IP ratings refer to the rank of protection offered by an enclosure, against solids and liquids. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value represents protection against solids say dust, followed by the one that refers to resistance against liquids (water).
Having a value of IPX5, the JBL Live Free 2's rating for solids indicates 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. In comparison 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
JBL Live Free 2 have a weight of 9.8g . We prefer a lower weight better because lighter devices are more comfortable to move with.
The Sony LinkBuds S, at 9.6g
weigh less than the JBL Live Free 2 with a difference -0.2g
True wireless devices have no wires linking any part of the device together, JBL Live Free 2 are true wireless for this case since they don't have cables. This is an important distinction as some wireless earbuds have cables linking the pair of earbuds together. Sony LinkBuds S also is true wireless because it doesn't have wires connecting the 2 earbuds .
JBL Live Free 2 are resistant to sweat
Sony LinkBuds S's resistance to sweat makes both devices fit for use during long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc
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, this creates a richer sound and a better listening experience.
Both Sony LinkBuds S and JBL Live Free 2 have stereo speakers
Active noise cancellation utilises advanced kind of tech to reduce ambient sounds. ANC works when, it listens to the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and then inverts the soundwaves to cancel it out. Simply put, it's like having +1 (sound from your surrounding) then adding -1 (counter sound by the device) giving zero resulting in a reduced level of noise.
The JBL Live Free 2 have ANC allowing you to listen at lower levels of volume, causing less ear fatigue as you don't need to crank up the device volume to overcome background sounds. The Sony LinkBuds S too have ANC which makes both devices ideal for flights and rush hour travels. The JBL Live Free 2 and Sony LinkBuds S work with different noise cancellation modes, pick the mode that suits your commute or that suites your relaxation time.
JBL Live Free 2 stay well in place, creating a sound seal that tones down background sounds while preventing the device sound from leaking out at the same. Both Sony LinkBuds S, and JBL Live Free 2 have passive noise reduction which means that they reduce ambient noise instead of actively using ANC to cancel it out. The JBL Live Free 2 have a unit size of 11mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass.
A driver unit is basically a mini speaker that produces sound in the earbuds, the unit size dictates 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
, 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 yeah, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not imply that they produce better quality sound.
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 makes any changes to the signal while at it. Sony LinkBuds S's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this means that
both devices make sound with equal bass
JBL Live Free 2's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response measures if and how well an audio component produces high recognizable 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 generate a clearer and crispier treble than the JBL Live Free 2
SPL, is the level of pressure of sound, measured 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. JBL Live Free 2's battery life is 7 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.
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 playing time. The effect is barely 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 JBL Live Free 2's case has a charge of 28 hours.
A charging case with a longer battery life allows you to recharge your earbuds on the go many 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
JBL Live Free 2 have a battery level indicator, an indicator notifies you when the device has a low battery. The battery indicator lights display the charging status of your earbuds and charging case.
Sony LinkBuds S too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators allow you determine the charging state of your earbuds, if charged fully, or the battery is running low. 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. JBL Live Free 2 have Bluetooth version of 5.2, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that enables data movement between devices placed in range, 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.
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
JBL Live Free 2 have 6 microphones. Sony LinkBuds S microphones are 6,
equal to that of the JBL Live Free 2
. More microphones result in better sound quality and enable the device to filter out noise.
The JBL Live Free 2 use a noise-canceling microphone, these microphones are designed to filter out background sounds from the earbuds' sound. The JBL Live Free 2 support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient noises to still be heard even when wearing them
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 jog but would still want to hear traffic. JBL Live Free 2 support fast charging.
Most often, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to reduce the time it takes to charge the earbuds. Sony LinkBuds S support fast charging. It's very similar to regular charging, just that the battery fills up much faster.
For example, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in just thirty minutes. 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 easily switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.
The JBL Live Free 2 have a mute function, they support the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds. The Sony LinkBuds S also have the mute function. The mute function means that you can turn off the device's microphone, but you can still hear the other party's voice.
The JBL Live Free 2, so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever functions are supported on the device. Sony LinkBuds S too have a control panel on them. JBL Live Free 2 have voice prompts.
Automatically receive information through audio messages, say if there is a problem with the connection. The Sony LinkBuds S too have voice prompts meaning the device notifies you when the battery is running low, and it's time to recharge the earbuds. The JBL Live Free 2 come with their own special pouch.
Carrying earphones without a case, or putting them in your bag without a cover can easily put them at risk of getting damaged. Sony LinkBuds S too have a case included, which offers safe transportation.
