IP ratings is the level of protection given by an enclosure, against solids and liquids. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value of the IP rating represents protection against solids such as dust, while the second refers to protection against liquids (water).
Having a value of IP54, the JBL Wave Beam's rating for solids indicates that ingress of dust is not totally prevented but dust does not enter in harmful quantities to interfere with the correct operation or impair safety, and of liquids 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 Wave Beam, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a rating of IPX4 meaning that
no data available to specify a protection rating
and that of liquids is that,
they both have the same rating against liquids
JBL Wave Beam have a weight of 8.8g . We consider a lower weight better because lighter devices are more comfortable to transport.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), at 8.56g
are lighter than the JBL Wave Beam with a difference -0.24g
For a device to be true wireless it should have no cables connecting any part of the device together, JBL Wave Beam are true wireless for this matter since they have no wires. This is a major distinction as some wireless earbuds have cables linking the pair of earbuds .
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also is true wireless since it doesn't have wires connecting the two earbuds together. JBL Wave Beam are resistant to sweat
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s resistance to sweat makes both devices fit for use during long-distance running, marathons, cardio sweat workouts , etc
JBL Wave Beam have stereo speakers, what this means is that JBL Wave Beam's speakers deliver sound from separate channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better listening experience.
Both Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) and JBL Wave Beam have stereo speakers
Active noise cancellation utilises advanced kind of tech to reduce ambient sounds. How it works, it studies the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and after generates a mirror signal to cancel it out. Simply put, it's like having +1 (noise) and producing -1 (counter sound by the device) giving zero hence "diluting" the noise.
JBL Wave Beam have ANC enabling you to listen at lower levels of volume, good for your ears since you don't have to crank up the device volume to overcome background noise. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have ANC which makes both devices ideal for flights and rush hour commutes. The JBL Wave Beam and Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) operate with different noise cancellation modes, pick the setting that suits your commute or that enhances your chill time.
The JBL Wave Beam sit well in place, creating a sound covering that tones down your environment noise well as preventing the device music from leaking out .
Both of these devices have passive noise reduction this means that both tone down ambient noise instead of actively using technology to cancel it out. The JBL Wave Beam have a unit size of 8mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass. A driver unit is basically a mini speaker that produces sound in the earbuds, the unit size dictates the loudness of the earbuds.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) driver unit is 11mm in diameter,
making them have a larger driver unit than that of JBL Wave Beam by 3mm
, 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 it's true that, larger drivers are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not imply that they deliver better quality sound. The JBL Wave Beam's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well a particular audio component generates low recognizable frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 10Hz, this means that
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) can make sound with a juicier bass than the JBL Wave Beam
JBL Wave Beam's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response shows how well a particular audio device generates high human frequencies and if it makes any adjustments to the signal on its way through. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this implies that
both devices produce equal treble
SPL, is the pressure level of sound, in decibels, dB, JBL Wave Beam's measurement is 100dB/mW. Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.
JBL Wave Beam'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 given by the manufacturer, and with more battery hours, you get to use it for longer and requires fewer chargings. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery life is
less than that of JBL Wave Beam by 2 hours
. Every time you recharge your device, they get a little less listening time.
The effect is not noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time. This is given by the manufacturer, and the JBL Wave Beam's case has a full charge of 24 hours. A charging case with more battery hours enables you to recharge your earbuds on the go several 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 Wave Beam by 6 hours
It takes 2 hours to fully charge the JBL Wave Beam's battery. It is recommended to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds for the first time. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) takes 0.3 hours to fully charge the battery,
less than that of JBL Wave Beam by 1.7 hours
JBL Wave Beam have a battery level indicator, an indicator notifies you when the device has a low battery.
The battery indicator lights indicate the charging status of your device and case. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have a battery level indicator, these allow you to tell the charging state of your device, whether fully charged, or the battery is running low. The JBL Wave Beam use USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power through a single cable.
JBL Wave Beam have Bluetooth version of 5.2, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) has a Bluetooth version of 5,
older than that of JBL Wave Beam
. Newer versions provide faster data transfers. JBL Wave Beam have a 10meters distance to connect via Bluetooth.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a maximum range of 10meters,
equal to that of the JBL Wave Beam
JBL Wave Beam have 2 microphones. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) microphones are 6,
more than that of JBL Wave Beam by 4
. More microphones record better sound quality and enable the earbuds to filter out noise. JBL Wave Beam have a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are intended to filter out noise from the desired sound.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have a noise-canceling type of microphone. This is useful in noisy areas. JBL Wave Beam support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient sound to still be heard even while wearing them
When misplaced in a room, or can't easily find them in your bag, JBL Wave Beam have a find earbuds feature.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also have the find earbuds feature. You can use the device app on your smartphone to play a sound from your device to locate them. JBL Wave Beam support fast charging.
Most often, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to reduce the amount of time it takes to charge the earbuds. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too 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 thirty minutes. The JBL Wave Beam have a mute function, they have the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also support the mute function.
It means that you unilaterally turn off the device's microphone, but still hear the other party's voice. The JBL Wave Beam, so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the device. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have a control panel on them.
JBL Wave Beam have voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information via audio messages, say if there is a problem with the connection. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have voice prompts meaning the earbuds will notify you if the battery is running low, and it's time to recharge them.
The JBL Wave Beam come with a special case. Carrying earphones openly, or placing them inside your pockets without a cover can easily damage them. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also have a travel bag included, which offers safe transportation.
