Home Wireless Earbuds Jbl Wave Buds Vs. Apple Airpods Pro (2Nd Gen)

Jbl Wave Buds Vs. Apple Airpods Pro (2Nd Gen) Review

Last updated on Apr 12, 2023   8 minute read
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JBL Wave Buds

JBL Wave Buds

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Reasons why you might like the JBL Wave Buds

Overall Score 7 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IP54
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 8 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 2 only
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode
VS
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

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Reasons why you might like the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

Overall Score 6.4 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

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

Jbl Wave Buds Vs. Apple Airpods Pro (2Nd Gen) Review In Summary

Category Features JBL Wave Buds Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
DESIGN ingress protection (ip) rating IP54 IPX4
weight 9g 10.6g
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 8mm 11mm
lowest frequency 20Hz 20Hz
highest frequency 20,000Hz 20,000Hz
sound pressure level 100dB/mW
POWER battery life 8hours 6hours
battery life of charging case 24hours 24hours
charge time 2hours 1hours
battery power 47mAh 49.7mAh
has wireless charging
has a battery level indicator
CONNECTIVITY has usb type-c
bluetooth version v5.2 v5.3
maximum bluetooth range 10meters 10meters
has aac
has aptx adaptive
MICROPHONE number of microphones 2only 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
has voice prompts
travel bag is included
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Jbl Wave Buds Vs. Apple Airpods Pro (2Nd Gen) Review In Detail

Design

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

JBL Wave Buds IP54
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) IPX4

Ingress protection ratings is the level of protection offered by an enclosure, against solids and liquids. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value of the IP rating means protection against solids such as dust, followed by the one that refers to protection against liquids (water).

Having a value of IP54, the JBL Wave Buds'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 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 Wave Buds, Apple AirPods Pro (2nd 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

Weight

JBL Wave Buds 9g
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 10.6g

JBL Wave Buds have a weight of 9g . We prefer a lower weight best because lighter devices are more comfortable to transport.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), at 10.6g are heavier than the JBL Wave Buds by of 1.6g

Has No Wires Or Cables

JBL Wave Buds
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

True wireless devices have no wires linking any part of the device together, JBL Wave Buds are true wireless for this case since they have no cables. This is a key difference since wireless earbuds have wires linking the 2 earbuds .

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) also is true wireless since it has no wires linking the pair of earbuds .

Sweat Resistance

JBL Wave Buds
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

JBL Wave Buds have sweat resistance

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s resistance to sweat makes both devices fit for use during long-distance running, marathons, cardio sweat workouts , etc

Has Stereo Speakers

JBL Wave Buds
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

JBL Wave Buds have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better listening experience.

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) also have stereo speakers

JBL Wave Buds
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Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

JBL Wave Buds
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

Active noise cancellation utilises more advanced kind of tech to actively counter noise. How it works, it detects and analyzes the sound pattern of incoming noise and then inverts the soundwaves to counter it. In simple terms, it's like taking +1 (noise) then producing -1 (inverted noise) to make zero which results in a reduced level of noise.

JBL Wave Buds have Active Noise Cancellation allowing you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue since you don't have to crank up the earbuds volume to overcome background noise.

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) too have Active Noise Cancellation making both devices ideal for flights and morning travels. Each operate with different noise cancellation modes, pick the noise cancellation type that suits your travel or that enhances your relaxation time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

JBL Wave Buds
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

JBL Wave Buds sit well in place, this creates a sound seal that tones down background noise well as preventing the device voice audio from leaking out at the same.

Both Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), and JBL Wave Buds have passive noise reduction which implies that both tone down ambient noise instead of actively using technology to cancel it out.

Driver Unit Size

JBL Wave Buds 8mm
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 11mm

The JBL Wave Buds have a unit size of 8mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass. The driver unit is the component that makes sound in the device, its size determines the loudness of the earbuds.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) driver unit is 11mm in diameter, making them have a larger driver unit than that of JBL Wave Buds by 3mm , 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 are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not imply that they deliver better quality sound.

Lowest Frequency

JBL Wave Buds 20Hz
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 20Hz

The JBL Wave Buds's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well a particular audio device generates low frequencies that can be heard, and if it alters the signal while at it.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this means that both devices produce equal bass

Highest Frequency

JBL Wave Buds 20,000Hz
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 20,000Hz

JBL Wave Buds's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio device generates high audible frequencies and if it changes to the signal while at it.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this implies that both devices generate equal treble

Sound Pressure Level

JBL Wave Buds 100dB/mW
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

SPL, is the level of pressure of sound, measured in decibels, dB, JBL Wave Buds's measurement is 100dB/mW. Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.

