The UGREEN HiTune Max5C, JBL Live 660NC, and JBL Tune 680NC are wireless noise-cancelling headphones designed for music, commuting, calls, travel, and everyday use. However, they differ significantly in design, audio technology, battery life, connectivity, and smart features.
The UGREEN HiTune Max5C provides strong value through LDAC, Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C audio, and a low-latency Game Mode. The JBL Live 660NC offers an over-ear design, JBL Signature Sound, voice assistant integration, and convenient smart controls. The newer JBL Tune 680NC combines a lightweight on-ear design with Bluetooth 6.0, Spatial Sound, Adaptive Noise Cancelling, Smart Ambient, and up to 76 hours of battery life.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | UGREEN HiTune Max5C | JBL Live 660NC | JBL Tune 680NC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wearing style | Over-ear | Over-ear | On-ear |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 40 mm | 32 mm |
| Noise cancellation | Hybrid and Adaptive ANC | Adaptive ANC | Adaptive ANC |
| Ambient mode | Selectable ANC modes | Ambient Aware and TalkThru | Ambient Aware and TalkThru |
| Maximum battery | 75 hours | 50 hours | 76 hours |
| Battery with ANC | 45 hours | 40 hours | 50 hours |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.0 | 6.0 |
| Audio features | LDAC and spatial audio | JBL Signature Sound | Hi-Res JBL Pure Bass and Spatial Sound |
| Multipoint | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| App support | UGREEN app | JBL Headphones app | JBL Headphones app |
| Gaming mode | Yes | No dedicated mode | No dedicated mode |
| Weight | Around 264 g | 265 g | 161 g |
These specifications are based on the manufacturers’ official product pages and technical documentation.
Design, Comfort, and Portability
The JBL Tune 680NC is the lightest and most portable model. Its on-ear ear cups rest directly on the ears, while its fold-flat design makes it easier to carry in a handbag or backpack. At approximately 161 grams, it is considerably lighter than the two over-ear alternatives.
The JBL Live 660NC and UGREEN HiTune Max5C use over-ear designs that surround the ears. This can provide better passive isolation and a more immersive listening experience, although both models are heavier.
The Live 660NC weighs 265 grams and includes soft ear cushions, a padded fabric headband, and a carrying pouch. The UGREEN Max5C weighs approximately 264 grams and uses soft, skin-friendly materials with adjustable, extendable, and foldable ear cups.
For portability, the JBL Tune 680NC is the clear winner. For fuller ear coverage and longer listening sessions, the UGREEN Max5C and JBL Live 660NC may be more suitable.
Sound Quality
The UGREEN HiTune Max5C and JBL Live 660NC use 40 mm drivers, while the JBL Tune 680NC uses 32 mm dynamic drivers.
UGREEN’s strongest audio advantage is its support for LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs. On compatible devices, LDAC supports high-resolution wireless audio with greater data transmission than standard Bluetooth codecs. The Max5C also offers 96 kHz/24-bit playback support, spatial audio, eight EQ presets, and a 360-degree immersive listening mode.
The JBL Live 660NC delivers JBL Signature Sound through 40 mm drivers. Its tuning emphasizes powerful bass while maintaining sufficient vocal clarity for music, films, podcasts, and calls. Users can adjust the EQ through the JBL Headphones app.
The JBL Tune 680NC offers JBL Pure Bass Sound and proprietary Spatial Sound. It also supports Hi-Res audio when used with the included USB-C-to-3.5 mm cable. Its 32 mm drivers are smaller, but the headphones are designed to produce a punchy and energetic sound signature.
UGREEN is the stronger option for wireless codec support. The JBL Tune 680NC is more suitable for users who want JBL Pure Bass, Spatial Sound, and wired Hi-Res playback.
Active Noise Cancellation
UGREEN combines Adaptive ANC with physical noise isolation from its over-ear ear cups. The company advertises up to 43 dB of noise reduction and includes three selectable ANC modes for quiet offices, cafés, public transport, and louder environments.
The JBL Live 660NC uses Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Ambient Aware and TalkThru. Ambient Aware increases environmental sound, while TalkThru lowers music volume and emphasizes speech so users can have conversations without removing the headphones.
The JBL Tune 680NC now offers similar functionality. Its Adaptive Noise Cancelling automatically adjusts to surrounding conditions, while Ambient Aware and TalkThru can be managed through the JBL Headphones app.
UGREEN offers greater ANC-level customization, while both JBL models provide more clearly defined ambient-awareness and conversation features.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is one of the strongest areas for both the UGREEN Max5C and JBL Tune 680NC.
The UGREEN HiTune Max5C provides up to 75 hours with ANC disabled and up to 45 hours with ANC enabled. It has a 600 mAh battery and supports fast charging.
