Home Wireless Earbuds Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Ex Vs. Jbl Live Free 2

A Review By Comparison of the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Ex Vs. Jbl Live Free 2

Last updated on Mar 14, 2023   8 min read
Note: This page may contain affiliate links, we only earn from qualifying purchases!
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

See price on Amazon

Reasons why you might like the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

Overall Score 6.6 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IP57
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 8 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 6 only
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode
VS
JBL Live Free 2

JBL Live Free 2

See price on Amazon

Reasons why you might like the JBL Live Free 2

Overall Score 5.5 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IPX5
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 7 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 6 only
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode

A summary of the review by feature comparison

Category Features Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX JBL Live Free 2
DESIGN ingress protection (ip) rating IP57 IPX5
weight 12g 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 9.2mm 11mm
lowest frequency 20Hz 20Hz
highest frequency 20000Hz 20000Hz
sound pressure level 102dB/mW
POWER battery life 8hours 7hours
battery life of charging case 20hours 28hours
charge time 1.5hours
battery power 70mAh
has wireless charging
has a battery level indicator
CONNECTIVITY has usb type-c
bluetooth version v5.2 v5.2
maximum bluetooth range 10meters 10meters
has aac
has aptx adaptive
MICROPHONE number of microphones 6only 6only
has a noise-canceling microphone
EXTRAS has ambient sound mode
supports fast charging
multipoint count 2only 2only
has a mute function
control panel placed on a device
warranty period 3Years
has voice prompts
travel bag is included
See price on Amazon See price on Amazon

A breakdown of the review per specifications

Design

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX IP57
JBL Live Free 2 IPX5

Ingress protection ratings is the level of protection offered by an enclosure, against dust and liquids. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value of the IP rating refers to protection against solids say dust, while the second refers to protection against liquids (water).

Having a value of IP57, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX's rating is read as, the first value of 5 denotes 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 are protected against temporary immersion in water under set conditions, say 1 metre for 30 minutes.

Compared to the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX, 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, JBL Live Free 2 has a lower liquid rating than Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

Weight

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX 12g
JBL Live Free 2 9.8g

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX have a weight of 12g . We take in account a lower weight best for the reason that lighter devices are more comfortable to carry.

The JBL Live Free 2, at 9.8g are lighter than the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX with a difference -2.2g

Has No Wires Or Cables

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
JBL Live Free 2

For a device to be true wireless it should have no wires connecting any part of the device together, Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX are true wireless for this case since they don't have cables. This is a key distinction as some wireless earbuds have cables connecting the pair of earbuds together.

JBL Live Free 2 also is true wireless since it has no cables connecting the pair of earbuds together.

Sweat Resistance

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
JBL Live Free 2

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX 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

Has Stereo Speakers

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
JBL Live Free 2

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX have stereo speakers, what this means is that Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX'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 Live Free 2 and Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX have stereo speakers

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
See price on Amazon

Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
JBL Live Free 2

Active noise cancellation uses advanced kind of tech to reduce unwanted ambient sounds. How it works, it studies the sound pattern of incoming noise and after generates a mirror signal to counter it. In simple terms, it's like having +1 (sound from your surrounding) and adding -1 (inverted noise) giving zero therefore "diluting" the noise.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX have ANC allowing you to listen at lower volume levels, good for your ears since you don't need to crank up the device volume to overcome background sounds.

JBL Live Free 2 too have Active Noise Cancellation making either of the devices ideal for plane rides and morning commutes. The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX and JBL Live Free 2 work with different noise cancellation types, pick the noise cancellation type that suits your commute or that enhances your relaxation time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
JBL Live Free 2

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX stay well in place, creating an acoustic seal that reduces your environment noise and also prevents the device music from leaking out .

Both JBL Live Free 2, and Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX have passive noise reduction this implies that both reduce ambient noise without using technology to cancel it out.

Driver Unit Size

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX 9.2mm
JBL Live Free 2 11mm

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX have a unit size of 9.2mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass. A driver unit is the component that produces sound in the device, its size dictates 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 Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX by 1.8mm , as many tend to believe 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 can generate louder sound, but this does not mean that they produce better quality sound.

Lowest Frequency

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX 20Hz
JBL Live Free 2 20Hz

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well an audio device produces low recognizable frequencies and if it alters the signal on its way through.

