Overall Score 7.3 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
Overall Score 7 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
Category | Features | Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) | JBL Reflect Aero |
---|---|---|---|
DESIGN | ingress protection (ip) rating | IPX4 | IP68 |
weight | 8.56g | 13g | |
has no wires or cables | ✓ | ✓ | |
wingtips included | ✗ | ✓ | |
sweat resistance | ✓ | ✓ | |
is dust proof and water-resistant | ✗ | ✓ | |
has stereo speakers | ✓ | ✓ | |
SOUND QUALITY | has active noise cancellation (noise control) | ✓ | ✓ |
has passive noise reduction | ✓ | ✓ | |
driver unit size | 11mm | 6.8mm | |
lowest frequency | 10Hz | 20Hz | |
highest frequency | 20,000Hz | 20,000Hz | |
sound pressure level | ✗ | 99dB/mW | |
POWER | battery life | 6hours | 8hours |
battery life of charging case | 30hours | 16hours | |
charge time | 0.3hours | 1.5hours | |
has wireless charging | ✓ | ✗ | |
has a battery level indicator | ✓ | ✓ | |
CONNECTIVITY | has usb type-c | ✗ | ✓ |
bluetooth version | v5 | v5.2 | |
maximum bluetooth range | 10meters | 10meters | |
has aac | ✓ | ✗ | |
MICROPHONE | number of microphones | 6only | 6only |
has a noise-canceling microphone | ✓ | ✓ | |
EXTRAS | has ambient sound mode | ✗ | ✓ |
has in/on-ear detection | ✓ | ✗ | |
has find earbuds feature | ✓ | ✗ | |
supports fast charging | ✓ | ✓ | |
multipoint count | 2only | ✗ | |
has a mute function | ✓ | ✓ | |
control panel placed on a device | ✓ | ✓ | |
warranty period | 1Years | ✗ | |
has voice prompts | ✓ | ✓ | |
travel bag is included | ✓ | ✓ | |
See price on Amazon | See price on Amazon |
IP ratings refer to the rating of protection given by an enclosure, against dust and water. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value represents protection against solids say dust, while the second refers to resistance against liquids (sweat).
Scoring IPX4, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s rating for solids indicates that no data available to specify a protection rating, and the second value of 4 means 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 Reflect Aero have a rating of IP68 meaning that
they are completely dust proof
and that of liquids is that,
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) has a lower liquid rating than JBL Reflect Aero
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a weight of 8.56g . We take in account a lower weight better for the reason that lighter devices are easier to transport.
The JBL Reflect Aero, at 13g are heavier than the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) with a difference of 4.44g True wireless devices have no wires connecting any part of the device together, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) are true wireless for this matter since they have no wires. This is a major distinction since wireless earbuds have wires linking the 2 earbuds . JBL Reflect Aero also is true wireless since it has no wires connecting the 2 earbuds together. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) are resistant to sweat JBL Reflect Aero's resistance to sweat makes both devices ideal for use during long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have stereo speakers, what this means is that Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, this creates a richer sound and a better listening experience.
Both JBL Reflect Aero and Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have stereo speakers Active noise cancellation utilises more advanced technology to reduce unwanted ambient sounds. ANC works when, it studies the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and after generates a mirror signal to counter it. Simply put, it's like having +1 (noise) then adding -1 (inverted noise) giving zero hence "diluting" the noise.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have ANC allowing you to listen at lower volume levels, good for your ears as you don't need to crank up the device volume to overcome background noise. JBL Reflect Aero too have ANC making both devices ideal for plane rides and morning commutes. Each operate with different noise cancellation types, pick the noise cancellation type that suits your travel or that suites your relaxation time.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) stay well in place, creating an acoustic covering that reduces your environment sounds while preventing the earbuds music from leaking out at the same. Both JBL Reflect Aero, and Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have passive noise reduction this implies that both tone down ambient noise without using technology to cancel it out. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) driver unit is 11mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, therefor producing better bass.
A driver unit is basically a mini speaker that makes sound in the earbuds, its size determines the loudness of the earbuds. JBL Reflect Aero driver unit is 6.8mm in diameter,
which implies that they have a smaller driver unit than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 4.2mm
, a common assumption that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.
However, large drivers find it difficult to produce high frequencies so yeah, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not indicate that they produce better quality sound.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 10Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well an audio component generates low recognizable frequencies and if it alters the signal on its way through. JBL Reflect Aero's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this means that Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) make sound with a juicier bass than the JBL Reflect Aero Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response indicates how well an audio device makes high human frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it. JBL Reflect Aero's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this means that both devices can 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 commonly given by the manufacturer, and with more battery hours, you get to use it for longer and have to charge the device less often. JBL Reflect Aero's battery life is more than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 2 hours . Every time you recharge your device, they get a little less listening time. The effect is not 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 vendor, 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 many times before recharging the case itself. JBL Reflect Aero's charging case has a battery life of 16 hours, less than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 14 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 for the first time. JBL Reflect Aero takes 1.5 hours to fully charge the battery, more than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 1.2 hours Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), the device supports wireless charging. To charge the earbuds, you simply place down on a compatible charging pad.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a battery level indicator, an indicator notifies you when the device has a low battery. The battery indicator lights indicate the charging status of your earbuds and case. JBL Reflect Aero too have a battery level indicator, these enable you determine the charging state of your earbuds, whether fully charged, 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 close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. JBL Reflect Aero 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 Reflect Aero 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 the same bit rate.
Being the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) will work well with your MacBook. If you are planning 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.
The JBL Reflect Aero microphones are 6, equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) . More microphones record better sound quality and help the earbuds to filter out background sounds. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are made to filter out noise from the desired sound. The JBL Reflect Aero too use a noise-canceling microphone.
Especially useful in noisy areas. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when they are removed from your ears . If misplaced in a room, or can't be found in your bag, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support the find earbuds feature. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support fast charging.
Most often, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to reduce the amount of time it takes to charge the earbuds. The JBL Reflect Aero too 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 can be charged to 50% in just thirty minutes. 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 seemlessly switch calls from one device to another without manually disconnect and reconnect.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a mute function, they have the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds. The JBL Reflect Aero also support this function. It means that you can turn off the earbuds' microphone, but still hear the other party talk.
With the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever functions are supported on the earbuds. The JBL Reflect Aero also 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.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support voice prompts. Automatically receive information through audio messages, like if there is a problem with the connection. The JBL Reflect Aero too have voice prompts .i.e the earbuds notifies you when the battery is running low, and you need to recharge the device.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) come with a special pouch. Carrying earphones without a case, or putting them inside your pockets without a casing can easily damage them. JBL Reflect Aero too have a travel bag included, which offers safe transportation.