Overall Score 7.3 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
Overall Score 6.5 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
Category | Features | Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) | JBL Live Free 2 |
---|---|---|---|
DESIGN | ingress protection (ip) rating | IPX4 | IPX5 |
weight | 10.6g | 9.8g | |
has no wires or cables | ✓ | ✓ | |
sweat resistance | ✓ | ✓ | |
has stereo speakers | ✓ | ✓ | |
SOUND QUALITY | has active noise cancellation (noise control) | ✓ | ✓ |
has passive noise reduction | ✓ | ✓ | |
driver unit size | 11mm | 11mm | |
lowest frequency | 20Hz | 20Hz | |
highest frequency | 20,000Hz | 20,000Hz | |
sound pressure level | ✗ | 102dB/mW | |
POWER | battery life | 6hours | 7hours |
battery life of charging case | 24hours | 28hours | |
charge time | 1hours | ✗ | |
has wireless charging | ✓ | ✗ | |
has a battery level indicator | ✓ | ✓ | |
CONNECTIVITY | has usb type-c | ✗ | ✓ |
bluetooth version | v5.3 | 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 | 2only | |
has a mute function | ✓ | ✓ | |
control panel placed on a device | ✓ | ✓ | |
has voice prompts | ✓ | ✓ | |
travel bag is included | ✓ | ✓ | |
See price on Amazon | See price on Amazon |
IP ratings is the rank of protection given by a casing, against solids and water. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value means protection against solids such as dust, followed by the one that refers to protection against liquids (sweat).
Having a value of IPX4, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s rating is read as, the first value of X denotes 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. In comparison to the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd 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 Pro (2nd Gen)
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a weight of 10.6g . We prefer a lower weight better for the reason that lighter devices are more comfortable to carry.
The JBL Live Free 2, at 9.8g weigh less than the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) with a difference -0.8g For a device to be true wireless it must have no wires linking any part of the device together, Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) are true wireless for this matter since they don't have wires. This is a major difference as some wireless earbuds have wires connecting the two earbuds together. JBL Live Free 2 also is true wireless since it has no cables connecting the pair of earbuds . Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) are resistant to sweat JBL Live Free 2's resistance to sweat makes both devices ideal for use during long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, this creates a richer sound and a better listening experience.
Both JBL Live Free 2 and Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have stereo speakers Active noise cancellation uses advanced kind of tech to actively cancel noise. ANC works when, it studies the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and then generates a mirror signal to counter it. In simple terms, it's like taking +1 (sound from your surrounding) and adding -1 (counter sound by the device) to make 0 hence "diluting" the noise.
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have ANC enabling you to listen at lower levels of volume, causing less ear fatigue as you don't have to crank up the earbuds volume to overcome background noise. The JBL Live Free 2 too have Active Noise Cancellation making either of the earbuds ideal for plane rides and rush hour travels. Each work with different noise cancellation modes, pick the mode that you prefer for travel or that enhances your relaxation time.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) stay tightly in place, this creates an acoustic covering that tones down your environment noise while preventing the device sound from leaking out . Both of these devices have passive noise reduction which means that they reduce ambient noise without using technology to cancel it out. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) driver unit is 11mm in diameter, the bigger the unit the more powerful, and can produce better bass. A driver unit is basically a mini speaker that produces sound in the earbuds, the unit size corellates with the loudness of the device.
JBL Live Free 2 driver unit is 11mm in diameter,
making both JBL Live Free 2, and Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) similar in how loud their sound gets
, 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 yes, larger drivers are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not mean that they deliver better quality sound. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well a particular audio device generates low audible frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it.
JBL Live Free 2's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this implies that both devices can produce equal bass The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response measures if and how well an audio component makes high recognizable frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal on its way through. JBL Live Free 2's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this means that both devices generate equal treble Apple AirPods Pro (2nd 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 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 Pro (2nd Gen) by 1 hours . Each time you recharge your earbuds, they get a little less playing time. The effect is not noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time. This is given by the vendor, and Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s case has a full charge of 24 hours.
A charging case with more battery hours enables you to recharge your earbuds on the go several times before recharging the case itself. JBL Live Free 2's charging case has a battery life of 28 hours, more than that of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) by 4 hours It requires 1 hours to fully charge the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd 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 Pro (2nd Gen), the device supports wireless charging. To charge the device, you simply put down on a supported charging pad. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a battery level indicator, an indicator notifies you when the earbuds has a low battery.
The battery indicator lights indicate the charging status of your device and charging case. JBL Live Free 2 too have a battery level indicator, these allow you determine the charging state of your device, whether fully charged, or the battery is running low. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have Bluetooth version of 5.3, 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 Live Free 2 has a Bluetooth version of 5.2, older than that of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) . Newer versions provide faster data transfers. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd 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 Pro (2nd Gen) Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) support AAC, a codec that is used for Bluetooth audio.
It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it provides 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 Pro (2nd Gen) will work fine with your MacBook.
If you intend on using these with Android , ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have 6 microphones. JBL Live Free 2 microphones are 6, equal to that of the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) . More microphones record better sound quality and enable the earbuds to filter out noise.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are intended to filter out noise from the desired sound. The JBL Live Free 2 too use a noise-canceling type of microphone. This is useful in noisy environments.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient sound to still be heard even when wearing the earbuds The JBL Live Free 2 support ambient sound mode as well, it’s useful when you want to listen to music but also be aware of what’s happening around you, for example when you’re having a run but would still want to be able to hear traffic. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when removed from your ears . When lost in a room, or can't easily find them in your bag, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a find earbuds feature. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) support fast charging.
Usually, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to lower the amount of time it takes to fully charge a device. JBL Live Free 2 too support fast charging. This kind is similar to regular charging, just that the battery fills up much faster.
For example, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in just thirty minutes. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a multipoint of 2 connections, this feature allows you to link to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. For example, you can easily 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 Pro (2nd Gen) . Bluetooth multipoint comes in handy when you can be on one call and not miss notifications coming from another connected device. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a mute function, they support the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds. The JBL Live Free 2 too have this function.
The mute function means that you unilaterally turn off the earbuds' microphone, but you can still hear the other party talk. With the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the device. The JBL Live Free 2 too have a control panel on them.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information through audio messages, say if there is an issue with the connection. JBL Live Free 2 too support voice prompts meaning the earbuds will notify you if the battery is running low, and you need to recharge them.
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) come with their own special pouch. Carrying earbuds openly, or placing them inside your pockets without a casing may easily damage them. JBL Live Free 2 too have a case included, which offers safe transportation.