The JBL Tune 680NC slightly exceeds it with up to 76 hours without ANC and up to 50 hours with ANC. A five-minute speed charge provides up to five additional hours of playback, while a full charge takes approximately two hours.
The JBL Live 660NC offers up to 50 hours without ANC and 40 hours with ANC. A ten-minute speed charge provides approximately four hours of playback.
The JBL Tune 680NC wins the battery comparison, especially when ANC is active.
Bluetooth, Multipoint, and Wired Listening
The JBL Tune 680NC uses Bluetooth 6.0 and supports multipoint connectivity. It can connect to two devices and switch between them when required. It also supports Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair for easier connection with compatible Android and Windows devices.
UGREEN uses Bluetooth 5.4 with LDAC, AAC, SBC, and dual-device pairing. Its USB-C port supports both charging and wired digital audio, making it useful for compatible phones, tablets, and laptops.
The JBL Live 660NC uses Bluetooth 5.0, multipoint connectivity, Google Fast Pair, and a detachable audio cable for wired listening.
The JBL Tune 680NC has the newest Bluetooth version, while UGREEN offers the strongest wireless codec and USB-C audio support.
Gaming and Video Performance
UGREEN includes a dedicated Game Mode with latency rated as low as approximately 60 to 80 milliseconds, depending on the operating mode and regional product information. This makes it the most gaming-focused model in the comparison.
The JBL Tune 680NC benefits from Bluetooth 6.0 and reduced latency, but JBL does not market a dedicated gaming mode. The Live 660NC is also suitable for casual video streaming but is not specifically designed for competitive gaming.
For mobile gaming, the UGREEN HiTune Max5C remains the strongest option.
Microphone and Call Quality
The UGREEN Max5C uses an AI-powered noise-cancelling chip and directional microphone processing to improve voice pickup in noisy environments.
The JBL Live 660NC offers hands-free stereo calls and VoiceAware, which lets users control how much of their own voice they hear during a call.
The JBL Tune 680NC uses two beamforming microphones for voice capture and noise-reduction technology to filter surrounding sound during calls. It also supports VoiceAware through the JBL app.
The Tune 680NC appears strongest for calls on paper, particularly because of its newer beamforming microphone system.
App and Smart Features
The UGREEN app provides eight EQ presets, custom sound profiles, three ANC modes, Game Mode, spatial audio, dual-device controls, and battery monitoring.
The JBL Live 660NC supports EQ adjustment, Smart Ambient controls, voice assistant selection, Auto Play and Pause, Google Assistant, and Alexa integration.
The JBL Tune 680NC works with the JBL Headphones app and supports EQ presets, Personi-Fi 3.0 hearing-profile customization, Smart Ambient controls, and VoiceAware.
Pros and Cons
UGREEN HiTune Max5C
Pros: LDAC, USB-C audio, Hybrid ANC, dedicated Game Mode, spatial audio, long battery life, and extensive app controls.
Cons: Heavier design and less brand recognition in the headphone market than JBL.
JBL Live 660NC
Pros: Comfortable over-ear fit, JBL Signature Sound, Ambient Aware, TalkThru, voice assistants, Auto Play and Pause, and carrying pouch.
Cons: Older Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and the shortest battery life in this comparison.
JBL Tune 680NC
Pros: Bluetooth 6.0, 76-hour battery life, Adaptive ANC, Smart Ambient, beamforming microphones, Spatial Sound, Personi-Fi 3.0, and lightweight construction.
Cons: On-ear pressure may become uncomfortable for some users during long sessions, and it lacks a dedicated gaming mode.
Final Verdict
The JBL Tune 680NC is the best overall choice for most users. It combines the longest battery life, the newest Bluetooth version, strong call technology, Adaptive ANC, Smart Ambient, Spatial Sound, and an exceptionally lightweight design.
The UGREEN HiTune Max5C is the better option for gaming and wireless Hi-Res audio. Its LDAC support, USB-C audio, Hybrid ANC, and low-latency Game Mode provide excellent technical value.
The JBL Live 660NC remains a strong over-ear choice for users who prioritize comfort, JBL Signature Sound, voice assistants, and automatic playback controls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the JBL Tune 680NC better than the UGREEN HiTune Max5C?
The JBL Tune 680NC is lighter and offers better rated battery life, Bluetooth 6.0, and stronger smart features. UGREEN is better for LDAC, USB-C digital audio, and gaming.
Which headphones have the best battery life?
The JBL Tune 680NC offers up to 76 hours without ANC and 50 hours with ANC, giving it the strongest official battery ratings in this comparison.
Which model is best for gaming?
The UGREEN HiTune Max5C is best for gaming because it includes a dedicated low-latency Game Mode.
Which headphones are best for commuting?
The JBL Tune 680NC is ideal for commuting because it is lightweight, foldable, and equipped with Adaptive ANC, Ambient Aware, and TalkThru. The JBL Live 660NC is better for users who prefer an over-ear fit.