Home Wireless Earbuds Jbl Live Free 2 Vs. Sony Wf 1000Xm4

A Review By Comparison of the Jbl Live Free 2 Vs. Sony Wf 1000Xm4

Last updated on Apr 20, 2023   8 min read
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Sony WF 1000XM4

Sony WF 1000XM4

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Reasons why you might like the Sony WF 1000XM4

Overall Score 7.9 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IPX4
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 8 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 4 only
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode
VS
JBL Live Free 2

JBL Live Free 2

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Reasons why you might like the JBL Live Free 2

Overall Score 5.5 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IPX5
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 7 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 6 only
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode

A summary of the review by feature comparison

Category Features Sony WF 1000XM4 JBL Live Free 2
DESIGN ingress protection (ip) rating IPX4 IPX5
weight 7.1g 9.8g
has no wires or cables
sweat resistance
has an earbud foam
has stereo speakers
SOUND QUALITY has active noise cancellation (noise control)
has passive noise reduction
driver unit size 6mm 11mm
lowest frequency 20Hz 20Hz
highest frequency 40000Hz 20000Hz
sound pressure level 105dB/mW 102dB/mW
has a neodymium magnet
POWER battery life 8hours 7hours
battery life of charging case 16hours 28hours
charge time 1.5hours
battery power 40mAh
has wireless charging
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
has aptx hd
audio latency 40ms
MICROPHONE number of microphones 4only 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 2only
has a mute function
control panel placed on a device
has voice prompts
travel bag is included
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A breakdown of the review per specifications

Design

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Sony WF 1000XM4 IPX4
JBL Live Free 2 IPX5

Ingress protection ratings refer to the rank of protection given by an enclosure, against dust and liquids. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value refers to protection against solids say dust, followed by the one that refers to protection 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 value 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 WF 1000XM4 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 WF 1000XM4

Weight

Sony WF 1000XM4 7.1g
JBL Live Free 2 9.8g

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 WF 1000XM4, at 7.1g are lighter than the JBL Live Free 2 by -2.7g

Has No Wires Or Cables

Sony WF 1000XM4
JBL Live Free 2

True wireless devices have no cables linking any part of the device together, JBL Live Free 2 are true wireless for this matter since they have no wires. This is a major difference as some wireless earbuds have wires connecting the pair of earbuds together.

Sony WF 1000XM4 also is true wireless because it has no cables connecting the two earbuds .

Sweat Resistance

Sony WF 1000XM4
JBL Live Free 2

JBL Live Free 2 have sweat resistance

Sony WF 1000XM4's resistance to sweat makes both devices ideal for use while doing sports such as long-distance running, marathons, cardio sweat workouts , etc

Has An Earbud Foam

Sony WF 1000XM4
JBL Live Free 2

The earbud foam is made to be ultracompact and lightweight, with almost no interference with earrings, spectacles, hats, or hairstyles. The Sony WF 1000XM4 have an earbud foam to some it is more comfortable than the in-ear foam.

Has Stereo Speakers

Sony WF 1000XM4
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.

The Sony WF 1000XM4 also have stereo speakers

Sony WF 1000XM4
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Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Sony WF 1000XM4
JBL Live Free 2

ANC uses advanced kind of tech to reduce unwanted ambient sounds. ANC works when, it studies the sound pattern of incoming noise and generates a mirror signal to cancel it out. Simply put, it's like taking +1 (sound from your surrounding) and adding -1 (inverted noise) giving zero which results in a reduced level of noise.

JBL Live Free 2 have Active Noise Cancellation allowing you to listen at lower volume levels, good for your ears since you don't have to crank up the device volume to overcome background noise.

Sony WF 1000XM4 too have ANC which makes either of the earbuds ideal for plane rides and morning travels. The JBL Live Free 2 and Sony WF 1000XM4 work with different noise cancellation settings, pick the mode that you prefer for travel or that suites your relaxation time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Sony WF 1000XM4
JBL Live Free 2

The JBL Live Free 2 stay well in place, creating a sound seal that tones down background noise well as preventing the earbuds sound from leaking out at the same.

