Overall Score 6.5 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
Overall Score 6.3 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
Category | Features | JBL Live Free 2 | Boult Audio Z40 |
---|---|---|---|
DESIGN | ingress protection (ip) rating | IPX5 | IPX5 |
weight | 9.8g | 40g | |
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 | 10mm | |
lowest frequency | 20Hz | 20Hz | |
highest frequency | 20,000Hz | 20,000Hz | |
sound pressure level | 102dB/mW | ✗ | |
POWER | battery life | 7hours | 10hours |
battery life of charging case | 28hours | 50hours | |
charge time | ✗ | 1.5hours | |
has a battery level indicator | ✓ | ✗ | |
CONNECTIVITY | has usb type-c | ✓ | ✓ |
bluetooth version | v5.2 | v5.3 | |
maximum bluetooth range | 10meters | 10meters | |
has aac | ✗ | ✓ | |
MICROPHONE | number of microphones | 6only | 2only |
has a noise-canceling microphone | ✓ | ✗ | |
EXTRAS | has ambient sound mode | ✓ | ✗ |
has in/on-ear detection | ✗ | ✓ | |
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 |
IP ratings refer to the rank of protection given by an enclosure, against solids and liquids. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value means protection against solids such as dust, followed by the one that refers to resistance against liquids (sweat).
Having a value of IPX5, the Boult Audio Z40's rating for solids indicates that no data available to specify a protection rating, and the second value of 5 means 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 Boult Audio Z40, 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,
they both have the same rating against liquids
The Boult Audio Z40 have a weight of 40g . We consider a lower weight better because lighter devices are more comfortable to move with.
The JBL Live Free 2, at 9.8g weigh less than the Boult Audio Z40 with a difference -30.2g True wireless devices have no cables linking any part of the device together, Boult Audio Z40 are true wireless for this case since they don't have wires. This is a key difference since wireless earbuds have cables connecting the pair of earbuds together. JBL Live Free 2 also is true wireless because it has no wires linking the 2 earbuds . The Boult Audio Z40 come with wingtips, these are reserved for earbuds for workouts and come as an optional add-on to each silicone ear tip for a more secure fit.
Boult Audio Z40 are resistant to sweat JBL Live Free 2's resistance to sweat makes both devices fit for use while doing sports such as long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc The Boult Audio Z40 are both dustproof and water-resistant. Boult Audio Z40 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 Boult Audio Z40 have stereo speakers The Boult Audio Z40 sit tightly in place, this creates a sound covering that tones down background sounds and also prevents the device voice audio from leaking out . Both of these devices have passive noise reduction which implies that they limit ambient noise without using technology to cancel it out.
Boult Audio Z40 have a unit size of 10mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass. The driver unit is the component that makes sound in the device, the unit size dictates the loudness of the earbuds. JBL Live Free 2 driver unit is 11mm in diameter, making them have a larger driver unit than that of Boult Audio Z40 by 1mm , a common assumption that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.
However, large drivers usually have difficulty producing high frequencies so yeah, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not mean that they deliver better quality sound. Boult Audio Z40's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio component produces 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 means that
both devices make sound with equal bass
The Boult Audio Z40's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response shows how well an audio device makes high recognizable frequencies and if it changes to the signal while at it.
JBL Live Free 2's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this means that both devices can produce equal treble The Boult Audio Z40's battery life is 10 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average before recharge. A device's battery life is usually given by the manufacturer, and with more battery hours, 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 Boult Audio Z40 by 3 hours . Every time you recharge your device, 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. The battery life of the charging case is given by the vendor, and the Boult Audio Z40's case has a charge of 50 hours. A charging case with more battery hours 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, less than that of Boult Audio Z40 by 22 hours It takes 1.5 hours to fully charge the Boult Audio Z40's battery. It is recommended to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds when they have been unused for long periods. The Boult Audio Z40 have USB TYPE-C, a standard connector for transmitting both data and power through a single cable.
JBL Live Free 2 too support USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug is part and parcel of most current electronics. Boult Audio Z40 have Bluetooth version of 5.3, 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, older than that of Boult Audio Z40 . Newer versions provide faster data transfers. The Boult Audio Z40 have a 10meters distance to connect via Bluetooth. JBL Live Free 2 have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the Boult Audio Z40 Boult Audio Z40 support AAC, a codec 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 Boult Audio Z40 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. Boult Audio Z40 have 2 microphones. JBL Live Free 2 microphones are 6, more than that of Boult Audio Z40 by 4 . More microphones record better sound quality and enable the device to filter out noise.
Boult Audio Z40 have in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when they are removed from your ears . The Boult Audio Z40 support fast charging. Commonly, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to reduce the amount of time it takes to charge a device. Also the JBL Live Free 2 too support fast charging.
It's very 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. Boult Audio Z40 have a mute function, they support the option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device.
The JBL Live Free 2 also support this function. The mute function means that you can turn off the device's microphone, but you can still hear the other party talk. The Boult Audio Z40, so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever functions are supported on the earbuds.
JBL Live Free 2 too have a control panel on them. Boult Audio Z40 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 Boult Audio Z40 have voice prompts.
Automatically receive information through audio messages, say if there is a problem with the connection. JBL Live Free 2 also have voice prompts .i.e the earbuds will notify you if the battery is low, and it's time to recharge them.