If you want compact, workout-friendly earbuds with active noise cancelling and Transparency mode, choose Beats Studio Buds True; if you need long battery life and an over-ear fit, choose JBL Tune 720BT. For workout use, I’d pick Beats for their in-ear design and listening modes, while the JBL’s standout advantage is up to 76 hours of listening time.
Beats Studio Buds True vs JBL Tune 720BT at a Glance
• Beats Studio Buds True: Compact in-ear earbuds with ANC and Transparency mode; the trade-off is up to 8 hours of listening per charge, or up to 24 hours with the case.
• JBL Tune 720BT: Over-ear headphones with up to 76 hours of battery life and adjustable EQ through the JBL Headphones app; the trade-off is a larger over-ear form that may not suit an active workout as well as earbuds.
• Beats fit: Choose them if you want earbuds for workouts, compact carry, and the option to reduce or let in surrounding sound.
• JBL fit: Choose them if you prefer over-ear headphones, extended listening between charges, and customizable sound.
The Beats Studio Buds True are the more natural fit for a workout-focused choice between these two. Their compact, wireless, in-ear design avoids the larger earcups of the JBL. Three soft eartip sizes give you options for finding a stable fit and an acoustic seal, which matters when you want earbuds to stay comfortably seated as you move. The listed listening time is up to 8 hours, with up to 24 hours combined when using the charging case.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-17 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
Their two listening modes are useful in different settings. Active Noise Cancelling is there for reducing outside sound when you want to focus on music. Transparency mode lets surrounding sound through, which may be preferable when you want more awareness. Beats also lists one-touch pairing for Apple and Android devices, plus Class 1 Bluetooth for extended range and fewer dropouts.
I’d choose the Beats if you want small earbuds for workouts, commuting, or carrying in a pocket, and you value having ANC and Transparency mode in one pair. Skip them if your priority is the longest stated battery life: the JBL’s up-to-76-hour figure is substantially higher. The Beats also aren’t open-ear earbuds; they sit in the ear and include an acoustic seal, so they’re not the match for someone specifically seeking an open-ear design.
The JBL Tune 720BT is an over-ear wireless headphone with a different set of strengths. Its clearest advantage is battery life: JBL lists up to 76 hours of listening, with a full recharge taking as little as two hours. A five-minute recharge is listed as providing three additional hours of music. That makes the JBL appealing for long listening stretches or for someone who doesn’t want charging to be part of the daily routine.
JBL also offers more sound customization. The JBL Headphones app lets you adjust the EQ to suit your preferences, and voice prompts can guide you through the headphones’ features. On-earcup buttons handle sound and calls, while Voice Aware lets you hear your own voice during a call. Bluetooth 5.3 supports wireless streaming, and the headphones can also connect with a detachable audio cable.
The JBL makes sense if you prefer the feel of over-ear headphones, want a very long stated battery life, or like the option to tailor the EQ. Its trade-off for workouts is the form factor: it sits over the ears rather than inside them, and the supplied information does not describe it as a workout-specific design. If your search is for the best on ear headphones for workout, note that these are over-ear headphones, not on-ear headphones. They may suit some exercise routines, but I’d favor the smaller Beats for a workout where a compact fit matters.
• Best fit for a workout → Beats Studio Buds True. Their in-ear design is the more compact option, and three eartip sizes offer flexibility for a stable fit.
• Best for very long listening between charges → JBL Tune 720BT. JBL lists up to 76 hours, compared with up to 8 hours from the Beats earbuds before using the case.
• Best for choosing how much outside sound you hear → Beats Studio Buds True. They have both Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency mode.
• Best for adjusting EQ → JBL Tune 720BT. The JBL Headphones app lets you customize the sound to your taste.
• Best for calls with a feature that lets you hear your voice → JBL Tune 720BT. Voice Aware is specifically listed for hands-free calls.
• Best for a compact carry option → Beats Studio Buds True. The earbuds are in-ear and come with a pocket-sized charging case.
• Best for someone who wants both wireless and wired listening → JBL Tune 720BT. Its listed connections include Bluetooth and a detachable audio cable with a 3.5 mm jack.
• Best kids headset for workout → neither is a clear match from the listed details. JBL is described for adults, while the Beats listing doesn’t provide a child-specific fit or workout rating. For a child, I’d prioritize an appropriate fit rather than assume either is designed for that use.
The search for the best open ear earbuds for workout also points away from both. Beats are sealed in-ear earbuds with ANC and Transparency mode, while JBL uses over-ear earcups. Transparency mode is not the same as an open-ear fit, so choose based on the actual design you want.
I’d buy the Beats Studio Buds True for workout use because their compact in-ear design, multiple eartip sizes, and ANC and Transparency modes make them the more practical fit for that purpose.
The JBL Tune 720BT is my pick for long listening sessions and customizable sound, especially if you prefer over-ear headphones.
For my workout recommendation, though, I’d take the Beats and accept the shorter listed battery life.
FAQ
The JBL Tune 720BT has the longer stated battery life: up to 76 hours. Beats lists up to 8 hours per charge and up to 24 hours combined with the charging case.
Yes. The Beats offer Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency mode. The JBL listing describes passive noise cancellation, not an ANC mode.
Choose the JBL Tune 720BT if EQ adjustment is important. Its companion app lets you tailor the sound, while the Beats information provided highlights its custom acoustic platform and listening modes rather than app-based EQ.
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