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Choosing between an over ear vs on ear noise cancelling headphone often comes down to how you prefer your fit. Both the Beats Studio Pro and JBL Live 670NC offer wireless connectivity and active noise cancellation. The primary difference lies in their design. The Beats model features an over-ear fit with a focus on immersive audio. The JBL option uses an on-ear design with a longer battery life. You should consider these distinct physical attributes when making your decision.

Fit

Over-Ear

On-Ear

Battery Life

not listed

Up to 65 hours (BT on/ANC off)

Audio Technology

Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking

JBL Spatial Sound with virtual surround sound

Noise Control

Fully-adaptive Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency mode

True Adaptive ANC and Smart Ambient

Connectivity

Bluetooth with one-touch pairing

Bluetooth with MultiPoint connection to two devices

Weight

not listed

15.7 ounces

Choose the first if

  • You prefer an over-ear fit for a more immersive listening experience
  • You want personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
  • You are using an Apple device for seamless one-touch pairing

Choose the second if

  • You need up to 65 hours of battery life on a single charge
  • You want to connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously
  • You prefer an on-ear design that is lighter and more portable

Verdict

Choose the Beats Studio Pro if you prioritize an over-ear fit and immersive spatial audio features. Select the JBL Live 670NC if you need longer battery life and the ability to connect to multiple devices at once.

Beats vs JBL Headphone Specs

fit and comfort

Edge: Tie

The Beats Studio Pro uses an over-ear design that fully encloses your ears. This style typically offers better passive noise isolation and a more secure seal for active noise cancellation. The JBL Live 670NC features an on-ear fit that rests directly on the ear cartilage. On-ear models are often lighter and less bulky, making them easier to pack. However, the pressure from the ear cups can become uncomfortable during long listening sessions. You should choose the over-ear Beats for maximum isolation or the on-ear JBL for portability and a lighter feel.

battery life

Edge: JBL Live 670NC On-Ear Headphones

Battery performance is a key differentiator between these two models. The JBL Live 670NC provides up to 65 hours of playback with Bluetooth enabled and noise cancellation turned off. With both features active, you get 50 hours. The Beats Studio Pro specifications do not list a specific hour count for battery life. The JBL also supports fast charging, offering four additional hours of playback from just five minutes of charging. If long wireless endurance is your priority, the JBL offers a clear advantage with its substantial battery capacity and quick charge feature.

driver technology

Edge: JBL Live 670NC On-Ear Headphones

Sound reproduction relies on the internal drivers. The JBL Live 670NC utilizes 40mm drivers to deliver its audio output. These drivers power the JBL Signature Sound and support the virtual surround sound experience. The Beats Studio Pro does not specify driver size in the provided data. Instead, it highlights a custom acoustic platform designed for rich, immersive sound. Both products aim for high-quality audio, but the JBL provides concrete driver specifications while the Beats focuses on its proprietary acoustic tuning. You may prefer the known 40mm driver size of the JBL for technical clarity.

noise control

Edge: Tie

Both headphones include active noise cancellation to reduce ambient noise. The Beats Studio Pro offers fully-adaptive ANC alongside a Transparency mode that lets outside sounds in. The JBL Live 670NC features True Adaptive ANC that adjusts in real time using two noise-sensing microphones. It also includes Smart Ambient mode for awareness. The JBL explicitly mentions the use of dual microphones for its adaptive technology. The Beats description focuses on the adaptive nature without specifying microphone count. Both provide effective noise management, though the JBL details its sensor-based approach more thoroughly.

spatial audio

Edge: Beats Studio Pro Renewed Wireless Headphones

Immersive audio features differ between the two brands. The Beats Studio Pro includes personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. This feature places you at the center of a 360-degree listening experience. The JBL Live 670NC offers JBL Spatial Sound, which turns stereo content into virtual surround sound. It does not mention head tracking. The Beats option provides a more advanced interactive experience by tracking your head movements. The JBL focuses on expanding the soundstage through virtual processing. If you want dynamic head tracking, the Beats Studio Pro is the superior choice for spatial immersion.

Which headphones suit your needs

Long battery life seekers

Our pick: JBL Live 670NC On-Ear Headphones

The JBL Live 670NC provides up to 65 hours of playback with Bluetooth on and noise cancellation off. You get 50 hours with both active. Fast charging adds four hours in just five minutes. This endurance supports all-day travel without frequent recharging needs.

Apple ecosystem users

Our pick: Beats Studio Pro Renewed Wireless Headphones

The Beats Studio Pro offers one-touch pairing and native features for Apple devices. You get personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking for a 360-degree experience. The lossless audio via USB-C and distinct sound profiles enhance compatibility with your existing Apple hardware setup.

Comfort and portability fans

Our pick: JBL Live 670NC On-Ear Headphones

The JBL Live 670NC features an on-ear fit that is lighter and more compact. You benefit from auto play and pause sensors that stop music when removed. The on-ear design is generally more portable for commuting or storage compared to larger over-ear models.

