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 |
Ingress protection ratings is the level of protection given by a casing, against solids and water. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value of the IP rating means protection against solids such as dust, while the second refers to resistance against liquids (water).
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. 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,
JBL Live Free 2 has a higher liquid rating than Sony LinkBuds S
JBL Live Free 2 have a weight of 9.8g . We take in account a lower weight better for the reason that lighter devices are more comfortable to move with.
Sony LinkBuds S, at 9.6g are lighter than the JBL Live Free 2 by -0.2g True wireless devices have no wires connecting any part of the device together, JBL Live Free 2 are true wireless for this matter since they don't have cables. This is a major difference since wireless earbuds have wires linking the two earbuds together. Sony LinkBuds S also is true wireless since it doesn't have wires linking the 2 earbuds . JBL Live Free 2 are resistant to sweat Sony LinkBuds S's resistance to sweat makes both devices good 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 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 ANC uses more advanced technology to actively counter noise. How it works, it detects and analyzes the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and then generates a mirror signal to cancel it out. In simple terms, it's like taking +1 (noise) and adding -1 (counter sound by the device) giving 0 resulting in a reduced level of noise.
JBL Live Free 2 have ANC enabling you to listen at lower levels of volume, good for your ears since you don't need to crank up the device volume to overcome background noise. Sony LinkBuds S too have Active Noise Cancellation which makes both earbuds ideal for flights and morning commutes. Each operate with different noise cancellation types, pick the mode that you prefer for travel or that suites your relaxation time.
JBL Live Free 2 sit well in place, this creates a sound seal that reduces your environment sounds while preventing the earbuds sound from leaking out . Both Sony LinkBuds S, and JBL Live Free 2 have passive noise reduction which means that both tone down ambient noise without using technology to cancel it out. The JBL Live Free 2 driver unit is 11mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, therefor producing better bass. The driver unit is basically a mini speaker 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
, as many tend to believe 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 are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not mean that they produce better quality sound. The JBL Live Free 2's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well a particular audio component generates low recognizable frequencies and if it alters the signal on its way through.
Sony LinkBuds S's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this implies that both devices produce equal bass JBL Live Free 2's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response shows how well an audio device produces high recognizable frequencies and if it makes any adjustments 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 commonly 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 earbuds, they get a little less listening time.
The effect is not noticeable at first, but over a few years, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time. This is given by the vendor, and JBL Live Free 2's case has a full charge of 28 hours. A charging case with a longer battery life enables 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 JBL Live Free 2 have a battery level indicator, an indicator notifies you when the earbuds has a low battery. Its lights display the charging state of your device and charging case. Sony LinkBuds S too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators enable you to determine the charging state of your device, if charged fully, or having a low battery.
The JBL Live Free 2 have 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 transfers 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. The 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 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 earbuds to filter out background sounds. JBL Live Free 2 have a noise-canceling microphone, these microphones are intended to filter out noise from the desired sound.
The JBL Live Free 2 support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient sound to still be heard even when wearing the earbuds The Sony LinkBuds S support ambient sound mode as well, helpful when you want to listen to music but also be aware of what’s happening around you, say you’re having a jog but still want to hear traffic. JBL Live Free 2 support fast charging. Usually, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to reduce the amount of time it takes to fully charge a device.
Sony LinkBuds S 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 is charged to 50% in just 30 minutes.
The JBL Live Free 2 have a multipoint of 2 connections, the multipoint feature allows you connect to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. For example, you can seemlessly switch calls from one device to another without manually disconnect and reconnect. The 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 support the mute function. The mute function means that you are in position turn off the device's microphone, but still hear the other party talk. With the JBL Live Free 2, so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever functions are supported on the earbuds.
Sony LinkBuds S also have a control panel on them. The JBL Live Free 2 have voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information through audio messages, say if there is an issue with the connection.
Sony LinkBuds S also support voice prompts meaning the device will notify you when the battery is low, and it's time to recharge the device. JBL Live Free 2 come with a special pouch. Carrying earphones openly, or putting them in your pockets without a casing can easily damage them.
Sony LinkBuds S too have a travel bag included, which is useful for safe transportation.