Overall Score 7.5 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
Overall Score 7.3 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
Category | Features | JBL Tune Flex | Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) |
---|---|---|---|
DESIGN | ingress protection (ip) rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
weight | 9.6g | 8.56g | |
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 | 12mm | 11mm | |
lowest frequency | 20Hz | 10Hz | |
highest frequency | 20,000Hz | 20,000Hz | |
sound pressure level | 108dB/mW | ✗ | |
POWER | battery life | 8hours | 6hours |
battery life of charging case | 24hours | 30hours | |
charge time | 2hours | 0.3hours | |
has wireless charging | ✗ | ✓ | |
has a battery level indicator | ✓ | ✓ | |
CONNECTIVITY | has usb type-c | ✓ | ✗ |
bluetooth version | v5.2 | v5 | |
maximum bluetooth range | 10meters | 10meters | |
has aac | ✓ | ✓ | |
MICROPHONE | number of microphones | 4only | 6only |
has a noise-canceling microphone | ✓ | ✓ | |
mic sensitivity | -38dBV/Pa | ✗ | |
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 | ✓ | ✓ | |
warranty period | ✗ | 1Years | |
has voice prompts | ✓ | ✓ | |
travel bag is included | ✓ | ✓ | |
See price on Amazon | See price on Amazon |
IP ratings is the level of protection given by a casing, against dust and water. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value of the IP rating represents protection against solids say dust, while the second refers to protection against liquids (water).
Having a value of IPX4, the JBL Tune Flex's rating is read as, the first number of X denotes that no data available to specify a protection rating, and the second value of 4 means that they can withstand low pressure spray similar to that of a shower head when tilted at 180° for 10 minutes.
In comparison to the JBL Tune Flex, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a rating of IPX4 meaning that
we are not yet certain of their rating with solids (dust)
and that of liquids is that,
they both have the same rating against liquids
The JBL Tune Flex have a weight of 9.6g . We consider a lower weight better because lighter devices are more comfortable to move with.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), at 8.56g
weigh less than the JBL Tune Flex by -1.04g
For a device to be true wireless it must have no cables connecting any part of the device together, JBL Tune Flex are true wireless for this matter since they don't have wires. This is a key difference since wireless earbuds have wires linking the 2 earbuds .
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also is true wireless since it doesn't have wires linking the two earbuds .
JBL Tune Flex have sweat resistance
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s resistance to sweat makes both devices good for use during long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc
JBL Tune Flex have stereo speakers, what this means is that JBL Tune Flex's speakers deliver sound from separate channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better listening experience.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also have stereo speakers
ANC uses more advanced technology to reduce unwanted ambient sounds. ANC works when, it detects and analyzes the sound pattern of incoming noise and inverts the soundwaves to cancel it out. Simply put, it's like taking +1 (noise) then adding -1 (inverted noise) to make zero which results in a reduced level of noise.
JBL Tune Flex have ANC enabling you to listen at lower volume levels, good for your ears as you don't need to crank up the earbuds volume to overcome background noise.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have Active Noise Cancellation making both earbuds ideal for flights and rush hour travels. The JBL Tune Flex and Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) operate with different noise cancellation modes, pick the noise cancellation type that you prefer for travel or that enhances your relaxation time.
The JBL Tune Flex stay tightly in place, this creates a sound covering that tones down your environment noise while preventing the earbuds voice audio from leaking out .
Both of these devices have passive noise reduction this means that both limit ambient noise instead of actively using ANC to cancel it out.
The JBL Tune Flex driver unit is 12mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass.
The driver unit is the component that produces sound in the earbuds, the unit size dictates the loudness of the device.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) driver unit is 11mm in diameter,
which implies that they have a smaller driver unit than that of JBL Tune Flex by 1mm
, a common assumption 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 can generate louder sound, but this does not indicate that they produce better quality sound.
JBL Tune Flex's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio device generates low frequencies that can be heard, and if it makes any changes to the signal on its way through.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 10Hz, this means that
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) produce a juicier bass than the JBL Tune Flex
JBL Tune Flex's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response indicates how well a particular audio device makes high audible frequencies and if it adjustments to the signal while at it.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this means that
both devices can produce equal treble
The sound pressure level, is the pressure level of sound, in decibels, dB, JBL Tune Flex's measurement is 108dB/mW. Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.
