Overall Score 7 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
Overall Score 6.5 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
Category | Features | JBL Reflect Aero | JBL Live Free 2 |
---|---|---|---|
DESIGN | ingress protection (ip) rating | IP68 | IPX5 |
weight | 13g | 9.8g | |
has no wires or cables | ✓ | ✓ | |
wingtips included | ✓ | ✗ | |
sweat resistance | ✓ | ✓ | |
is dust proof and water-resistant | ✓ | ✗ | |
has stereo speakers | ✓ | ✓ | |
SOUND QUALITY | has active noise cancellation (noise control) | ✓ | ✓ |
has passive noise reduction | ✓ | ✓ | |
driver unit size | 6.8mm | 11mm | |
lowest frequency | 20Hz | 20Hz | |
highest frequency | 20,000Hz | 20,000Hz | |
sound pressure level | 99dB/mW | 102dB/mW | |
POWER | battery life | 8hours | 7hours |
battery life of charging case | 16hours | 28hours | |
charge time | 1.5hours | ✗ | |
has a battery level indicator | ✓ | ✓ | |
CONNECTIVITY | has usb type-c | ✓ | ✓ |
bluetooth version | v5.2 | v5.2 | |
maximum bluetooth range | 10meters | 10meters | |
MICROPHONE | number of microphones | 6only | 6only |
has a noise-canceling microphone | ✓ | ✓ | |
EXTRAS | has ambient sound mode | ✓ | ✓ |
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 rank of protection given by an enclosure, against solids and water. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value refers to protection against solids say dust, followed by the one that refers to protection against liquids (water).
Having a value of IP68, the JBL Reflect Aero's rating is read as, the first value of 6 denotes that they are completely dust proof, and of liquids that they are protected against the effects of continuous immersion in water, ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible. Conditions should be more severe than for numeral 7..
In comparison to the JBL Reflect Aero, JBL Live Free 2 have a rating of IPX5 meaning that
no data available to specify a protection rating
and that of liquids is that,
JBL Reflect Aero has a higher liquid rating than JBL Live Free 2
The JBL Reflect Aero have a weight of 13g . We take in account a lower weight better because lighter devices are easier to carry.
The JBL Live Free 2, at 9.8g weigh less than the JBL Reflect Aero with a difference -3.2g True wireless devices have no cables linking any part of the device together, JBL Reflect Aero are true wireless for this matter since they don't have cables. This is a key difference since wireless earbuds have wires linking the pair of earbuds together. JBL Live Free 2 also is true wireless because it doesn't have wires connecting the two earbuds . JBL Reflect Aero have wingtips, these are reserved for earbuds for workouts and come as an optional add-on to each silicone ear tip for a more secure fit.
JBL Reflect Aero are resistant to sweat JBL Live Free 2's resistance to sweat makes both devices fit for use during long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc The JBL Reflect Aero are both dustproof and water-resistant. JBL Reflect Aero have stereo speakers, what this means is that JBL Reflect Aero's speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, this creates a richer sound and a better listening experience. The JBL Live Free 2 also have stereo speakers ANC uses more advanced technology to actively cancel noise.
ANC works when, it detects and analyzes the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and after inverts the soundwaves to cancel it out. Simply put, it's like having +1 (sound from your surrounding) then adding -1 (counter sound by the device) giving 0 thus "diluting" the noise.
The JBL Reflect Aero have ANC allowing you to listen at lower levels of volume, causing less ear fatigue as you don't need to crank up the device volume to overcome background sounds.
JBL Live Free 2 too have Active Noise Cancellation making both earbuds ideal for plane rides and morning commutes. Each work with different noise cancellation modes, pick the noise cancellation type that you prefer for travel or that enhances your relaxation time. JBL Reflect Aero sit tightly in place, creating an acoustic covering that tones down background noise and also prevents the device voice audio from leaking out at the same.
