Overall Score 7 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
Overall Score 6.5 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
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 |
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 |
IP ratings refer to the rating of protection given by a casing, against dust and water. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value means protection against solids say dust, followed by the one that refers to resistance against liquids (sweat).
Scoring 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
The JBL Live Free 2 have a weight of 9.8g . We prefer a lower weight best for the reason that lighter devices are easier to carry.
Sony LinkBuds S, at 9.6g weigh less than the JBL Live Free 2 by -0.2g For a device to be true wireless it must have no wires linking any part of the device together, JBL Live Free 2 are true wireless for this matter since they don't have wires. This is a key distinction since wireless earbuds have cables linking the two earbuds together. Sony LinkBuds S also is true wireless because it doesn't have cables linking the two earbuds together.
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, cardio sweat workouts , etc JBL Live Free 2 have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from separate channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better listening experience. The Sony LinkBuds S also have stereo speakers Active noise cancellation utilises advanced kind of tech to reduce unwanted ambient sounds. How it works, it studies the sound pattern of incoming noise and then generates a mirror signal to cancel it out.
In simple terms, it's like taking +1 (noise) then producing -1 (counter sound by the device) giving zero resulting in a reduced level of noise.
JBL Live Free 2 have Active Noise Cancellation enabling you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue as you don't have to crank up the device volume to outcompete background sounds. The Sony LinkBuds S too have ANC making both devices ideal for plane rides and morning 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 chill time. The JBL Live Free 2 stay well in place, creating a sound seal that reduces background noise and also prevents the earbuds voice audio from leaking out at the same. Both Sony LinkBuds S, and JBL Live Free 2 have passive noise reduction this means that they tone down ambient noise without 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 the component that makes sound in the device, the unit size dictates the loudness of the earbuds. Sony LinkBuds S driver unit is 5mm in diameter, which means that they have a smaller driver unit than that of JBL Live Free 2 by 6mm , many people have a misconception that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.
However, large drivers find it difficult to produce high frequencies so it's true that, 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 inidcates how well an audio device produces low audible frequencies and if it alters the signal while at it. Sony LinkBuds S's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this means that
both devices can make sound with equal bass
The JBL Live Free 2's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response shows how well an audio device makes high human frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it.
Sony LinkBuds S's highest frequency is at 40,000Hz, this implies that Sony LinkBuds S generate a clearer and crispier treble than the JBL Live Free 2 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. 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 requires fewer chargings. 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 a few years, your wireless earbuds will no longer play for long like they used to.
The battery life of the charging case is given by the vendor, and the JBL Live Free 2's case is said to have a charge of 28 hours. A charging case with a longer battery life enables you to recharge your earbuds on the go multiple 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 The JBL Live Free 2 have a battery level indicator, an indicator alerts you when the device has a low battery.
The battery indicator lights indicate the charging state of your device and case. Sony LinkBuds S too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators allow you to tell the charging state of your device, if charged fully, or having a low battery. JBL Live Free 2 have USB TYPE-C, a standard connector for transmitting both data and power through a single cable.
Sony LinkBuds S too use USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug comes along with most current laptops, phones, and tablets. The JBL Live Free 2 have Bluetooth version of 5.2, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows 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 connecting via Bluetooth. Sony LinkBuds S have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the JBL Live Free 2 The 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. The JBL Live Free 2 have a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are made to reduce noise from the desired sound. The JBL Live Free 2 support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to pass through ambient sound 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 but also be aware of what’s happening around you, for example when you’re having a jog but would still want to be able to hear traffic.
JBL Live Free 2 support fast charging. Commonly, 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 is charged to 50% in 30 minutes. The JBL Live Free 2 have a multipoint of 2 connections, the multipoint feature allows you to link to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them.
Say, you can easily switch calls from one device to another without manually disconnect and reconnect. The JBL Live Free 2 have a mute function, they have the option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device. The Sony LinkBuds S too have the mute function.
The mute function means that you unilaterally turn off the device's microphone, but 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. The Sony LinkBuds S too have a control panel on them.
JBL Live Free 2 support voice prompts. Automatically receive information via audio messages, like if there is an issue with the connection. Sony LinkBuds S too support voice prompts .i.e the earbuds will notify you when the battery is low, and you need to recharge the device.
JBL Live Free 2 come with a special pouch. Carrying earbuds openly, or putting them inside your pockets without a casing may easily put them at risk of getting damaged. Sony LinkBuds S also have a travel bag included, which is useful for safe transportation.