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  1. Home
  2. Headphones
  3. Compare

Apple AirPods (1st generation) vs JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018

Which Headphones Are Better?

    Top
    Main Differences
    Design
      StyleComfortControlsBreathabilityPortabilityCaseBuild QualityStabilityHeadshots 1Headshots 2TopIn The Box
    Sound
      Sound ProfileFrequency Response ConsistencyRaw Frequency ResponseBass AccuracyMid AccuracyTreble AccuracyPeaks/DipsImagingPassive SoundstageVirtual SoundstageWeighted Harmonic DistortionTest Settings
    Isolation
      Noise IsolationLeakage
    Microphone
      Microphone StyleRecording QualityNoise Handling
    Active Features
      BatteryApp Support
    Connectivity
      BluetoothNon-Bluetooth WirelessWiredPC / PS4 CompatibilityXbox One CompatibilityBase/Dock
    Comments

Products

Apple AirPods (1st generation)
JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018

Tested using Methodology v1.3.1

Updated May 05, 2025 07:19 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.4

Updated Jun 16, 2025 01:00 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Apple AirPods (1st generation) Picture

Track

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Picture

Track

TypeEarbuds
EnclosureOpen-Back
Noise CancellingNo
WirelessTruly Wireless
TransducerDynamic
MicYes
TypeIn-ear
EnclosureClosed-Back
Noise CancellingNo
WirelessTruly Wireless
TransducerDynamic
MicYes

Our Verdict

Apple AirPods (1st generation)

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018

The JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 are slightly better truly wireless headphones than the Apple AirPods (1st generation) when they have a stable connection. The JBL have a more isolating in-ear fit that will be better for noisy environments and are a bit more stable for running and working out. The JBL also leak a little less than the Apple and have a better sound quality, thanks to their stronger bass range that caters to more tracks. On the other hand, the Apple have a more stable wireless connection, better range, a longer battery life, and lower latency, especially on iOS devices.

0 

Variants

  • AirPods (1st generation) (White)
  • Free (Black)
  • Free (White)

Review

See Apple AirPods (1st generation) Review
See JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Review
0 
0 

Check Price

White
AirPods (1st generation)
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
White
Free
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
White
AirPods (1st generation)
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
Free
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
White
AirPods (1st generation)
SEARCH
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White
AirPods (1st generation)
SEARCH
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White
AirPods (1st generation)
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Read more

Main Differences for
Mixed Usage

Threshold 

0.10

Mixed Usage 
 

0.0
0.0
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Full Comparison

Design

Style  

Design Picture 2  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Design Picture 2 Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Design Picture 2 Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Type  

Locked
Locked

Enclosure  

Locked
Locked

Wireless  

Locked
Locked

Transducer  

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Comfort 
 

N/A
N/A

Comfort Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Comfort Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Comfort Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Weight  

Lock lbs
Lock lbs

Clamping Force 
 

Lock lbs
Lock lbs
Show Text 

Controls 
 

N/A
N/A

Controls Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Controls Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Controls Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

OS Compatibility 
 

N/A
Locked

Ease Of Use  

Locked
Locked

Feedback  

Locked
Locked

Call/Music Control  

Locked
Locked

Volume Control  

Locked
Locked

Microphone Control  

Locked
Locked

Channel Mixing 
 

N/A
Locked

Noise Cancelling Control  

N/A
Locked

Talk-Through 
 

N/A
Locked

Additional Controls  

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Breathability 
 

N/A
N/A

Breathability After Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Breathability After Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Breathability After Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Avg.Temp.Difference  

Lock °C
Lock °C
Show Text 

Portability 
 

N/A
N/A

Portability Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Portability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Portability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

L  

Lock"
Lock"

W  

Lock"
Lock"

H  

Lock"
Lock"

Volume  

Lock in³
Lock in³

Transmitter Required  

N/A
Locked
Show Text 

Case 
 

N/A
N/A

Case Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Case Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Case Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Type  

