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 is the rank of protection given by a casing, against dust and liquids. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value represents protection against solids such as dust, while the second refers to protection against liquids (sweat).

Having a value of IPX5, the JBL Live Free 2's rating is read as, the first number of X denotes 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.

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

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

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

Has No Wires Or Cables

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

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 matter since they have no cables. This is an important distinction since wireless earbuds have wires connecting the pair of earbuds together.

Sony LinkBuds S also is true wireless because it doesn't have wires linking the pair of earbuds .

Sweat Resistance

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

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, 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.

Both Sony LinkBuds S and JBL Live Free 2 have stereo speakers

Sony LinkBuds S
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Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Active noise cancellation uses advanced technology to actively counter noise. ANC works when, it studies the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and then generates a mirror signal to counter it. Simply put, it's like having +1 (noise) and producing -1 (inverted noise) giving 0 thus "diluting" the noise.

JBL Live Free 2 have ANC enabling you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue as you don't need to crank up the device volume to outcompete background noise.

Sony LinkBuds S too have ANC making either of the devices ideal for plane rides and rush hour commutes. The JBL Live Free 2 and Sony LinkBuds S operate with different noise cancellation settings, pick the noise cancellation type that you prefer for 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, creating an acoustic covering that reduces your environment sounds well as preventing the earbuds music 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.

Driver Unit Size

Sony LinkBuds S 5mm

JBL Live Free 2 11mm

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 the component that makes sound in the device, its size determines the sound made by 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 , 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 yeah, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not imply that they deliver 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 inidcates how well an audio device generates low frequencies that can be heard, and if it makes any changes to the signal on its way through.

Sony LinkBuds S's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this means that both devices produce 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 tells how well an audio device makes high recognizable frequencies and if it 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 generate a clearer and crispier treble than the JBL Live Free 2

Sound Pressure Level

Sony LinkBuds S ✗

JBL Live Free 2 102dB/mW

The sound pressure level, is the pressure level 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.

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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 before recharge. A device's battery life is commonly given by the manufacturer, and with longer battery life, 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 earbuds, 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.

Battery Life Of Charging Case

Sony LinkBuds S 14hours

JBL Live Free 2 28hours

The battery life of the charging case is given by the manufacturer, and 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

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 charge fully the battery before using the earbuds when they have been unused for extended 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 shows you when the device has a low battery. The battery indicator lights display the charging status of your device and case.

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

Sony LinkBuds S
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Has Usb Type-C

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

The 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 use USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug comes along with most current electronics.

Bluetooth Version

Sony LinkBuds S v5.2

JBL Live Free 2 v5.2

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

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 the same bit rate.

Being the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Sony LinkBuds S will work fine with your iPad. If you are planning 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.

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Number Of Microphones

Sony LinkBuds S 6only

JBL Live Free 2 6only

The 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 help the device to filter out background sounds.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Sony LinkBuds S ✗

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

JBL Live Free 2 use a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are made to filter out background sounds from the earbuds' sound.

Sony LinkBuds S
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Has Ambient Sound Mode

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

The JBL Live Free 2 support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to pass through ambient noises to still be heard even when wearing them

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.

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✗

Sony LinkBuds S support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the earbuds can detect when removed from your ears .

Has Find Earbuds Feature

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✗

When misplaced in a room, or can't be found in your bag, Sony LinkBuds S support the find earbuds feature.

Supports Fast Charging

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

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

Sony LinkBuds S too 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 thirty minutes.

Multipoint Count

Sony LinkBuds S ✗

JBL Live Free 2 2only

JBL Live Free 2 support 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 having to manually disconnect and reconnect.

Has A Mute Function

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

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 have this function. It means that you can turn off the earbuds' microphone, but you can still hear the other party talk.

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 functions 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 support voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information via audio messages, say if there is a problem with the connection.

The Sony LinkBuds S too support voice prompts .i.e the device notifies you when the battery is running low, and it's time to recharge them.

Travel Bag Is Included

Sony LinkBuds S ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

The JBL Live Free 2 come with their own special case. Carrying earphones openly, or putting them inside your pockets without a casing may easily put them at risk of getting damaged.

Sony LinkBuds S too have a case included, which is useful for safe transportation.

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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