Harman International will release the JBL Live Buds 4 and Live Beam 4 true wireless earbuds on June 25. Shown at the audio event OTOTEN 2026, the two models share the same generation of technology: True Adaptive ANC 2.0 noise cancellation carried over from JBL's flagship, plus a smart charging case with an enlarged display. What sets them apart is the earbud shape and the fit it delivers. Direct prices are 27,500 yen for the Live Buds 4 and 26,400 yen for the Live Beam 4.
The two new models share the same generation of technology but differ in the shape of the earbuds. The Live Buds 4 is a buds-type design that sits inside the ear, raising the seal to bring out sound quality and noise cancellation. The Live Beam 4 uses JBL's signature short-stick design. Its structure avoids relying too heavily on the tragus or concha (the cartilage areas of the ear), aiming for a natural, stable fit with little pressure even during long listening sessions.
Battery life differs as well. With noise cancellation on, the Live Buds 4 lasts about 8 hours on the earbuds alone and up to about 32 hours with the charging case. The Live Beam 4 runs about 10 hours on its own and up to about 40 hours with the case, giving the Beam 4 the longer runtime.
For colors, the Live Buds 4 comes in six options: black, silver, blue, and orange, plus an Amazon-exclusive green and a Yodobashi Camera-exclusive sand. The Live Beam 4 comes in five colors — black, silver, blue, sand, and purple — and is sold exclusively through the Harman official store.
True Adaptive ANC 2.0, Carried Over From the Flagship
Both models share the same noise cancellation as JBL's top-end TOUR PRO 3: True Adaptive ANC 2.0. Beyond simply canceling ambient noise, it continuously detects and corrects for how the earbuds are seated and any sound leakage in real time. The goal is to keep the cancellation tuned to the moment even when conditions shift constantly, such as on the move or outdoors.
The earbuds themselves are rated IP55 for dust and water resistance. That level withstands dust and water jets from any direction, making the design easy to handle in everyday scenes such as commuting or light exercise.
A Larger Display on the Smart Charging Case
The highlight this time is the upgraded smart charging case. JBL was the first brand to adopt a smart charging case, and it has used that experience to refine usability.
The display on the case is now 30 percent larger at 1.57 inches and can show the artist and track name. The control software, SmartOS, has also been overhauled, organizing many menus into three layers. Because it now supports vertical swipes in addition to horizontal ones, you can reach the item you want more quickly.
Customization has expanded too. The button on the case can be assigned a different launch menu for a single, double, or triple press, and the touch controls on the earbuds can be set in detail for the left and right sides, from single tap up to triple tap. Being able to rearrange controls to match how you use the earbuds should pay off in daily use.
Sound, Connectivity, and Calls
Both models carry a 10mm dynamic driver in each earbud. By aligning the tuning direction, either model delivers the same family of sound JBL calls its Signature Sound. Both also carry Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification.
Connectivity is based on Bluetooth 6.0 with support for the next-generation LE Audio standard. The supported codecs are SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3, and Android devices can use Hi-Res-class LDAC transmission. The earbuds also include Auracast reception for tuning in to broadcasts shared with multiple devices.
For calls, Perfect Calls 2.0 combines six microphones with an AI learning algorithm to keep your voice clear even in noisy environments. Charging supports Qi wireless charging, plus fast charging that provides about 4 hours of use from a 10-minute charge.
Price and Release Date
Both the Live Buds 4 and Live Beam 4 launch on June 25 at an open price. Direct prices are 27,500 yen for the Live Buds 4 and 26,400 yen for the Live Beam 4. As noted, the Live Beam 4 is exclusive to the Harman official store, while the Live Buds 4 offers some colors as Amazon and Yodobashi Camera exclusives.
Summary
JBL's Live Buds 4 and Live Beam 4 are true wireless earbuds that share the flagship-derived True Adaptive ANC 2.0, a smart charging case with a display enlarged to 1.57 inches, 10mm drivers with LDAC support, and the six-mic Perfect Calls 2.0. The difference between the two comes down to earbud shape and fit, plus battery life: the buds-type Live Buds 4 if you want a tight seal, or the short-stick Live Beam 4 if you want a light fit and longer runtime. Both go on sale June 25 at direct prices of 27,500 yen and 26,400 yen, respectively.