Locked
Locked

L  

Lock"
Lock"

W  

Lock"
Lock"

H  

Lock"
Lock"

Volume  

Lock in³
Lock in³
Show Text 

Build Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Build Quality Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Build Quality Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Build Quality Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Show Text 

Stability 
 

N/A
N/A

Stability Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Stability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Stability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Show Text 

Headshots 1  

Angled Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Angled Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Angled Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Side Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Side Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Side Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Headshots 2  

Front Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Front Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Front Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Rear Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Rear Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Rear Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Top  

Top Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Top Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Top Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

In The Box  

In The Box Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) In The Box Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 In The Box Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Show Text 
Sound

Sound Profile 
 

Frequency Response  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Frequency Response  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bass Amount 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Treble Amount 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Frequency Response Consistency 
 

N/A
N/A

Consistency L  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Consistency L Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Consistency L Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Consistency R  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Consistency R Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Consistency R Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Avg. Std. Deviation 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Raw Frequency Response 
 

Raw FR L  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Raw FR L Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Raw FR L Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Raw FR L  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Raw FR L Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Raw FR L Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Raw FR R  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Raw FR R Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Raw FR R Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Raw FR R  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Raw FR R Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Raw FR R Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Bass Accuracy 
 

N/A
N/A

Bass  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Bass Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Bass Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Bass  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Bass Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Bass Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

Low-Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid-Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

High-Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Mid Accuracy 
 

N/A
N/A

Mid  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Mid Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Mid Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Mid  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Mid Sample

SAMPLE

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JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Mid Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low-Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid-Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

High-Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Treble Accuracy 
 

N/A
N/A

Treble  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Treble Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Treble Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Treble  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Treble Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Treble Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low-Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid-Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

High-Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Peaks/Dips 
 

N/A
N/A

Peaks/Dips Graph  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Peaks/Dips Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Peaks/Dips Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Peaks/Dips Graph  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Peaks/Dips Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Peaks/Dips Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Peaks 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Dips 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Imaging 
 

N/A
N/A

Group Delay  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Group Delay Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Group Delay Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Phase Response  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Phase Response Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Phase Response Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Weighted Group Delay 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted Amplitude Mismatch 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted Frequency Mismatch 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted Phase Mismatch 
 

Lock
Lock
Show Text 

Passive Soundstage 
 

N/A
N/A

PRTF  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) PRTF Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 PRTF Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

PRTF Accuracy (Std. Dev.) 
 

N/A
N/A

PRTF Size (Avg.) 
 

N/A
N/A

PRTF Distance 
 

N/A
N/A

Openness 
 

0.0
0.0

Acoustic Space Excitation 
 

0.0
0.0
Show Text 

Virtual Soundstage 
 

N/A
N/A

Virtual Soundstage  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Virtual Soundstage Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Virtual Soundstage Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Head Modeling 
 

Locked

Speaker Modeling 
 

Locked

Room Ambience 
 

Locked

Head Tracking 
 

Locked

Virtual Surround 
 

Locked

Weighted Harmonic Distortion 
 

N/A
N/A

Weighted Harmonic Distortion  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Weighted Harmonic Distortion Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Weighted Harmonic Distortion Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

WHD @ 90 
 

Lock
Lock

WHD @ 100 
 

Lock
Lock

Test Settings 
 

Firmware 
 

Locked

Power 
 

Locked

Connection 
 

Locked

Codec 
 

Locked

EQ 
 

Locked

ANC 
 

Locked

Tip/Pad 
 

Locked

Microphone 
 

Locked
Isolation

Noise Isolation 
 

N/A
N/A

Noise Isolation  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Noise Isolation Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Noise Isolation Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Isolation Audio 
 

JOIN NOW
JOIN NOW

Overall Attenuation 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Noise Cancelling  

Locked
Locked

Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Leakage 
 

N/A
N/A

Leakage  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Leakage Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Leakage Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Leakage Audio 
 

JOIN NOW
JOIN NOW

Overall Leakage @ 1ft 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 
Microphone

