JBL Live 680NC vs Nothing Headphone (a): which should you buy?

Answer worked out Oct. 31, 2026

JBL Live 680NC price: Checked Oct. 31, 2026

Nothing Headphone (a) price: Checked Oct. 31, 2026

Most people: get the JBL Live 680NC, because it is the better fit for more of what people buy these for.

Get the JBL Live 680NC for comfort.

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JBL Live 680NC vs Nothing Headphone (a)

JBL Live 680NC
JBL

JBL Live 680NC

$79.95 at Amazon
Nothing Headphone (a)
NOTHING

Nothing Headphone (a)

$129 at Nothing
  1. JBL Live 680NC: 231.16 gWeight+78.84 gNothing Headphone (a): 310 g
  2. JBL Live 680NC: Up to 80 hours with noise cancelling off, up to 50 hours with it on; a 5-minute charge gives 4 more hoursBatteryNothing Headphone (a): Up to 135 hours with ANC off, up to 75 hours with ANC on (AAC, 50% volume)
  3. JBL Live 680NC: Bluetooth 6.0 with LE Audio; multipoint, two devices at once; USB-C to 3.5 mm audio cableConnectivityNothing Headphone (a): Bluetooth 5.4 with dual connection (two devices); USB-C and 3.5 mm wired audio
  4. JBL Live 680NC: Customizable touch and button controlsControlsNothing Headphone (a): Mechanical Roller, Paddle and Button: volume, playback, tracks and noise modes
  5. JBL Live 680NC: $79.95Price today$49.05 apartNothing Headphone (a): $129
JBL Live 680NC
Buy at Macy's$79.95
We may earn a commission.
Nothing Headphone (a)
Buy at Nothing$129
We may earn a commission.
All the details

Key differences

  • Weight: 231.16 g vs 310 gJBL Live 680NC: 231.16 g ConfirmedSourceNothing Headphone (a): 310 g ConfirmedSource

From each maker's own specifications. A point is listed only when both makers state a figure and the two differ; a point either maker does not state is left out, never guessed. Two figures measured under different conditions are shown side by side, not compared.

Who should buy which

  • The JBL Live 680NC Guide names it for air travel and noisy calls.Air travel: Multipoint lets you watch a tablet in the airport lounge and switch to your phone instantly. Source linkedSourceNoisy calls: Dual beamforming mics and intelligent noise cancellation cut through traffic, wind and background hum on calls. Source linkedSource
  • The Nothing Headphone (a) Guide names it for travel and calls.Travel: On a trip, playback runs up to 75 hours with ANC on and 135 hours with ANC off. ConfirmedSourceCalls: AI Clear Voice and three microphones keep calls crisp and echo-free in crowds, cafes and wind. Source linkedSource

From what each Guide names the product best for. Both Guides also name music.

Side by side

FeatureJBL Live 680NCNothing Headphone (a)
BatteryUp to 80 hours with noise cancelling off, up to 50 hours with it onUp to 135 hours with ANC off, up to 75 hours with ANC onJBL80 hoursNothing135 hours
Weight231.16 g310 gJBL231.16 gNothing310 g
ConnectivityBluetooth 6.0 with LE AudioBluetooth 5.4 with dual connectionJBL6 withNothing5.4 with
ControlsCustomizable touch and button controlsMechanical Roller, Paddle and Button: volume, playback, tracks and noise modes
Noise cancellingTrue Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0 with four microphonesAdaptive ANC up to 40 dB, three levels, plus Transparency Mode
Spatial audioYes, JBL Spatial SoundStatic Spatial Audio modes in the Nothing X app
Works withJBL Headphones appiPhone and Android with the Nothing X app
Lossless audioHi-Res Audio, wired and wirelessHi-Res Audio certified, wired and wireless, with LDAC
CaseSoft carrying pouchCarry pouch

Nothing Headphone (a)

Buy at Nothing$129
Checked Oct. 31, 2026

We may earn a commission.

Works with your phone

iPhone
WorksWorks
Android
WorksWorks

Sources

JBLNothingJBLNothing SupportNothing Support
JBL Live 680NC vs Sony WH-CH720N