Jbl Live Free 2 Vs. Sony Linkbuds S Review In Detail

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Sony LinkBuds S IPX4

JBL Live Free 2 IPX5

IP ratings refer to the rating of protection offered by a casing, against solids and liquids. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value of the IP rating refers to protection against solids such as dust, while the second refers to resistance against liquids (water).

Having a value of IPX5, the JBL Live Free 2'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 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 JBL Live Free 2, Sony LinkBuds S have a rating of IPX4 meaning that we are not yet certain of their rating with solids (dust) and that of liquids is that, Sony LinkBuds S has a lower liquid rating than JBL Live Free 2

Weight

Sony LinkBuds S 9.6g

JBL Live Free 2 9.8g

JBL Live Free 2 have a weight of 9.8g . We consider a lower weight better for the reason that lighter devices are more comfortable to move with.

The Sony LinkBuds S, at 9.6g are lighter than the JBL Live Free 2 with a difference -0.2g

Has No Wires Or Cables

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

For a device to be true wireless it must have no cables linking any part of the device together, JBL Live Free 2 are true wireless for this matter since they have no cables. This is an important distinction since wireless earbuds have cables linking the pair of earbuds together.

Sony LinkBuds S also is true wireless since it doesn't have wires linking the two earbuds .

Sweat Resistance

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

JBL Live Free 2 have sweat resistance

Sony LinkBuds S's resistance to sweat makes both devices good for use during long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc

Has Stereo Speakers

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

JBL Live Free 2 have stereo speakers, what this means is that JBL Live Free 2's speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better listening experience.

The Sony LinkBuds S also have stereo speakers

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Active noise cancellation makes use of more advanced kind of tech to actively cancel noise. How it works, it studies the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and after inverts the soundwaves to counter it. Simply put, it's like having +1 (sound from your surrounding) and producing -1 (counter sound by the device) to make 0 hence "diluting" the noise.

The JBL Live Free 2 have Active Noise Cancellation enabling you to listen at lower volume levels, good for your ears since you don't need to crank up the device volume to outcompete background noise.

Sony LinkBuds S too have ANC which makes both devices ideal for flights and morning commutes. Each operate with different noise cancellation types, pick the mode that suits your commute or that enhances your chill time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

The JBL Live Free 2 sit well in place, this creates an acoustic covering that reduces background sounds and also prevents the earbuds sound from leaking out .

Both of these devices have passive noise reduction which means that they limit ambient noise without using ANC to cancel it out.

Driver Unit Size

Sony LinkBuds S 5mm

JBL Live Free 2 11mm

JBL Live Free 2 have a unit size of 11mm in diameter, the bigger the unit the more powerful, therefor producing better bass. The driver unit is the component that makes sound in the device, its size corellates with the loudness of the device.

Sony LinkBuds S driver unit is 5mm in diameter, which implies that they have a smaller driver unit than that of JBL Live Free 2 by 6mm , 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 are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not mean that they produce better quality sound.

Lowest Frequency

Sony LinkBuds S 20Hz

JBL Live Free 2 20Hz

The JBL Live Free 2's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well an audio component generates low frequencies that can be heard, and if it alters the signal on its way through.

Sony LinkBuds S's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this implies that both devices can make sound with equal bass

Highest Frequency

Sony LinkBuds S 40,000Hz

JBL Live Free 2 20,000Hz

JBL Live Free 2's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response indicates how well a particular audio component makes high audible frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal on its way through.

Sony LinkBuds S's highest frequency is at 40,000Hz, this means that Sony LinkBuds S can produce a clearer and crispier treble than the JBL Live Free 2

Sound Pressure Level

Sony LinkBuds S ✗

JBL Live Free 2 102dB/mW

SPL, is the level of pressure 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.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 Vs. Jbl Live Free 2 Review

Battery Life

Sony LinkBuds S 6hours

JBL Live Free 2 7hours

The JBL Live Free 2's battery life is 7 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average for a single charge. A device's battery life is commonly given by the manufacturer, and with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and have to charge the device less often.

Sony LinkBuds S's battery life is less than that of JBL Live Free 2 by 1 hours . Each time you recharge your device, they get a little less listening time. The effect is barely noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will no longer play for long like they used to.

Battery Life Of Charging Case

Sony LinkBuds S 14hours

JBL Live Free 2 28hours

This is given by the manufacturer, and the JBL Live Free 2's case is said to have a charge of 28 hours. A charging case with more battery hours allows you to recharge your earbuds on the go several times before recharging the case itself.

Sony LinkBuds S's charging case has a battery life of 14 hours, less than that of JBL Live Free 2 by 14 hours

Charge Time

Sony LinkBuds S 2hours

JBL Live Free 2 ✗

It takes 2 hours to fully charge the Sony LinkBuds S's battery. It is recommended to fully charge the battery before using the earbuds when they have been in storage for long periods.

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

The JBL Live Free 2 have a battery level indicator, an indicator alerts you when the device has a low battery. Its lights display the charging status of your earbuds and case.