JBL Tune Flex's battery life is 8 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average for a single charge. A device's battery life is given by the manufacturer, and with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and have to charge the device less often.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery life is
less than that of JBL Tune Flex by 2 hours
. Each time you recharge your earbuds, they get a little less listening time. The effect is barely noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will no longer play for long like they used to.
The battery life of the charging case is given by the manufacturer, and JBL Tune Flex's case has a full charge of 24 hours. A charging case with a longer battery life enables you to recharge your earbuds on the go multiple times before recharging the case itself.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s charging case has a battery life of 30 hours,
more than that of JBL Tune Flex by 6 hours
It takes 2 hours to fully charge the JBL Tune Flex's battery. It is recommended to fully charge the battery before using the earbuds when they have been unused for extended periods.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) takes 0.3 hours to fully charge the battery,
less than that of JBL Tune Flex by 1.7 hours
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), the device supports wireless charging. To charge the earbuds, you just place down on a compatible charging pad.
The JBL Tune Flex have a battery level indicator, an indicator shows you when the device has a low battery. The battery indicator lights display the charging state of your device and charging case.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators enable you determine the charging state of your earbuds, if charged fully, or the battery is running low.
The JBL Tune Flex use USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power through a single cable.
The JBL Tune Flex 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.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) has a Bluetooth version of 5,
older than that of JBL Tune Flex
. Newer versions provide faster data transfers.
The JBL Tune Flex have a 10meters distance to connect via Bluetooth.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a maximum range of 10meters,
equal to that of the JBL Tune Flex
JBL Tune Flex support AAC, a codec that is 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 JBL Tune Flex will work fine with your MacBook. If you intend on using these with Android , ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support AAC as well. Designed to be the successor of the MP3 format, AAC generally achieves higher sound quality than MP3 encoders at the same bit rate.
JBL Tune Flex have 4 microphones.
While the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) microphones are 6,
more than that of JBL Tune Flex by 2
. More microphones record better sound quality and help the device to filter out background sounds.
The JBL Tune Flex use a noise-canceling microphone, these microphones are designed to filter out background sounds from the earbuds' sound.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too use a noise-canceling microphone. This is useful in noisy areas.
JBL Tune Flex microphone sensitivity is measured at -38dBV/Pa. The magnitude of the analog or digital output signal from the microphone with its input stimulus is a measure of its sensitivity. It's the 'loudness' of the sound that the earbud microphone can recognize.
JBL Tune Flex support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient noises so that they can still be heard even when wearing the earbuds
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the earbuds can detect when removed from your ears so that the music is paused.
When lost in a room, or can't easily find them in your bag, the JBL Tune Flex support the find earbuds feature.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have the find earbuds feature. Simply use the device app on your phone to play an alarm from your device to help you locate them.
JBL Tune Flex support fast charging. Most often, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to lower the time it takes to charge a device.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 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 30 minutes.
The JBL Tune Flex have a multipoint of 2 connections, this feature allows you connect to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. Say, you can seemlessly switch calls from one device to another without manually disconnect and reconnect.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a multipoint count of 2,
equal to that of the JBL Tune Flex
. Bluetooth multipoint comes in handy when you can be on one call without missing notifications coming from another device.
JBL Tune Flex have a mute function, they support the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also support the mute function. The mute function means that you are in position turn off the device's microphone, but you can still hear the other party talk.
The JBL Tune Flex, so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the earbuds.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also have a control panel on them.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a warranty period of 1 Years, the period of time that warrant free repair and adjustment services in case of a malfunction occurring under normal use that has followed instruction manuals.
The JBL Tune Flex have voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information via audio messages, like if there is a problem with the connection.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also have voice prompts .i.e the earbuds will notify you when the battery is low, and it's time to recharge them.
The JBL Tune Flex come with a special case. Carrying earphones without a case, or placing them in your bag without a casing may easily damage them.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also have a case included, which offers safe transportation.