Both of these devices have passive noise reduction this means that both limit ambient noise without using ANC to cancel it out.

Driver Unit Size

Sony WF 1000XM4 6mm
JBL Live Free 2 11mm

JBL Live Free 2 driver unit is 11mm in diameter, the bigger the unit the more powerful, and can produce better bass. A driver unit is basically a mini speaker that produces sound in the earbuds, its size determines the sound produced by the earbuds.

Sony WF 1000XM4 driver unit is 6mm in diameter, which implies that they have a smaller driver unit than that of JBL Live Free 2 by 5mm , many people have a misconception 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 can generate louder sound, but this does not imply that they deliver better quality sound.

Lowest Frequency

Sony WF 1000XM4 20Hz
JBL Live Free 2 20Hz

JBL Live Free 2's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well an audio device produces low recognizable frequencies and if it alters the signal while at it.

Sony WF 1000XM4's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this implies that both devices produce equal bass

Highest Frequency

Sony WF 1000XM4 40000Hz
JBL Live Free 2 20000Hz

JBL Live Free 2's highest frequency is at 20000Hz, high-frequency response shows how well an audio device generates high recognizable frequencies and if it adjustments to the signal while at it.

Sony WF 1000XM4's highest frequency is at 40000Hz, this means that Sony WF 1000XM4 can generate a clearer and crispier treble than the JBL Live Free 2

Sound Pressure Level

Sony WF 1000XM4 105dB/mW
JBL Live Free 2 102dB/mW

The sound pressure level, 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.

Sony WF 1000XM4's sound pressure level measurement is 105dB/mW. How loud a device is can be taken differently by different people, so we need to have a way of getting a standard measurement of sound level expressed in numerical terms.

Has A Neodymium Magnet

Sony WF 1000XM4
JBL Live Free 2

Sony WF 1000XM4 have neodymium magnets, when used in audio devices produce a higher sensitivity and substantial sound output while using less power. They can help generate music at quite a high sound pressure level, with the use of high magnetic flux.

Power

Battery Life

Sony WF 1000XM4 8hours
JBL Live Free 2 7hours

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 requires fewer chargings.

Sony WF 1000XM4's battery life is more 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 not 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 WF 1000XM4 16hours
JBL Live Free 2 28hours

This is given by the manufacturer, and JBL Live Free 2's case is said to have a charge of 28 hours. A charging case with a longer battery life allows you to recharge your earbuds on the go multiple times before recharging the case itself.

Sony WF 1000XM4's charging case has a battery life of 16 hours, less than that of JBL Live Free 2 by 12 hours

Charge Time

Sony WF 1000XM4 1.5hours
JBL Live Free 2

It takes 1.5 hours to fully charge the Sony WF 1000XM4's battery. It is recommended to fully charge the battery before using the earbuds when they have been in storage for extended periods.

Battery Power

Sony WF 1000XM4 40mAh
JBL Live Free 2

Sony WF 1000XM4's battery capacity is 40mAh, battery capacity, represents the amount of electrical energy that a battery can keep.

Has Wireless Charging

Sony WF 1000XM4
JBL Live Free 2

The Sony WF 1000XM4, the device supports wireless charging. To charge the device, you simply place down on a supported charging pad.

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Sony WF 1000XM4
JBL Live Free 2

The JBL Live Free 2 have a battery level indicator, an indicator alerts you when the device has a low battery. Its lights show the charging status of your earbuds and charging case.

Sony WF 1000XM4 too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators allow you determine the charging state of your device, if charged fully, or having a low battery.

Sony WF 1000XM4
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Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

Sony WF 1000XM4
JBL Live Free 2

JBL Live Free 2 support USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power in a single cable.

Sony WF 1000XM4 too have USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug is part and parcel of most current laptops, phones, and tablets.