Sony LinkBuds S too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators enable you tell the charging state of your device, whether fully charged, or the battery is running low.

Has Usb Type-C

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

The JBL Live Free 2 support USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power in a single cable.

Sony LinkBuds S too support USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug is part and parcel of most current electronics.

Bluetooth Version

Sony LinkBuds S v5.2

JBL Live Free 2 v5.2

The JBL Live Free 2 have Bluetooth version of 5.2, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that enables data transfers between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves.

Sony LinkBuds S has a Bluetooth version of 5.2, equal to that of the JBL Live Free 2 . Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Sony LinkBuds S 10meters

JBL Live Free 2 10meters

The JBL Live Free 2 have a 10meters distance to connect via Bluetooth.

Sony LinkBuds S have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the JBL Live Free 2

Has Aac

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✗

Sony LinkBuds S 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 Sony LinkBuds S will work well with your iPhone. 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 Ldac

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✗

The Sony LinkBuds S support LDAC, a codec developed by Sony which allows streaming high-resolution audio over Bluetooth connections at up to 990 kbps at 32 bit/96 kHz. It is capable of a very high bitrate of 990kbps, which provides high-resolution audio.

Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Vs. Jbl Live Free 2 Review

Number Of Microphones

Sony LinkBuds S 6only

JBL Live Free 2 6only

JBL Live Free 2 have 6 microphones.

The Sony LinkBuds S microphones are 6, equal to that of the JBL Live Free 2 . More microphones record better sound quality and help the device to filter out background sounds.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Sony LinkBuds S ✗

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

The JBL Live Free 2 have a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are intended to reduce background sounds from the earbuds' sound.

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

JBL Live Free 2 support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to pass through ambient sound so that they can still be heard even when wearing the earbuds

The Sony LinkBuds S 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, say you’re having a run but would still want to hear traffic.

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✗

Sony LinkBuds S support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when removed from your ears so that the music is paused.

Has Find Earbuds Feature

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✗

If lost in a room, or can't easily find them in your bag, the Sony LinkBuds S have a find earbuds feature.

Supports Fast Charging

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

JBL Live Free 2 support fast charging. Usually, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to lower the time it takes to charge the earbuds.

The Sony LinkBuds S support fast charging. This kind is similar to regular charging, only that the battery is filling up much faster. For example, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery is charged to 50% in thirty minutes.

Multipoint Count

Sony LinkBuds S ✗

JBL Live Free 2 2only

JBL Live Free 2 have a multipoint of 2 connections, this feature allows you connect to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. For example, you can switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.

Has A Mute Function

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

JBL Live Free 2 have a mute function, they support the option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device.

The Sony LinkBuds S too have this function. It means that you are in position turn off the earbuds' microphone, but still hear the other party's voice.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

The JBL Live Free 2, so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the earbuds.

Sony LinkBuds S too have a control panel on them.

Has Voice Prompts

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

The JBL Live Free 2 have voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information via audio messages, say if there is an issue with the connection.

The Sony LinkBuds S too support voice prompts meaning the earbuds will notify you when the battery is low, and it's time to recharge them.

Travel Bag Is Included

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

JBL Live Free 2 come with their own special case. Carrying earphones openly, or putting them inside your bag without a casing can easily damage them.

Sony LinkBuds S too have a travel bag included, which offers safe transportation.

Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Vs. Jbl Live Free 2 Review

Category	Features	Sony LinkBuds S	JBL Live Free 2
DESIGN	ingress protection (ip) rating	IPX4	IPX5
	weight	9.6g	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	5mm	11mm
	lowest frequency	20Hz	20Hz
	highest frequency	40,000Hz	20,000Hz
	sound pressure level	✗	102dB/mW
POWER	battery life	6hours	7hours
	battery life of charging case	14hours	28hours
	charge time	2hours	✗
	has a battery level indicator	✓	✓
CONNECTIVITY	has usb type-c	✓	✓
	bluetooth version	v5.2	v5.2
	maximum bluetooth range	10meters	10meters
	has aac	✓	✗
	has ldac	✓	✗
MICROPHONE	number of microphones	6only	6only
MICROPHONE	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
	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

Jbl Live Free 2 Vs. Sony Linkbuds S Review

Reasons why you might like the Sony LinkBuds S

Reasons why you might like the JBL Live Free 2

Related Reviews

Jbl Live Free 2 Vs. Sony Linkbuds S Review In Summary

Jbl Live Free 2 Vs. Sony Linkbuds S Review In Detail

Design

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Weight

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

Lowest Frequency

Highest Frequency

Sound Pressure Level

Power

Battery Life

Battery Life Of Charging Case

Charge Time

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

Bluetooth Version

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Has Aac

Has Ldac

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Has Find Earbuds Feature

Supports Fast Charging

Multipoint Count

Has A Mute Function

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Has Voice Prompts

Travel Bag Is Included