Home Wireless Earbuds Jbl Tune Flex Vs. Sony Linkbuds S

Jbl Tune Flex Vs. Sony Linkbuds S Review

Last updated on Mar 30, 2024   8 minute read
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JBL Tune Flex

JBL Tune Flex

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Reasons why you might like the JBL Tune Flex

Overall Score 7.5 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
Sony LinkBuds S

Sony LinkBuds S

See price on Amazon

Reasons why you might like the Sony LinkBuds S

Overall Score 7 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IPX4
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 6 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 6 only
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode

Jbl Tune Flex Vs. Sony Linkbuds S Review In Summary

Category Features JBL Tune Flex Sony LinkBuds S
DESIGN ingress protection (ip) rating IPX4 IPX4
weight 9.6g 9.6g
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 5mm
lowest frequency 20Hz 20Hz
highest frequency 20,000Hz 40,000Hz
sound pressure level 108dB/mW
POWER battery life 8hours 6hours
battery life of charging case 24hours 14hours
charge time 2hours 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 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
has a mute function
control panel placed on a device
has voice prompts
travel bag is included
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Jbl Tune Flex Vs. Sony Linkbuds S Review In Detail

Design

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

JBL Tune Flex IPX4
Sony LinkBuds S IPX4

Ingress protection ratings is the rating of protection given by a casing, against dust and water. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value refers to protection against solids say dust, while the second refers to resistance against liquids (sweat).

Scoring 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 number of 4 means that they can withstand low pressure spray similar to that of a shower head when tilted at 180° for 10 minutes.

Compared to the JBL Tune Flex, 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, they both have the same rating against liquids

Weight

JBL Tune Flex 9.6g
Sony LinkBuds S 9.6g

The JBL Tune Flex have a weight of 9.6g . We take in account a lower weight better for the reason that lighter devices are easier to move with.

Sony LinkBuds S, at 9.6g have the same weight as the JBL Tune Flex

Has No Wires Or Cables

JBL Tune Flex
Sony LinkBuds S

For a device to be true wireless it should have no cables linking any part of the device together, JBL Tune Flex are true wireless for this matter since they have no wires. This is a key distinction as some wireless earbuds have cables linking the two earbuds .

Sony LinkBuds S also is true wireless since it has no wires connecting the two earbuds .

Sweat Resistance

JBL Tune Flex
Sony LinkBuds S

JBL Tune Flex are resistant to sweat

Sony LinkBuds S's resistance to sweat makes both devices fit for use during long-distance running, marathons, cardio sweat workouts , etc

Has Stereo Speakers

JBL Tune Flex
Sony LinkBuds S

JBL Tune Flex have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, this creates a richer sound and a better listening experience.

Both Sony LinkBuds S and JBL Tune Flex have stereo speakers

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Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

JBL Tune Flex
Sony LinkBuds S

ANC utilises more advanced kind of tech to reduce unwanted ambient sounds. How it works, it detects and analyzes the sound pattern of incoming noise and then generates a mirror signal to counter it. Simply put, it's like taking +1 (sound from your surrounding) then adding -1 (counter sound by the device) to make zero which results in a reduced level of noise.

The JBL Tune Flex have ANC enabling you to listen at lower volume levels, good for your ears as you don't have to crank up the device volume to overcome background sounds.

The Sony LinkBuds S too have Active Noise Cancellation which makes either of the devices ideal for plane rides and rush hour travels. Each work with different noise cancellation modes, pick the noise cancellation type that you prefer for travel or that enhances your chill time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

JBL Tune Flex
Sony LinkBuds S

JBL Tune Flex sit tightly in place, this creates an acoustic seal that reduces background noise well as preventing the device voice audio from leaking out .

Both Sony LinkBuds S, and JBL Tune Flex have passive noise reduction which implies that both tone down ambient noise instead of actively using ANC to cancel it out.

Driver Unit Size

JBL Tune Flex 12mm
Sony LinkBuds S 5mm

The JBL Tune Flex driver unit is 12mm in diameter, the bigger the unit the more powerful, therefor producing better bass. A driver unit is basically a mini speaker that makes sound in the earbuds, its size determines the sound made by the earbuds.

Sony LinkBuds S driver unit is 5mm in diameter, which means that they have a smaller driver unit than that of JBL Tune Flex by 7mm , a common assumption 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 indicate that they produce better quality sound.

Lowest Frequency

JBL Tune Flex 20Hz
Sony LinkBuds S 20Hz

The JBL Tune Flex'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 means that both devices can make sound with equal bass

Highest Frequency

JBL Tune Flex 20,000Hz
Sony LinkBuds S 40,000Hz

JBL Tune Flex's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response indicates how well a particular audio component generates 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 produce a clearer and crispier treble than the JBL Tune Flex

Sound Pressure Level

JBL Tune Flex 108dB/mW
Sony LinkBuds S

The sound pressure level, is the pressure level of sound, measured 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.

Power

Battery Life

JBL Tune Flex 8hours
Sony LinkBuds S 6hours

JBL Tune Flex'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 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 Tune Flex by 2 hours . Each time you recharge your device, they get a little less playing time. The effect is not noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time.