Bluetooth Version

Sony WF 1000XM4 v5.2
JBL Live Free 2 v5.2

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 WF 1000XM4 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 WF 1000XM4 10meters
JBL Live Free 2 10meters

JBL Live Free 2 have a 10meters distance to connect via Bluetooth.

Sony WF 1000XM4 have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the JBL Live Free 2

Has Aac

Sony WF 1000XM4
JBL Live Free 2

Sony WF 1000XM4 support AAC, a codec used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Since it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate.

Since its the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Sony WF 1000XM4 will work fine with your MacBook. 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 WF 1000XM4
JBL Live Free 2

Sony WF 1000XM4 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 can reach a high bitrate of 990kbps, providing high-resolution audio.

Has Aptx Hd

Sony WF 1000XM4
JBL Live Free 2

The Sony WF 1000XM4 support APTX HD, an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that are developed by Qualcomm. It supports high-quality 24-bit audio (at a bit rate of 576kbps).

Audio Latency

Sony WF 1000XM4 40ms
JBL Live Free 2

Latency refers to the time it takes for the audio signal to be transmitted to your earbuds. Sony WF 1000XM4 have a latency of 40ms, a lower latency reduces audio lag and is particularly important when playing games or watching videos.

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

Sony WF 1000XM4 4only
JBL Live Free 2 6only

The JBL Live Free 2 have 6 microphones.

While the Sony WF 1000XM4 microphones are 4, less than that of JBL Live Free 2 by 2 . More microphones record better sound quality and help the device to filter out background sounds.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Sony WF 1000XM4
JBL Live Free 2

JBL Live Free 2 use a noise-canceling microphone, these microphones are intended to reduce background sounds from the desired sound.

The Sony WF 1000XM4 too use a noise-canceling microphone. This is useful in noisy areas.

Sony WF 1000XM4
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Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Sony WF 1000XM4
JBL Live Free 2

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 WF 1000XM4 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, for example when you’re having a jog but still want to hear traffic.

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Sony WF 1000XM4
JBL Live Free 2

Sony WF 1000XM4 have in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the earbuds can detect when removed from your ears .

Has Find Earbuds Feature

Sony WF 1000XM4
JBL Live Free 2

When lost in a room, or can't easily find them in your bag, the Sony WF 1000XM4 support the find earbuds feature.

Supports Fast Charging

Sony WF 1000XM4
JBL Live Free 2

The JBL Live Free 2 support fast charging. Commonly, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to lower the amount of time it takes to fully charge the earbuds.

The Sony WF 1000XM4 too support fast charging. It's very 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 30 minutes.

Multipoint Count

Sony WF 1000XM4 2only
JBL Live Free 2 2only

The JBL Live Free 2 support multipoint of 2 connections, this feature allows you to link 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 Sony WF 1000XM4 have a multipoint count of 2, equal to that of the JBL Live Free 2 . Bluetooth multipoint comes in handy when you can be on one call and not miss notifications from another connected device.

Has A Mute Function

Sony WF 1000XM4
JBL Live Free 2

The JBL Live Free 2 have a mute function, they have the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds.

The Sony WF 1000XM4 too have this function. The mute function means that you are in position turn off the earbuds' microphone, but still hear the other party's voice.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Sony WF 1000XM4
JBL Live Free 2

The JBL Live Free 2, so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the device.

Sony WF 1000XM4 also have a control panel on them.

Has Voice Prompts

Sony WF 1000XM4
JBL Live Free 2

JBL Live Free 2 have voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information through audio messages, like if there is an issue with the connection.

The Sony WF 1000XM4 too support voice prompts .i.e the device notifies you when the battery is running low, and it's time to recharge the device.

Travel Bag Is Included

Sony WF 1000XM4
JBL Live Free 2

The JBL Live Free 2 come with a special case. Carrying earbuds openly, or placing them inside your bag without a cover may easily put them at risk of getting damaged.

Sony WF 1000XM4 also have a travel bag included, which offers safe transportation.

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