Ingress protection ratings is the rank of protection offered by a casing, against dust and water. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value of the IP rating means protection against solids say dust, while the second refers to protection against liquids (sweat).
Scoring IPX4, the Bose SoundSport Free's rating is read as, the first number of X denotes 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 Bose SoundSport Free, JBL Reflect Aero have a rating of IP68 meaning that
they are completely dust proof
and that of liquids is that,
Bose SoundSport Free has a lower liquid rating than JBL Reflect Aero
The Bose SoundSport Free have a weight of 18.2g . We prefer a lower weight better for the reason that lighter devices are easier to transport.
JBL Reflect Aero, at 13g
weigh less than the Bose SoundSport Free by -5.2g
True wireless devices have no wires linking any part of the device together, Bose SoundSport Free are true wireless for this case since they don't have cables. This is an important difference as some wireless earbuds have wires linking the 2 earbuds together. JBL Reflect Aero also is true wireless since it doesn't have cables connecting the 2 earbuds together.
The Bose SoundSport Free come with wingtips, these are commonly used for earbuds for workouts and come as an optional add-on to each silicone ear tip for a better fit. JBL Reflect Aero too have wingtips, these rest against the triangular fossa and form a secure fit to combat vigorous movement, they are best suited for sports and other physical activities. When applied correctly, they secure the earbuds from falling off.
Bose SoundSport Free have sweat resistance
JBL Reflect Aero's resistance to sweat makes both devices fit for use during long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc
Bose SoundSport Free have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from separate channels on both left and right sides, this creates a richer sound and a better listening experience. The JBL Reflect Aero also have stereo speakers
The Bose SoundSport Free stay well in place, this creates a sound covering that tones down background noise while preventing the device music from leaking out .
Both JBL Reflect Aero, and Bose SoundSport Free have passive noise reduction this means that they reduce ambient noise instead of actively using ANC to cancel it out. Bose SoundSport Free have a unit size of 10mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass.
A driver unit is basically a mini speaker that makes sound in the device, the unit size dictates the sound made by the earbuds. JBL Reflect Aero driver unit is 6.8mm in diameter,
which means that they have a smaller driver unit than that of Bose SoundSport Free by 3.2mm
, as many tend to believe that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.
However, large drivers usually have difficulty producing high frequencies so it's true that, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not mean that they produce better quality sound.
Bose SoundSport Free's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well an audio device generates low frequencies that can be heard, and if it makes any changes to the signal on its way through. JBL Reflect Aero's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this implies that
both devices can make sound with equal bass
Bose SoundSport Free's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response tells how well an audio component generates high audible frequencies and if it adjustments to the signal while at it. JBL Reflect Aero's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this implies that
both devices produce equal treble
SPL, is the level of pressure of sound, in decibels, dB, Bose SoundSport Free's measurement is 98dB/mW.
Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source. JBL Reflect Aero's sound pressure level measurement is 99dB/mW. The sound pressure level, something is can be taken differently by separate people, so we need to have the means to get an objective measurement of sound level expressed in numerical terms.
Bose SoundSport Free's battery life is 5 hours, these last less 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 Reflect Aero's battery life is
more than that of Bose SoundSport Free by 3 hours
. Each time you recharge your device, 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 Bose SoundSport Free's case is said to have a charge of 10 hours. A charging case with more battery hours allows 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,
more than that of Bose SoundSport Free by 6 hours
It requires 2 hours to fully charge the Bose SoundSport Free's battery. It is highly adivsable to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds when they have been in storage for extended periods. JBL Reflect Aero takes 1.5 hours to fully charge the battery,
less than that of Bose SoundSport Free by 0.5 hours
The Bose SoundSport Free have a battery level indicator, an indicator notifies you when the device has a low battery.
Its lights show the charging state of your earbuds and charging case. JBL Reflect Aero too have a battery level indicator, these enable you to determine the charging state of your earbuds, if charged fully, or having a low battery. The Bose SoundSport Free have Bluetooth version of 4.1, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that enables data transfers 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 Bose SoundSport Free
. Newer versions provide faster data transfers. Bose SoundSport Free have a 9.1meters distance to connect via Bluetooth. JBL Reflect Aero have a maximum range of 10meters,
longer than that of Bose SoundSport Free by 0.9meters
The Bose SoundSport Free have 2 microphones.
The JBL Reflect Aero microphones are 6,
more than that of Bose SoundSport Free by 4
. More microphones result in better sound quality and help the earbuds to filter out noise. If lost in a room, or can't be found in your bag, the Bose SoundSport Free support the find earbuds feature. Bose SoundSport Free support fast charging.
Usually, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to reduce the time it takes to charge the earbuds. Also the 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 30 minutes. The Bose SoundSport Free have a mute function, they have the option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device. The JBL Reflect Aero also support this function.
It means that you unilaterally turn off the device's microphone, but still hear the other party talk. With the Bose SoundSport Free, so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the earbuds. JBL Reflect Aero too have a control panel on them.
The Bose SoundSport Free support voice prompts. Automatically receive information through audio messages, like if there is an issue with the connection. JBL Reflect Aero also have voice prompts meaning the earbuds notifies you if the battery is running low, and it's time to recharge them.
Bose SoundSport Free come with their own special case. Carrying earphones without a case, or putting them in your pockets without a cover can easily put them at risk of getting damaged. JBL Reflect Aero too have a travel bag included, which is useful for safe transportation.
