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JBL Live Flex vs Technics EAH-AZ100: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Technics EAH-AZ100 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Technics EAH-AZ100 - Outstanding overall at around $250.

Score breakdown

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

Technics EAH-AZ100 leads on 6 of 7 measures.

  • JBL Live Flex
  • Technics EAH-AZ100
HearWiki score
59
86
Sound
8.0
9.2
Noise cancelling
4.5
8.6
Battery
7.5
8.7
Calls
7.0
7.8
Value
6.2
8.1
Price (USD)
$180
$250

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?

Half a step newer

Technics EAH-AZ100 (2025) against JBL Live Flex (2023). The JBL Live Flex edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against Hybrid. It also adds Water resistance IP54 against IPX4.

  • Live Flex2023
  • EAH-AZ10020252 yr newer
What differsLive FlexEAH-AZ100

Platform

ANC type
Adaptive
Hybrid

Everyday features

Water resistance
IP54
IPX4

Level on: Bluetooth, Wireless charging, USB-C, Transparency mode, Custom EQ, Companion app.

Specifications

Live FlexEAH-AZ100
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$250
HearWiki score
59
86
Released
2023
2025
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
12 mm driver
10 mm dynamic
Driver type
-
dynamic
Driver size
12 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
-
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
16 Ω
Sensitivity
101 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
-
Yes
Battery life
40 h
12 h
Battery life (ANC on)
6 h
10 h
Battery incl. case
-
28 h
Full charge time
120 min
120 min
Quick charge
15 min → 4 h
15 min → 1.2 h
Wireless charging
Yes
Yes
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
hybrid
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
-
Yes
Controls
touch
touch
Voice assistant
Yes
Yes
Weight
10.4 g
11.8 g
Case weight
52 g
42 g
Water resistance
IP54
IPX4
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
6
2
Microphone type
beamforming
-
Call noise reduction
Yes
-

What reviewers said

JBL Live Flex

The JBL Live Flex true wireless earbuds offer a comfortable open design with a long-lasting battery and a useful touchscreen charging case, but their open architecture compromises bass depth and makes active noise cancellation largely ineffective. They're a niche pick for those who prioritize comfort and awareness over immersive sound or strong isolation, though they may not justify their premium price for most listeners.

  • Pro:Comfortable open fit for long sessions
  • Pro:Excellent battery life with case (40h total)
  • Pro:Adaptive ANC and transparency modes available
  • Con:Open design weakens bass response
  • Con:ANC has minimal real-world impact
  • Con:Fit may be unstable for some ear shapes

Technics EAH-AZ100

The Technics EAH-AZ100 are high-end true wireless earbuds that combine adaptive noise cancellation with a 10mm dynamic driver for rich sound, supporting LDAC and AAC codecs. They deliver up to 12 hours of playback on a single charge (10 with ANC), extend to 28 hours with the case, and offer multipoint pairing for up to three devices. With IPX4 sweat resistance, wireless charging, and touch controls, they're a versatile premium option.

  • Pro:Excellent battery life, even with ANC engaged
  • Pro:Multipoint connectivity for up to three devices
  • Pro:Supports high-resolution LDAC audio
  • Con:Premium price point
  • Con:No ear tips included in the box
  • Con:Touch controls may take time to master

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

Compare something else

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New comparisonJBL Live FlexTechnics EAH-AZ100