IP ratings is the rating of protection offered by a casing, against solids and liquids. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value of the IP rating refers to protection against solids say dust, followed by the one that refers to resistance against liquids (water).
Having a value of IPX4, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s rating for solids indicates that no data available to specify a protection rating, and of liquids that they can withstand low pressure spray similar to that of a shower head when tilted at 180° for 10 minutes. Compared to the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), JBL Live Free 2 have a rating of IPX5 meaning that
we are not yet certain of their rating with solids (dust)
and that of liquids is that,
JBL Live Free 2 has a higher liquid rating than Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a weight of 8.56g . We consider a lower weight better because lighter devices are more comfortable to carry.
JBL Live Free 2, at 9.8g
weigh more than the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) with a difference of 1.24g
True wireless devices have no wires linking any part of the device together, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) are true wireless for this matter since they don't have wires. This is a key distinction since wireless earbuds have cables linking the pair of earbuds together. JBL Live Free 2 also is true wireless because it doesn't have wires linking the two earbuds .
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) are resistant to sweat
JBL Live Free 2's resistance to sweat makes both devices ideal for use while doing sports such as long-distance running, marathons, cardio sweat workouts , etc
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have stereo speakers, what this means is that Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s speakers deliver sound from separate channels on both left and right sides, this creates a richer sound and a better listening experience.
The JBL Live Free 2 also have stereo speakers
ANC uses more advanced technology to actively cancel noise. ANC works when, it detects and analyzes the sound pattern of incoming noise and after generates a mirror signal to counter it. In simple terms, it's like having +1 (sound from your surrounding) then adding -1 (inverted noise) to make 0 which results in a reduced level of noise.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have ANC enabling you to listen at lower levels of volume, causing less ear fatigue since you don't have to crank up the earbuds volume to outcompete background noise. JBL Live Free 2 too have Active Noise Cancellation which makes either of the earbuds ideal for plane rides and morning commutes. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) and JBL Live Free 2 work with different noise cancellation types, pick the noise cancellation type that suits your travel or that suites your chill time.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) sit well in place, creating a sound covering that reduces background sounds while preventing the earbuds voice audio from leaking out at the same. Both JBL Live Free 2, and Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have passive noise reduction which means that they limit ambient noise without using technology to cancel it out. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a unit size of 11mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, therefor producing better bass.
The driver unit is basically a mini speaker that makes sound in the device, its size dictates the loudness of the device. JBL Live Free 2 driver unit is 11mm in diameter,
making both JBL Live Free 2, and Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) similar in how loud their sound can get
, as many tend to believe that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.
However, large drivers usually have difficulty producing high frequencies so yeah, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not mean that they deliver better quality sound.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 10Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well a particular audio device generates low frequencies that can be heard, and if it alters the signal while at it. JBL Live Free 2's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this means that
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) make sound with a juicier bass than the JBL Live Free 2
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response shows how well an audio component generates high recognizable frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it. JBL Live Free 2's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this means that
both devices produce equal treble
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery life is 6 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average for a single charge.
A device's battery life is given by the manufacturer, and with more battery hours, you get to use it for longer and requires fewer chargings. JBL Live Free 2's battery life is
more than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 1 hours
. Every time you recharge your earbuds, they get a little less playing time. The effect is barely noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will no longer play for long like they used to.
The battery life of the charging case is given by the manufacturer, and the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s case is said to have a full charge of 30 hours. A charging case with a longer battery life enables you to recharge your earbuds on the go several times before having to recharge the case itself. JBL Live Free 2's charging case has a battery life of 28 hours,
less than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 2 hours
It takes 0.3 hours to fully charge the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery.
It is highly adivsable to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds when they have been in storage for long periods. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), the device supports wireless charging. To charge the device, you just put down on a supported charging pad.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a battery level indicator, an indicator shows you when the device has a low battery. Its lights display the charging status of your device and case. JBL Live Free 2 too have a battery level indicator, these enable you determine the charging state of your earbuds, if charged fully, or the battery is running low.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have Bluetooth version of 5, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that enables data transfers between devices placed in range, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. JBL Live Free 2 has a Bluetooth version of 5.2,
newer than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
. Newer versions provide faster data transfers. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a 10meters distance connecting via Bluetooth.
JBL Live Free 2 have a maximum range of 10meters,
equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support AAC, a codec that is used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Since it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it provides better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate.
Being the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) will work well with your iPad. If you are planning on using these with Android , ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have 6 microphones.
JBL Live Free 2 microphones are 6,
equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
. More microphones record better sound quality and enable the device to filter out noise. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are made to filter out noise from the earbuds' sound. The JBL Live Free 2 too use a noise-canceling microphone.
This is useful in noisy environments. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the earbuds can detect when removed from your ears .
When lost in a room, or can't easily find them in your bag, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a find earbuds feature. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support fast charging.
Usually, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to reduce the time it takes to charge a device. Also the JBL Live Free 2 support fast charging. This kind is similar to regular charging, only that the battery fills up much faster.
Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery is charged to 50% in 30 minutes. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a multipoint of 2 connections, the multipoint feature allows you connect to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. For example, you can switch calls from one device to another without manually disconnect and reconnect.
The JBL Live Free 2 have a multipoint count of 2,
equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
. Bluetooth multipoint is useful because you can be on one call and not miss notifications coming from another connected device. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a mute function, they have the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device. The JBL Live Free 2 also support this function.
It means that you are in position turn off the device's microphone, but still hear the other party talk. With the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the device. JBL Live Free 2 too have a control panel on them.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a warranty period of 1 Years, the period of time that warrant free repair and adjustment services in case of a malfunction occurring under normal use following instruction manuals. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support voice prompts. Automatically receive information through audio messages, say if there is an issue with the connection.
JBL Live Free 2 also support voice prompts .i.e the device notifies you if the battery is running low, and you need to recharge them. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) come with a special pouch. Carrying earbuds openly, or placing them in your bag without a casing may easily put them at risk of getting damaged.
JBL Live Free 2 also have a case included, which is useful for safe transportation.
