Overall Score 7.5 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
Overall Score 6.5 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
Category | Features | Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus | JBL Live Free 2 |
---|---|---|---|
DESIGN | ingress protection (ip) rating | IP55 | IPX5 |
weight | 9g | 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 | 9mm | 11mm | |
lowest frequency | 5Hz | 20Hz | |
highest frequency | 20,000Hz | 20,000Hz | |
sound pressure level | 110dB/mW | 102dB/mW | |
POWER | battery life | 7.5hours | 7hours |
battery life of charging case | 12.5hours | 28hours | |
charge time | 2.5hours | ✗ | |
has a battery level indicator | ✓ | ✓ | |
CONNECTIVITY | has usb type-c | ✓ | ✓ |
bluetooth version | v5.1 | v5.2 | |
maximum bluetooth range | 10meters | 10meters | |
has aac | ✓ | ✗ | |
MICROPHONE | number of microphones | ✗ | 6only |
has a noise-canceling microphone | ✓ | ✓ | |
highest mic frequency | 8,000Hz | ✗ | |
lowest mic frequency | 100Hz | ✗ | |
EXTRAS | has ambient sound mode | ✓ | ✓ |
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 |
Ingress protection ratings refer to the rating of protection offered by an enclosure, against dust and liquids. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value of the IP rating means protection against solids say dust, followed by the one that refers to protection against liquids (sweat).
Scoring IP55, the Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus's rating for solids indicates that ingress of dust is not totally prevented but dust does not enter in harmful quantities to interfere with the correct operation or impair safety, and of liquids that they can withstand medium pressure jet that's 6.3mm diameter, similar to garden hose from any angle for 3 minutes at a distance of 2.5 to 3 metres. Compared to the Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus, JBL Live Free 2 have a rating of IPX5 meaning that
no data available to specify a protection rating
and that of liquids is that,
they both have the same rating against liquids
The Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus have a weight of 9g . We take in account a lower weight best because lighter devices are more comfortable to transport.
JBL Live Free 2, at 9.8g are heavier than the Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus with a difference of 0.8g True wireless devices have no wires linking any part of the device together, Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus are true wireless for this matter since they have no cables. This is a major distinction as some wireless earbuds have wires connecting the 2 earbuds . JBL Live Free 2 also is true wireless since it has no wires linking the 2 earbuds . Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus have sweat resistance JBL Live Free 2's resistance to sweat makes both devices good for use while doing sports such as long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus have stereo speakers, what this means is that Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus'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 utilises more advanced technology to actively counter noise.
ANC works when, it studies the sound pattern of incoming noise and then inverts the soundwaves to counter it. Simply put, it's like taking +1 (sound from your surrounding) then adding -1 (counter sound by the device) to make 0 resulting in a reduced level of noise.
The Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus have Active Noise Cancellation allowing you to listen at lower levels of volume, causing less ear fatigue as you don't have to crank up the device volume to outcompete background noise.
JBL Live Free 2 too have ANC making both devices ideal for flights and rush hour commutes. Each operate with different noise cancellation types, pick the noise cancellation type that you prefer for travel or that enhances your relaxation time. Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus stay well in place, creating an acoustic seal that tones down your environment noise well as preventing the earbuds music from leaking out . Both of these devices have passive noise reduction this means that they reduce ambient noise without using ANC to cancel it out.
Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus driver unit is 9mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass. The driver unit is basically a mini speaker that produces sound in the earbuds, the unit size corellates with the sound produced by the earbuds. JBL Live Free 2 driver unit is 11mm in diameter, making them have a larger driver unit than that of Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus by 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 it's true that, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not imply that they deliver better quality sound. Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus's lowest frequency is at 5Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well an audio component generates low frequencies that can be heard, and if it makes any changes to the signal on its way through. JBL Live Free 2's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this implies that
Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus can produce a juicier bass than the JBL Live Free 2
Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio device generates high human frequencies and if it adjustments to the signal while at it.
JBL Live Free 2's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this implies that both devices can produce equal treble SPL, is the level of pressure of sound, in decibels, dB, Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus's measurement is 110dB/mW. Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source. JBL Live Free 2's sound pressure level measurement is 102dB/mW.
The sound pressure level, a device is can be taken differently by different persons, so we need to have a way of getting a standard measurement of sound level expressed in numerical terms. The Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus's battery life is 7.5 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 have to charge the device less often.
JBL Live Free 2's battery life is less than that of Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus by 0.5 hours . Every time you recharge your earbuds, they get a little less listening time. The effect is barely noticeable at first, but over a few years, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time. The battery life of the charging case is given by the manufacturer, and the Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus's case is said to have a full charge of 12.5 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, more than that of Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus by 15.5 hours It requires 2.5 hours to fully charge the Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus's battery. It is recommended to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds when they have been in storage for extended periods.
Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus have a battery level indicator, an indicator notifies you when the earbuds has a low battery. The battery indicator lights show the charging status of your earbuds and charging case. JBL Live Free 2 too have a battery level indicator, these allow you to tell the charging state of your earbuds, if charged fully, or having a low battery.
The Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus support USB TYPE-C, a standard connector for transmitting both data and power in a single cable. JBL Live Free 2 too have USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug comes along with most current laptops, phones, and tablets.
Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus have Bluetooth version of 5.1, 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 Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus . Newer versions provide faster data transfers. Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus have a 10meters distance to connect via Bluetooth.
JBL Live Free 2 have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus support AAC, a codec used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate.
Being the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus 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. Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus use a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are intended to reduce background sounds from the desired sound.
The JBL Live Free 2 too use a noise-canceling microphone. Especially useful in noisy areas. Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus's highest mic frequency is 8,000Hz, high frequencies are better for recording treble.
The highest mic frequency of a microphone is known as its upper limiting frequency. The Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus's lowest mic frequency is 100Hz, low frequencies are better for picking up bass. The lowest mic frequency of a microphone is defined as its lower limiting frequency.
Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient noises so that they can still be heard even while wearing the earbuds The JBL Live Free 2 support ambient sound mode as well, helpful when you want to listen to music while being aware of your surrounding, say you’re having a run but would still want to hear traffic. If misplaced in a room, or can't easily find them in your bag, Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus support the find earbuds feature. Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus support fast charging.
Commonly, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to reduce the amount of time it takes to charge the earbuds. JBL Live Free 2 support fast charging. This kind is similar to regular charging, only that the battery is filling up much faster.
Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery is charged to 50% in just 30 minutes. Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus have a multipoint of 2 connections, this feature allows you to link to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. Say, you can easily 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 Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus . Bluetooth multipoint is useful because you can be on one call without missing notifications from another connected device. The Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus have a mute function, they have the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds. The JBL Live Free 2 too support the mute function.
It means that you are in position turn off the device's microphone, but you can still hear the other party talk. With the Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus, 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.
Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus have voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information via audio messages, say if there is a problem with the connection. The JBL Live Free 2 also support voice prompts meaning the device notifies you if the battery is running low, and you need to recharge them.
The Audio Technica ATH CKS30TW Plus come with a special pouch. Carrying earbuds openly, or putting them in your bag without a cover can easily damage them. JBL Live Free 2 too have a case included, which is useful for safe transportation.