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HiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled vs JBL Live 770NC: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 81. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: HiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled - Great overall at around $399.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

JBL Live 770NC leads on 4 of 7 measures.

  • HiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled
  • JBL Live 770NC
HearWiki score
81
67
Sound
8.6
7.0
Noise cancelling
-
7.5
Battery
-
9.0
Calls
-
7.0
Value
8.7
8.0
Price (USD)
$400
$150

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The HiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled is 2 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the JBL Live 770NC adds USB-C.

  • Ananda Unveiled20252 yr newer
  • Live 770NC2023
What differsAnanda UnveiledLive 770NC

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

Ananda UnveiledLive 770NC
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$400
$150
HearWiki score
81
67
Released
2025
2023
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
80 mm planar magnetic
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
planar
dynamic
Driver size
80 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
5 Hz - 55 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
22 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
93 dB/mW
100 dB/mW
Bluetooth
-
5.3
Codecs
-
SBC
Multipoint pairing
-
Yes
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
-
50 h
Battery life (ANC on)
-
44 h
Full charge time
-
120 min
Quick charge
-
5 min → 4 h
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
-
Yes
ANC type
-
adaptive
Transparency mode
-
Yes
Companion app
-
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
-
Yes
Controls
-
buttons
Voice assistant
-
Alexa, Google Assistant
Weight
449 g
232 g
Water resistance
-
none
Foldable
-
Yes
Detachable cable
Yes
No
USB-C
No
Yes
Connector
-
USB-C
Balanced connection
Yes
-
Microphones
-
4
Microphone type
-
beamforming
Call noise reduction
-
Yes
Call NR technology
-
beamforming

What reviewers said

HiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled

The HiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled is an open-back planar headphone that delivers a highly detailed and spacious sound, with notable strengths in bass, midrange, and imaging, alongside improved comfort over earlier models. It offers solid value at its price point, though its presentation may not suit everyone, and it carries some compromises in build and accessories.

  • Pro:Detailed and resolving planar sound
  • Pro:Comfortable fit for extended listening
  • Pro:Strong bass and midrange performance
  • Con:Stock accessories and packaging feel basic
  • Con:Headband build lacks premium feel
  • Con:Bass impact and vocals may not suit all tastes

JBL Live 770NC

The JBL Live 770NC are over-ear wireless headphones that combine adaptive noise cancellation with a robust 65-hour battery life (or 50 hours with ANC engaged). They support high-quality LDAC and AAC codecs, feature Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint connectivity, and include a 40mm dynamic driver for solid audio performance. While slightly heavier than some rivals, they offer sweat resistance and a customizable EQ via the companion app.

  • Pro:Exceptional battery life, even with ANC on
  • Pro:LDAC support for high-resolution audio
  • Pro:Adaptive noise cancellation and transparency mode
  • Con:Heavier than some competing models
  • Con:No wireless charging option
  • Con:Physical buttons only, no touch controls

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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