Are you looking for affordable earbuds that deliver good sound and features? The JBL Wave Buds and QCY Melobuds Neo are two popular choices in the budget earbuds market.
Both offer decent audio performance, comfortable fit, and useful features, but which one should you pick? In this article, we’ll compare them in detail to help you decide.
Table of Contents
Price and Availability
The JBL Wave Buds is priced around $49.99 in the U.S., depending on the retailer. They are available on platforms like Amazon, JBL’s official website, and Walmart, often with delivery options within a few days. You might find occasional discounts, bringing the price down to around $40
The QCY Melobuds Neo is more affordable, priced at approximately $19 to $25 on sites like AliExpress and JD.com. They are widely available, especially in Asian markets, but they also ship internationally through various e-commerce platforms
Best Deal:
JBL Wave Buds: View on AliExpress
QCY Melobuds Neo: View on AliExpress
JBL Wave Buds vs QCY Melobuds Neo: Specs Comparison
| Specification | JBL Wave Buds | QCY Melobuds Neo |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Size | 8mm | 10 mm |
| Noise Cancellation | Adaptive Noise Cancelling | No Active Noise Cancellation |
| Ambient Sound | Smart Ambient | No Ambient Sound Feature |
| Battery Life | Up to 32 hours (8 hours earbuds, 24 hours case) | Up to 24 hours (6 hours earbuds, 18 hours case) |
| Charging Time | Approximately 2 hours | Not Specified |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX5 |
| Controls | Touch Controls | Touch Controls |
| Voice Assistant | Compatible with Siri, Google Assistant | N/A |
| App Compatibility | JBL Headphones App | QCY App |
| Microphone | Built-in for hands-free calls | Built-in for hands-free calls |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Compatibility | iOS / Android | iOS / Android |
| Earbud Battery Capacity | 47mAh | 45mAh |
| Charging Port | Type-C | Type-C |
| Earbud Dimensions | 21.5 x 20.4 x 15.8 mm | 21.5*32.5*23.5mm |
Design & Build Quality
When it comes to design, both earbuds are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry and comfortable to wear.
The JBL Wave Buds have a simple, rounded shape that fits snugly in the ear, providing a comfortable experience for longer listening sessions. The build quality is good, though the charging case feels a bit basic.
On the other hand, the QCY Melobuds Neo has a more premium feel, especially with its sturdier case, which even features a small display that shows battery levels. This is a helpful addition for users who like to keep track of their earbuds’ charge.
Both earbuds are designed to be comfortable, but the JBL Wave Buds have a slight edge in terms of fit. They feel more secure and cause less ear fatigue, even during extended use. This makes them a better choice for users who wear earbuds for long hours, whether for music, calls, or workouts.
The QCY Melobuds Neo also fits well, but it may not be as comfortable as the JBL model during longer use.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is one of the most important factors for earbuds, and both models do well here.
The JBL Wave Buds offer clear and balanced audio, making them great for listening to various music genres. The bass, mids, and highs are well-tuned, providing a richer sound experience.
You can also fine-tune the audio through the JBL Headphones app, making it easy to adjust the sound to your liking. The QCY Melobuds Neo, on the other hand, also provides good sound, but it’s not as clear as the JBL Wave Buds.
While the sound is decent and can be adjusted using the QCY app, it lacks the same level of balance and clarity that JBL offers. If sound quality is your main concern, the JBL Wave Buds come out ahead.
App Compatibility & Features
Both earbuds come with companion apps that allow you to adjust sound settings and manage controls. The JBL Wave Buds are compatible with the JBL Headphones app, which offers a range of sound customization options, including EQ settings.
The QCY Melobuds Neo works with the QCY app, providing similar controls like adjusting the sound profile and managing touch controls.
While both apps are user-friendly, the JBL app offers a bit more in terms of sound customization, giving it an edge for users who like to personalize their listening experience.
Microphone Quality
In terms of microphone performance, both earbuds do a decent job for phone calls and voice chats. The JBL Wave Buds provide clear voice quality, making it easy to communicate without any noticeable distortion.
The QCY Melobuds Neo also delivers good voice clarity, but it may not be as sharp as the JBL model. For better microphone performance, the JBL Wave Buds are a better choice, making them suitable for regular calls or virtual meetings.
Battery Life
Battery performance is essential when choosing earbuds, and both models offer good playback time.
The JBL Wave Buds can deliver up to 8 hours of continuous music playback on a single charge, which is impressive for budget earbuds. The QCY Melobuds Neo offers around 6 hours of playback, which is a bit lower than the JBL model.
However, the case for both earbuds extends their total battery life significantly, giving you more hours of listening throughout the day. If battery life is a top priority, the JBL Wave Buds clearly have the advantage with their longer playback time.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the JBL Wave Buds and QCY Melobuds Neo can be tough, as both offer good value. However:
Choose JBL Wave Buds if: You prioritize longer battery life, slightly better sound quality, and more comfort. The JBL Wave Buds deliver a well-rounded audio experience, making them suitable for everyday use.
Choose QCY Melobuds Neo if: You want a more premium case design, a display showing battery levels, and better material quality. The Melobuds Neo is a good choice if you value build quality and aesthetic appeal.
Both earbuds offer a good balance of features and performance for their price. If forced to pick one, the JBL Wave Buds stand out due to their longer battery life and superior audio quality, making them a great choice for music lovers.
Related:
- Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro vs JBL Wave Buds: Which to Buy?
- Baseus Bowie MA10 Pro vs JBL Wave Buds: Which Should You Buy?
- QCY Melobuds Pro vs Melobuds Neo: Don’t Mistake!
Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