#ProductBest forPrice
1Beats Studio Pro Renewed Wireless Headphonesover-ear comfort and spatial audio immersion
2JBL Live 670NC On-Ear HeadphonesLong battery life and spatial audio
1
Beats Studio Pro Renewed Wireless Headphones

Beats Studio Pro Renewed Wireless Headphones

Best for: over-ear comfort and spatial audio immersion

Fit
Over-Ear
Noise Control
Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency
Connectivity
Bluetooth, USB-C
Form Factor
Over-The-Ear
Spatial Audio
Personalized Spatial Audio
Connection
Wireless

The Beats Studio Pro is a wireless over-ear headphone with active noise cancelling. It offers lossless audio via USB-C and Bluetooth. You get two listening modes: adaptive ANC and transparency. Personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking adds immersion. This renewed model provides a practical option for those who prefer over-ear comfort and strong brand integration.

Pros
  • Over-ear fit for comfortable all-day wear
  • Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling blocks external sound
  • Lossless audio support through USB-C connection
  • Personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
Cons
  • Renewed status means it is pre-owned rather than new
  • On-ear competitors like JBL Live 670NC offer a lighter on-ear fit
  • One Size fit may not accommodate all head shapes perfectly
Good fit if
  • You prefer the secure seal of over-ear headphones
  • You want adaptive noise cancelling for travel or work
  • You value spatial audio with head tracking for media
Skip if
  • You strictly require brand-new inventory with full warranty
  • You prefer a lightweight on-ear design for portability
  • You need a headphone that fits all head sizes universally

Verdict: Beats Studio Pro Over-Ear ANC delivers immersive sound with adaptive noise cancelling and spatial audio. It fits you well if you prioritize over-ear comfort and lossless audio options over new condition.

2
JBL Live 670NC On-Ear Headphones

JBL Live 670NC On-Ear Headphones

Best for: Long battery life and spatial audio

Fit
On-Ear
Noise Control
Adaptive ANC, Smart Ambient
Battery Life
Up to 65 hours
Connectivity
Bluetooth
Form Factor
On-Ear
Spatial Audio
JBL Spatial Sound

The JBL Live 670NC are wireless on-ear headphones featuring adaptive noise cancelling and JBL Spatial Sound. They offer up to 65 hours of battery life with fast charging. The 40mm drivers provide a virtual surround experience. You get multi-point Bluetooth connection and an auto play/pause sensor. These headphones weigh 15.7 ounces and fit on your ears rather than around them.

Pros
  • Up to 65 hours of battery life
  • Adaptive noise cancelling with Smart Ambient
  • JBL Spatial Sound with 40mm drivers
  • Multi-point Bluetooth connection
  • Auto play/pause sensor
Cons
  • On-ear fit may feel less isolating than over-ear designs
  • Heavier build at 15.7 ounces
  • Battery drops to 50 hours with ANC enabled
Good fit if
  • You want long battery life for travel
  • You prefer on-ear headphones for lighter wear
  • You need multi-device connectivity
Skip if
  • You need full over-ear comfort
  • You prioritize maximum noise isolation
  • You prefer lighter headphones under 12 ounces

Verdict: JBL Live 670NC On-Ear headphones suit listeners who value extended battery life and spatial audio in a compact on-ear form factor.

Specifications side by side

SpecBeats Studio Pro Renewed Wireless HeadphonesJBL Live 670NC On-Ear Headphones
Noise ControlActive Noise Cancelling, TransparencyAdaptive ANC, Smart Ambient
Battery Life–Up to 65 hours
ConnectivityBluetooth, USB-CBluetooth
Form FactorOver-The-EarOn-Ear
Spatial AudioPersonalized Spatial AudioJBL Spatial Sound
ConnectionWirelessWireless
FitOver-EarOn-Ear
FeaturesActive Noise CancellingBluetooth, Microphone
ColorMatte PinkWhite
Dimensions–2 × 8 × 9 inches
Weight–15.7 ounces
SizeOne SizeOne Size
ModelME2E4LL/AJBLLIVE670NCWHTAM

Frequently asked questions

Are over-ear headphones better for noise cancellation?

Yes, over-ear designs generally provide superior noise isolation. The Beats Studio Pro fully encloses your ears, creating a secure seal. This physical barrier enhances the effectiveness of its active noise cancelling features. It is ideal if you prioritize immersive sound and comfort in noisy environments.

Do on-ear headphones offer good battery life?

On-ear models can offer impressive endurance. The JBL Live 670NC delivers up to 65 hours of playback with Bluetooth on and noise cancellation off. You still get 50 hours with active noise cancelling enabled. This makes it a strong choice for long travel sessions without frequent charging.

Which fit is more comfortable for long sessions?

Over-ear headphones often feel less fatiguing over time. The Beats Studio Pro uses an over-ear design that distributes pressure around the ear rather than on it. This style typically offers better passive noise isolation. It suits you if you wear headphones for many hours daily.

Can I use spatial audio with these headphones?

Both listed models support spatial audio. The Beats Studio Pro delivers immersive sound with this feature. The JBL Live 670NC also includes spatial audio capabilities. This technology enhances your listening experience by creating a three-dimensional soundstage, regardless of whether you choose the over-ear or on-ear option.

Are these headphones wireless?

Yes, both models connect wirelessly. The Beats Studio Pro and JBL Live 670NC both feature wireless connectivity. You can enjoy your music without cable restrictions. This flexibility allows you to move freely while listening, which is a standard benefit of modern noise cancelling headphones.

How portable are on-ear headphones compared to over-ear?

On-ear headphones are typically more compact. The JBL Live 670NC has a smaller footprint than the over-ear Beats Studio Pro. Its design makes it easier to carry in a bag. If you value portability alongside noise cancellation, the on-ear form factor offers a practical advantage for travel.

See also