | Yes | Ambient Aware, TalkThru |
| Case features | Protective charging case | Smart case |
Tick a topic above to see how each product answers it.
Detailed comparison
Explore the full specifications, section by section.
These products have the same published specifications.
Similarities
- Both have active noise cancellation.
- Both have an ambient mode to hear your surroundings.
- Both charge over USB-C.
- Both have built-in microphones for calls.
- Both connect over Bluetooth.
- Both use In-ear design uses sealing ear tips.
In summary
Get the JBL LIVE BUDS 3 if you want better water and dust protection and longer battery life, or the CMF Ear B173 if you would rather have faster recharging and a lighter fit.
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