IP ratings refer to the rank of protection offered by a casing, against solids and water. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value of the IP rating represents protection against solids say dust, while the second refers to protection 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)
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a weight of 8.56g . We prefer a lower weight better because lighter devices are more comfortable to move with.
The JBL Live Free 2, at 9.8g
are heavier than the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) with a difference of 1.24g
For a device to be true wireless it should have no cables 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 major distinction as some wireless earbuds have wires connecting the pair of earbuds .
JBL Live Free 2 also is true wireless since it has no wires linking the 2 earbuds .
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) are resistant to sweat
JBL Live Free 2's resistance to sweat makes both devices good for use while doing sports such as long-distance running, marathons, cardio sweat workouts , etc
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better listening experience. The JBL Live Free 2 also have stereo speakers
Active noise cancellation uses advanced technology to reduce ambient sounds.
ANC works when, it detects and analyzes the sound pattern of incoming noise and then generates a mirror signal to cancel it out. In simple terms, it's like having +1 (sound from your surrounding) and producing -1 (inverted noise) to make 0 thus "diluting" the noise.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have Active Noise Cancellation allowing you to listen at lower volume levels, good for your ears since you don't have to crank up the earbuds volume to outcompete background sounds.
The JBL Live Free 2 too have Active Noise Cancellation making both devices ideal for plane rides and morning commutes. Each operate with different noise cancellation types, pick the mode that you prefer for commute or that enhances your chill time. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) stay well in place, creating a sound seal that reduces background sounds well as preventing the earbuds sound from leaking out at the same.
Both JBL Live Free 2, and Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have passive noise reduction which implies that they tone down ambient noise without using technology to cancel it out. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a unit size of 11mm in diameter, the bigger the unit the more powerful, and can produce better bass. The driver unit is basically a mini speaker that produces sound in the earbuds, its size corellates with the sound produced by the earbuds.
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 gets
, a common assumption that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.
However, large drivers usually have difficulty producing high frequencies so yes, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not imply that they produce better quality sound. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 10Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well an audio component 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 tells how well a particular audio component generates high audible frequencies and if it adjustments to the signal on its way through. JBL Live Free 2's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this implies that
both devices can generate equal treble
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery life is 6 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average before recharge. A device's battery life is usually given by the manufacturer, and with longer battery life, 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 device, they get a little less listening time. The effect is barely noticeable at first, but over a few years, your wireless earbuds will no longer play for long like they used to. The battery life of the charging case is given by the vendor, and Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s case is said to have a full charge of 30 hours.
A charging case with a longer battery life allows you to recharge your earbuds on the go many 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 requires 0.3 hours to fully charge the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery. It is recommended to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds when they have been unused for long periods.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), the device supports wireless charging. To charge the earbuds, 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.
The battery indicator lights display the charging status of your device and case. JBL Live Free 2 too have a battery level indicator, these enable you to 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 allows data movement 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 to connect 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 used for Bluetooth audio.
It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Since it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at the same bit rate.
Since its the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) will work well with your MacBook.
If you intend on using these with Android you need to pay even closer attention to codec support for if they only have AAC they won't provide the best audio quality possible, ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have 6 microphones. While the JBL Live Free 2 microphones are 6,
equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
. More microphones result in better sound quality and help the earbuds to filter out background sounds.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) use a noise-canceling microphone, these microphones are intended to reduce noise from the earbuds' sound. The JBL Live Free 2 too have a noise-canceling microphone. This is useful in noisy areas.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when they are removed from your ears .
When misplaced in a room, or can't be found in your bag, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support the find earbuds feature. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support fast charging. Commonly, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to reduce the time it takes to charge a device.
JBL Live Free 2 too support fast charging. This kind is similar to regular charging, just that the battery is filling up much faster. Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in just 30 minutes.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a multipoint of 2 connections, the multipoint feature allows you to link to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. For example, you can switch calls from one device to another without having to 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 earbuds. The JBL Live Free 2 also support this function. It means that you unilaterally turn off the device's microphone, but you can 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 earbuds. JBL Live Free 2 also have a control panel on them. 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 that has followed instruction manuals.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information through audio messages, say if there is a problem with the connection. JBL Live Free 2 too have voice prompts meaning the earbuds will notify you if the battery is running low, and you need to recharge the earbuds.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) come with their own special case. Carrying earphones openly, or placing them in your pockets without a casing can easily put them at risk of getting damaged. JBL Live Free 2 too have a case included, which is useful for safe transportation.
