IP ratings is the rating of protection given by an enclosure, against solids and water. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value of the IP rating represents protection against solids such as dust, followed by the one that 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 the second number 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. 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,
JBL Live Free 2 has a higher liquid rating than Sony LinkBuds S
JBL Live Free 2 have a weight of 9.8g . We prefer a lower weight best 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
For a device to be true wireless it should 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 wires. This is a major distinction since wireless earbuds have wires connecting the 2 earbuds together. Sony LinkBuds S also is true wireless since 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 ideal for use while doing sports such as long-distance running, marathons, cardio sweat workouts , etc
JBL Live Free 2 have stereo speakers, what this means is that JBL Live Free 2's 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 uses advanced kind of tech to actively counter noise. How it works, it detects and analyzes the sound pattern of incoming noise and after generates a mirror signal to cancel it out. Simply put, it's like having +1 (noise) and adding -1 (inverted noise) to make zero resulting in a reduced level of noise.
JBL Live Free 2 have Active Noise Cancellation enabling you to listen at lower levels of volume, causing less ear fatigue as you don't need to crank up the earbuds volume to overcome background noise. The Sony LinkBuds S too have ANC which makes both earbuds ideal for flights and rush hour commutes. The JBL Live Free 2 and Sony LinkBuds S operate with different noise cancellation modes, pick the mode that suits your commute or that suites your chill time.
JBL Live Free 2 sit well in place, creating a sound covering that tones down your environment noise and also prevents the earbuds music from leaking out at the same. Both Sony LinkBuds S, and JBL Live Free 2 have passive noise reduction which implies that both limit ambient noise instead of actively using technology to cancel it out. The JBL Live Free 2 driver unit is 11mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass.
A driver unit is basically a mini speaker that makes sound in the device, the unit size dictates the loudness of the device. 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 usually have difficulty producing high frequencies so yes, 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 an audio device 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 implies that
both devices make sound with equal bass
The JBL Live Free 2's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio device makes high recognizable frequencies and if it adjustments to the signal while at it. 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. The 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
. Every time you recharge your device, they get a little less playing time. The effect is not noticeable at first, but over a few years, your wireless earbuds will no longer play for long like they used to. This is given by the manufacturer, and the JBL Live Free 2's case is said to have a full charge of 28 hours.
A charging case with more battery hours enables you to recharge your earbuds on the go multiple times before having to recharge 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 shows you when the earbuds has a low battery. Its lights show the charging status of your earbuds and case.
Sony LinkBuds S too have a battery level indicator, these enable you to tell the charging state of your device, whether fully charged, or having a low battery. JBL Live Free 2 use USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power through a single cable. Sony LinkBuds S too have USB TYPE-C.
This USB-C plug is part and parcel of most current laptops, phones, and tablets. 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.
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
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 enable the device to filter out noise.
The JBL Live Free 2 have a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are made 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 so that they can 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 while being aware of your surrounding, say you’re having a jog but would still want to hear traffic. The JBL Live Free 2 support fast charging.
Usually, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to reduce the time it takes to charge the earbuds. Also the Sony LinkBuds S too support fast charging. This kind is similar to regular charging, just that the battery is filling up much faster.
Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in thirty minutes. JBL Live Free 2 support 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 feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds. The Sony LinkBuds S too support this function. It means that you are in position turn off the device's microphone, but you can still hear the other party talk.
With the JBL Live Free 2, so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever functions are supported on the device. Sony LinkBuds S also have a control panel on them. JBL Live Free 2 support voice prompts.
With voice prompts, you receive information through audio messages, say if there is a problem with the connection. Sony LinkBuds S also have voice prompts .i.e the device will notify you if the battery is running low, and you need to recharge the device. JBL Live Free 2 come with a special pouch.
Carrying earbuds without a case, or putting them in your pockets without a cover may easily put them at risk of getting damaged. Sony LinkBuds S also have a travel bag included, which is useful for safe transportation.