Battery Life Of Charging Case

JBL Tune Flex 24hours
Sony LinkBuds S 14hours

This is given by the vendor, and the JBL Tune Flex's case is said to have a full charge of 24 hours. A charging case with a longer battery life allows you to recharge your earbuds on the go several times before recharging the case itself.

Sony LinkBuds S's charging case has a battery life of 14 hours, less than that of JBL Tune Flex by 10 hours

Charge Time

JBL Tune Flex 2hours
Sony LinkBuds S 2hours

It takes 2 hours to fully charge the JBL Tune Flex's battery. It is highly adivsable to fully charge the battery before using the earbuds when they have been unused for long periods.

Sony LinkBuds S takes 2 hours to fully charge the battery, equal to that of the JBL Tune Flex

Has A Battery Level Indicator

JBL Tune Flex
Sony LinkBuds S

The JBL Tune Flex have a battery level indicator, an indicator alerts you when the device has a low battery. The battery indicator lights display the charging state of your earbuds and charging case.

Sony LinkBuds S too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators allow you to determine the charging state of your device, whether fully charged, or having a low battery.

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Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

JBL Tune Flex
Sony LinkBuds S

JBL Tune Flex have USB TYPE-C, a standard connector for transmitting both data and power in a single cable.

Sony LinkBuds S too support USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug is part and parcel of most current electronics.

Bluetooth Version

JBL Tune Flex v5.2
Sony LinkBuds S v5.2

The JBL Tune Flex have Bluetooth version of 5.2, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that enables data movement 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 Tune Flex . Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

JBL Tune Flex 10meters
Sony LinkBuds S 10meters

JBL Tune Flex have a 10meters distance connecting via Bluetooth.

Sony LinkBuds S have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the JBL Tune Flex

Has Aac

JBL Tune Flex
Sony LinkBuds S

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 provides better results than other codecs at the same bit rate.

Since its the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the JBL Tune Flex will work fine with your iPhone. If you intend 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.

The Sony LinkBuds S 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.

Has Ldac

JBL Tune Flex
Sony LinkBuds S

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 can reach a high bitrate of 990kbps, providing high-resolution audio.

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

JBL Tune Flex 4only
Sony LinkBuds S 6only

JBL Tune Flex have 4 microphones.

While the Sony LinkBuds S microphones are 6, more than that of JBL Tune Flex by 2 . More microphones result in better sound quality and help the earbuds to filter out noise.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

JBL Tune Flex
Sony LinkBuds S

The JBL Tune Flex use a noise-canceling microphone, these microphones are designed to filter out background sounds from the desired sound.

Mic Sensitivity

JBL Tune Flex -38dBV/Pa
Sony LinkBuds S

The JBL Tune Flex microphone sensitivity is measured at -38dBV/Pa. The extent 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 pick up.

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Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

JBL Tune Flex
Sony LinkBuds S

The JBL Tune Flex support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel 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 while being aware of your surrounding, say you’re having a run but would still want to be able to hear traffic.

Has In/On-Ear Detection

JBL Tune Flex
Sony LinkBuds S

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

Has Find Earbuds Feature

JBL Tune Flex
Sony LinkBuds S

When misplaced in a room, or can't easily find them in your bag, the JBL Tune Flex support the find earbuds feature.

The Sony LinkBuds S also have the find earbuds feature. Use the device app on your smartphone to play a sound from your device to help you find them.

Supports Fast Charging

JBL Tune Flex
Sony LinkBuds S

The JBL Tune Flex support fast charging. Most often, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to reduce the time it takes to charge the earbuds.

Also the Sony LinkBuds S support fast charging. This kind is similar to regular charging, only that the battery is filling up much faster. Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in 30 minutes.

Multipoint Count

JBL Tune Flex 2only
Sony LinkBuds S

JBL Tune Flex support multipoint of 2 connections, the multipoint feature allows you to link to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. For example, you can switch calls from one device to another without manually disconnect and reconnect.

Has A Mute Function

JBL Tune Flex
Sony LinkBuds S

JBL Tune Flex have a mute function, they have the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds.

The Sony LinkBuds S also support this function. The mute function means that you are in position turn off the device's microphone, but still hear the other party talk.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

JBL Tune Flex
Sony LinkBuds S

The JBL Tune Flex, so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the device.

Sony LinkBuds S also have a control panel on them.

Has Voice Prompts

JBL Tune Flex
Sony LinkBuds S

The JBL Tune Flex support voice prompts. Automatically receive information via audio messages, like if there is a problem with the connection.

The Sony LinkBuds S also have voice prompts .i.e the earbuds notifies you when the battery is low, and you need to recharge the device.

Travel Bag Is Included

JBL Tune Flex
Sony LinkBuds S

JBL Tune Flex come with their own special case. Carrying earbuds openly, or placing them inside your pockets without a casing may easily damage them.

Sony LinkBuds S also have a travel bag included, which is useful for safe transportation.