The JBL Live Beam 4 are my favorite wireless earbuds of 2026 after weeks of testing — and I swear it’s not just because of their awesome touchscreen charging case

The JBL Live Beam 4 are my preferred wireless earbuds of 2026 after several weeks of testing, and I truly believe this is due to a combination of factors, including their impressive touchscreen charging case.

JBL has introduced notable enhancements to the JBL Live Beam 4 compared to their previous models. These improvements include advanced active noise cancelling, new "fidelity drivers" for superior audio quality, and an upgraded call quality. Additionally, the updated UI on the smart charging case now boasts an array of features that cater to a wide range of user preferences.

The smart charging case is a unique selling point for the Live series. Its revamped interface is quite responsive and offers a plethora of functionalities. Users can fine-tune ANC mode, equalizer settings, spatial sound settings, and playback settings, among other options. Favoring specific settings also streamlines access, and other tools like a timer, flashlight, Find My Buds application, and a customizable background feature add to the case's versatility.

While the touchscreen case is visually appealing, the JBL Headphones app on a phone proved to be more convenient for me due to its larger screen and comprehensive control options.

Apart from the touchscreen case, the JBL Live Beam 4 offers a comprehensive set of features. Users can benefit from tools such as smart talk, customizable touch controls, and voice adjustment for phone calls (with natural, powerful, or bright settings). Moreover, JBL's 'Perfect Calls 2.0' technology, an AI-driven algorithm, aims to elevate call quality. Although the call quality is not exceptional, it is still acceptable for most users.

The standout feature of the JBL Live Beam 4 is undoubtedly its active noise cancelling capabilities. Users can switch between on, off, or transparency modes using the app or the smart case. In terms of noise cancelling performance, the JBL Live Beam 4 delivers decent results. While they are not as effective as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Gen 2, they still manage to block out a considerable amount of external noise, particularly at around 70% volume.

When it comes to sound quality, the JBL Live Beam 4 impresses in almost every aspect. With LDAC activated for higher-resolution Bluetooth streaming, these earbuds produce exciting, detailed, and impactful audio. The bass is forward yet controlled, providing a deep and immersive experience for tracks like Soul Mass Transit System's "Feel Da Vibe."

Mid-range instruments and high-frequency elements, such as synths and drums, are well-represented without being overwhelmed or muddled. Acoustic tracks also sound great on the JBL Live Beam 4, with fingerpicked guitars and natural tonality being accurately reproduced.

However, the Spatial Sound setting should be avoided, as it compresses the music and makes vocals sound artificial. Enabling LDAC is recommended, as it is necessary to activate it before using Spatial Sound.

In terms of design, the JBL Live Beam 4 are visually appealing. Their stems are easy to remove from the ears, and the glossy exterior finish adds a touch of elegance. The case itself is well-crafted and built to a high standard, although it is on the bulkier side. Despite its size, the case remains compact enough to fit into most pockets. In terms of comfort, the earbuds feel secure and comfortable during extended listening sessions, surpassing expectations for an earbud design.