JBL Live Free 2's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this means that both devices produce equal bass

Highest Frequency

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX 20000Hz
JBL Live Free 2 20000Hz

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX's highest frequency is at 20000Hz, high-frequency response shows how well an audio device generates high human frequencies and if it makes any adjustments to the signal on its way through.

JBL Live Free 2's highest frequency is at 20000Hz, this means that both devices can generate equal treble

Sound Pressure Level

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
JBL Live Free 2 102dB/mW

SPL, is the pressure level of sound, in decibels, dB, JBL Live Free 2's measurement is 102dB/mW. Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.

Power

Battery Life

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX 8hours
JBL Live Free 2 7hours

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX's battery life is 8 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 less than that of Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX 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.

Battery Life Of Charging Case

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX 20hours
JBL Live Free 2 28hours

This is given by the manufacturer, and Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX's case is said to have a charge of 20 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 Live Free 2's charging case has a battery life of 28 hours, more than that of Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX by 8 hours

Charge Time

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX 1.5hours
JBL Live Free 2

It takes 1.5 hours to fully charge the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX's battery. It is highly adivsable to fully charge the battery before using the earbuds when they have been unused for long periods.

Battery Power

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX 70mAh
JBL Live Free 2

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX's battery capacity is 70mAh, battery power, shows the amount of electrical energy that a battery can store.

Has Wireless Charging

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
JBL Live Free 2

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX, the device supports wireless charging. To charge the device, you just put down on a supported charging pad.

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
JBL Live Free 2

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX have a battery level indicator, an indicator shows you when the earbuds has a low battery. Its lights indicate the charging status of your earbuds and case.

JBL Live Free 2 too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators enable you determine the charging state of your earbuds, whether fully charged, or having a low battery.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
See price on Amazon

Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
JBL Live Free 2

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX have USB TYPE-C, a standard connector for transmitting both data and power in a single cable.

JBL Live Free 2 too support USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug is part and parcel of most current electronics.

Bluetooth Version

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX v5.2
JBL Live Free 2 v5.2

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX have Bluetooth version of 5.2, 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, equal to that of the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX . Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX 10meters
JBL Live Free 2 10meters

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX have a 10meters distance connecting via Bluetooth.

JBL Live Free 2 have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

Has Aac

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
JBL Live Free 2

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX 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.

Since its the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX will work fine with your iPad. 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.

Has Aptx Adaptive

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
JBL Live Free 2

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX support APTX Adaptive, an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that are developed by Qualcomm. It has a variable bit rate (between 279kbps and 420kbps).

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX 6only
JBL Live Free 2 6only

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX have 6 microphones.

JBL Live Free 2 microphones are 6, equal to that of the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX . More microphones result in better sound quality and help the earbuds to filter out background sounds.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
JBL Live Free 2

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX have a noise-canceling microphone, these microphones are intended to filter out background sounds from the desired sound.

The JBL Live Free 2 too have a noise-canceling type of microphone. This is useful in noisy environments.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
See price on Amazon

Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
JBL Live Free 2

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient sound to still be heard even while wearing them

The JBL Live Free 2 support ambient sound mode as well, it’s useful when you want to listen to music while being 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.

Supports Fast Charging

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
JBL Live Free 2

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX support fast charging. Usually, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to lower the time it takes to fully charge the earbuds.

The 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 can be charged to 50% in just thirty minutes.

Multipoint Count

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX 2only
JBL Live Free 2 2only

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX 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 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 Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX . Bluetooth multipoint is useful because you can be on one call without missing notifications from another connected device.

Has A Mute Function

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
JBL Live Free 2

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX have a mute function, they support the option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds.

The JBL Live Free 2 too support the mute function. The mute function means that you can turn off the device's microphone, but still hear the other party talk.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
JBL Live Free 2

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX, so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the earbuds.

The JBL Live Free 2 too have a control panel on them.

Warranty Period

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX 3Years
JBL Live Free 2

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX have a warranty period of 3 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.

Has Voice Prompts

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
JBL Live Free 2

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX have voice prompts. Automatically receive information via audio messages, like if there is an issue with the connection.

JBL Live Free 2 too support voice prompts meaning the earbuds will notify you when the battery is low, and it's time to recharge the device.

Travel Bag Is Included

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
JBL Live Free 2

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX come with their own special case. Carrying earbuds without a case, or placing them in your bag without a casing may easily damage them.

JBL Live Free 2 also have a travel bag included, which is useful for safe transportation.

Related Reviews