Both of these devices have passive noise reduction this means that they tone down ambient noise without using technology to cancel it out. JBL Reflect Aero have a unit size of 6.8mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass. A driver unit is the component that produces sound in the earbuds, the unit size dictates the loudness of the device.
JBL Live Free 2 driver unit is 11mm in diameter,
making them have a larger driver unit than that of JBL Reflect Aero by 4.2mm
, 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 yes, larger drivers are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not mean that they produce better quality sound. The JBL Reflect Aero's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio component generates low frequencies that can be heard, and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it.
JBL Live Free 2's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this means that both devices can produce equal bass JBL Reflect Aero's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response indicates how well a particular audio device produces high recognizable frequencies and if it changes to the signal while at it. JBL Live Free 2's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this means that both devices can generate equal treble SPL, is the level of pressure of sound, measured in decibels, dB, JBL Reflect Aero's measurement is 99dB/mW. Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.
JBL Live Free 2's sound pressure level measurement is 102dB/mW. How loud something is can be considered differently by different people, so we need to have a way of getting a standard measurement of sound level expressed in numerical terms. The JBL Reflect Aero's battery life is 8 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 longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and requires fewer chargings. JBL Live Free 2's battery life is less than that of JBL Reflect Aero by 1 hours . Each time you recharge your earbuds, 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 vendor, and the JBL Reflect Aero's case has a full charge of 16 hours. A charging case with more battery hours allows you to recharge your earbuds on the go multiple times before recharging the case itself. JBL Live Free 2's charging case has a battery life of 28 hours, more than that of JBL Reflect Aero by 12 hours It requires 1.5 hours to fully charge the JBL Reflect Aero's battery.
It is highly adivsable to fully charge the battery before using the earbuds for the first time. The JBL Reflect Aero have a battery level indicator, an indicator alerts you when the earbuds has a low battery. Its lights indicate the charging state of your earbuds and charging case.
JBL Live Free 2 too have a battery level indicator, these allow you tell the charging state of your earbuds, whether fully charged, or the battery is running low. JBL Reflect Aero use USB TYPE-C, a standard connector for transmitting both data and power in a single cable. JBL Live Free 2 too have USB TYPE-C.
This USB-C plug comes along with most current electronics. The JBL Reflect Aero 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. JBL Live Free 2 has a Bluetooth version of 5.2, equal to that of the JBL Reflect Aero . Newer versions provide faster data transfers.
The JBL Reflect Aero have a 10meters distance connecting via Bluetooth. JBL Live Free 2 have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the JBL Reflect Aero The JBL Reflect Aero have 6 microphones. The JBL Live Free 2 microphones are 6, equal to that of the JBL Reflect Aero . More microphones record better sound quality and enable the earbuds to filter out noise.
JBL Reflect Aero use a noise-canceling microphone, these microphones are designed to filter out background sounds from the desired sound. The JBL Live Free 2 too have a noise-canceling microphone. This is useful in noisy environments.
JBL Reflect Aero support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to pass through ambient noises to still be heard even when wearing the earbuds The JBL Live Free 2 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 still want to hear traffic. The JBL Reflect Aero support fast charging. Usually, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to lower the time it takes to charge a device.
JBL Live Free 2 support fast charging. This kind is 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.
JBL Reflect Aero have a mute function, they support the option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds. The JBL Live Free 2 too have this function. It means that you are in position turn off the earbuds' microphone, but still hear the other party talk.
The JBL Reflect Aero, so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever functions are supported on the earbuds. The JBL Live Free 2 also have a control panel on them. The JBL Reflect Aero have voice prompts.
Automatically receive information through audio messages, like if there is an issue with the connection. The JBL Live Free 2 too have voice prompts .i.e the earbuds notifies you when the battery is running low, and it's time to recharge the earbuds. The JBL Reflect Aero come with their own special pouch.
Carrying earbuds without a case, or putting them inside your bag without a cover may easily put them at risk of getting damaged. JBL Live Free 2 too have a case included, which offers safe transportation.