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 |
Ingress protection ratings is the rank of protection given by a casing, against dust and liquids. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value represents protection against solids say dust, followed by the one that refers to resistance against liquids (water).
Scoring 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 Reflect Aero have a rating of IP68 meaning that
they are completely dust proof
and that of liquids is that,
JBL Reflect Aero 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 for the reason that lighter devices are more comfortable to move with.
The JBL Reflect Aero, at 13g are heavier than the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by of 4.44g For a device to be true wireless it should have no wires connecting any part of the device together, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) are true wireless for this case since they have no cables. This is a major difference since wireless earbuds have wires linking the two earbuds . JBL Reflect Aero also is true wireless because it has no wires linking the pair of earbuds . Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) are resistant to sweat JBL Reflect Aero's resistance to sweat makes both devices good for use during long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, 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. Both JBL Reflect Aero and Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have stereo speakers ANC utilises advanced kind of tech to reduce unwanted ambient sounds.
ANC works when, it studies the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and after inverts the soundwaves to counter it. Simply put, it's like taking +1 (noise) then adding -1 (counter sound by the device) giving zero resulting in a reduced level of 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 device volume to outcompete background sounds.
The JBL Reflect Aero too have ANC which makes both devices ideal for plane rides and morning travels. Each operate with different noise cancellation types, pick the mode that suits your commute or that enhances your relaxation time. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) sit well in place, creating an acoustic covering that reduces your environment noise and also prevents the device music from leaking out at the same.
Both JBL Reflect Aero, and Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have passive noise reduction this means that both tone down ambient noise without using ANC 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 the component that produces sound in the earbuds, its size dictates the loudness of the device.
JBL Reflect Aero driver unit is 6.8mm in diameter,
which means that they have a smaller driver unit than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 4.2mm
, many people have a misconception 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 imply that they deliver better quality sound. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 10Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well an audio component produces low frequencies that can be heard, and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it.
JBL Reflect Aero's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this means that Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) can produce a juicier bass than the JBL Reflect Aero Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response shows how well an audio device generates high human frequencies and if it adjustments to the signal on its way through. JBL Reflect Aero'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 given by the manufacturer, and with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and requires fewer chargings.
JBL Reflect Aero's battery life is more than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 2 hours . Each time you recharge your earbuds, they get a little less listening time. The effect is not 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 charge of 30 hours.
A charging case with a longer battery life enables you to recharge your earbuds on the go multiple 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 recommended to fully charge 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 device, you just put down on a compatible charging pad. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a battery level indicator, an indicator shows you when the device has a low battery.
Its lights indicate the charging state of your earbuds and case. JBL Reflect Aero too have a battery level indicator, these enable you determine the charging state of your device, whether fully charged, or the battery is running low. 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. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a 10meters distance to connect 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 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 a similar 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 iPad.
If you are planning on using these with Android , ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have 6 microphones. While 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 noise.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) use a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are made to reduce background sounds from the earbuds' sound. The JBL Reflect Aero too use a noise-canceling type of microphone. Especially useful in noisy areas.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the earbuds can detect when they are removed from your ears so that the music is paused. If misplaced in a room, or can't easily find them in your bag, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support the find earbuds feature. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support fast charging.
Commonly, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to lower the time it takes to fully charge a device. JBL Reflect Aero too support fast charging. This kind is similar to regular charging, just that the battery is filling up much faster.
For example, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in just 30 minutes. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support multipoint of 2 connections, this feature allows you connect to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. For example, you can easily switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a mute function, they have the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device. The JBL Reflect Aero too have the mute function. It means that you unilaterally turn off the earbuds' microphone, but you can 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 too 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 following instruction manuals.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have voice prompts. Automatically receive information via audio messages, say if there is an issue with the connection. The JBL Reflect Aero too have voice prompts meaning the device will notify you when the battery is running low, and it's time to recharge the device.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) come with a special pouch. Carrying earphones without a case, or putting them inside your pockets without a cover may easily put them at risk of getting damaged. JBL Reflect Aero also have a travel bag included, which offers safe transportation.