Microphone Style 
 

Integrated 
 

Locked
Locked

In-Line 
 

Locked
Locked

Boom 
 

Locked
Locked

Detachable Boom 
 

N/A
Locked

Mic  

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Recording Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Microphone Frequency Response  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Microphone Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Microphone Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Recorded Speech 
 

JOIN NOW
JOIN NOW

LFE 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

FR Std. Dev. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

HFE 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

Weighted THD 
 

Lock
Lock

Gain 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Noise Handling 
 

N/A
N/A

SpNR  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) SpNR Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 SpNR Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Speech + Pink Noise  

JOIN NOW
JOIN NOW

Speech + Subway Noise  

JOIN NOW
JOIN NOW

SpNR 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 
Active Features

Battery 
 

N/A
N/A

Battery Type 
 

Locked
Locked

Continuous Battery Life 
 

Lock hrs
Lock hrs

Additional Charges 
 

Lock
Lock

Total Battery Life 
 

Lock hrs
Lock hrs

Charge Time 
 

Lock hrs
Lock hrs

Power-Saving Feature 
 

Locked
Locked

Audio While Charging 
 

Locked
Locked

Passive Playback 
 

Locked
Locked

Charging Port  

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

App Support 
 

N/A
N/A

App Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) App Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 App Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

App Name  

N/A
Locked

iOS  

Locked
Locked

Android  

Locked
Locked

macOS  

N/A
Locked

Windows  

N/A
Locked

Equalizer 
 

Locked
Locked

ANC Control 
 

Locked
Locked

Mic Control  

N/A
Locked

Room Effects 
 

Locked
Locked

Playback Control 
 

Locked
Locked

Button Mapping  

Locked
Locked

Surround Sound  

N/A

Surround Support 
 

Locked
Show Text 
Connectivity

Bluetooth 
 

N/A
N/A

Bluetooth Version 
 

Locked
Locked

Multi-Device Pairing 
 

Locked
Locked

NFC Pairing 
 

Locked
Locked

Line Of Sight Range 
 

Lock ft
Lock ft

PC Latency (SBC) 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

PC Latency (aptX) 
 

N/A
N/A

PC Latency (aptX HD) 
 

N/A

PC Latency (aptX-LL) 
 

N/A
N/A

iOS Latency 
 

Lock ms

Android Latency 
 

Lock ms
Show Text 

Non-Bluetooth Wireless 
 

N/A
N/A

Non-BT Line Of Sight Range 
 

N/A
N/A

Non-BT Latency 
 

N/A
N/A

Wired 
 

N/A
N/A

Cable Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Cable Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 Cable Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Analog Audio 
 

N/A
Locked

USB Audio 
 

N/A
Locked

Detachable  

N/A
Locked

Length  

N/A
N/A

Connection  

N/A
Locked

Wired Latency 
 

N/A

Analog/USB Audio Latency 
 

N/A
Show Text 

PC / PS4 Compatibility 
 

PC/PS4 Analog 
 

Locked
Locked

PC/PS4 Wired USB 
 

Locked
Locked

PC/PS4 Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Xbox One Compatibility 
 

Xbox One Analog 
 

Locked
Locked

Xbox One Wired USB 
 

Locked
Locked

Xbox One Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Base/Dock 
 

N/A
N/A

Type 
 

Locked
Locked

USB Input 
 

Locked
Locked

Line In 
 

Locked
Locked

Line Out 
 

Locked
Locked

Optical Input 
 

Locked
Locked

RCA Input 
 

Locked
Locked

Dock Charging 
 

Locked
Locked

Power Supply 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Check Price

White
AirPods (1st generation)
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
White
Free
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
White
AirPods (1st generation)
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
Free
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
White
AirPods (1st generation)
SEARCH
B&H
 
White
AirPods (1st generation)
SEARCH
BestBuy.com
 
White
AirPods (1st generation)
SEARCH
Apple.com
 
Back to Top

Apple AirPods (1st generation)

JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 2 years ago

Apple AirPods (1st generation) vs JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018: Main Discussion

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