Power

Battery Life

JBL Wave Buds 8hours
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 6hours

The JBL Wave Buds'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 more battery hours, you get to use it for longer and have to charge the device less often.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s battery life is less than that of JBL Wave Buds by 2 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

JBL Wave Buds 24hours
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 24hours

This is given by the vendor, and the JBL Wave Buds's case is said to have a charge of 24 hours. A charging case with more battery hours allows you to recharge your earbuds on the go many times before recharging the case itself.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s charging case has a battery life of 24 hours, equal to that of the JBL Wave Buds

Charge Time

JBL Wave Buds 2hours
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 1hours

It requires 2 hours to fully charge the JBL Wave Buds's battery. It is highly adivsable to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds when they have been in storage for extended periods.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) takes 1 hours to fully charge the battery, less than that of JBL Wave Buds by 1 hours

Battery Power

JBL Wave Buds 47mAh
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 49.7mAh

JBL Wave Buds's battery power is 47mAh, battery capacity, represents the amount of electrical energy that a battery can store.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s battery power is 49.7mAh. more than that of JBL Wave Buds by 2.7mAh

Has Wireless Charging

JBL Wave Buds
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), the device supports wireless charging. To charge the device, you just put down on a compatible charging pad.

Has A Battery Level Indicator

JBL Wave Buds
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

The JBL Wave Buds have a battery level indicator, an indicator notifies you when the device has a low battery. Its lights indicate the charging status of your earbuds and charging case.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators allow you to determine the charging state of your device, whether fully charged, or the battery is running low.

JBL Wave Buds
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Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

JBL Wave Buds
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

JBL Wave Buds use USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power in a single cable.

Bluetooth Version

JBL Wave Buds v5.2
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) v5.3

The JBL Wave Buds 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.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) has a Bluetooth version of 5.3, newer than that of JBL Wave Buds . Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

JBL Wave Buds 10meters
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 10meters

JBL Wave Buds have a 10meters distance connecting via Bluetooth.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the JBL Wave Buds

Has Aac

JBL Wave Buds
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

JBL Wave Buds support AAC, a codec used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Since it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it provides 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 Wave Buds will work well with your iPhone. If you intend on using these with Android , ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well.

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd 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.

Has Aptx Adaptive

JBL Wave Buds
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

The JBL Wave Buds support APTX Adaptive, an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that are developed by Qualcomm. It has a variable bit rate (between 279kbps and 420kbps).

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

JBL Wave Buds 2only
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 6only

JBL Wave Buds have 2 microphones.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) microphones are 6, more than that of JBL Wave Buds by 4 . More microphones result in better sound quality and help the device to filter out noise.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

JBL Wave Buds
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

The JBL Wave Buds use a noise-canceling microphone, these microphones are made to filter out background sounds from the earbuds' sound.

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) too have a noise-canceling type of microphone. Especially useful in noisy environments.

Mic Sensitivity

JBL Wave Buds -38dBV/Pa
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

JBL Wave Buds 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 calculation of its sensitivity. It's the 'loudness' of the sound that the earbud microphone can recognize.

JBL Wave Buds
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Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

JBL Wave Buds
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

JBL Wave Buds support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to pass through ambient noises so that they can still be heard even when wearing the earbuds

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) support ambient sound mode as well, helpful when you want to listen to music but also be aware of your surrounding, say you’re having a jog but would still want to hear traffic.

Has In/On-Ear Detection

JBL Wave Buds
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

The JBL Wave Buds have in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the earbuds can detect when removed from your ears .

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) too support in/on-ear detection, automatically pauses your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears improving your listening experience.

Has Find Earbuds Feature

JBL Wave Buds
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

If lost in a room, or can't easily find them in your bag, JBL Wave Buds have a find earbuds feature.

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) too have the find earbuds feature. You can use the device app on your smartphone to play an alarm from your device to help you locate them.

Supports Fast Charging

JBL Wave Buds
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

JBL Wave Buds support fast charging. Commonly, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to lower the time it takes to fully charge a device.

Also the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 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

JBL Wave Buds 2only
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 2only

JBL Wave Buds support multipoint of 2 connections, this feature allows you connect to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. For example, you can switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a multipoint count of 2, equal to that of the JBL Wave Buds . Bluetooth multipoint is useful because you can be on one call and not miss notifications from another connected device.

Has A Mute Function

JBL Wave Buds
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

JBL Wave Buds have a mute function, they support the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds.

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) also support this function. It means that you unilaterally turn off the earbuds' microphone, but you can still hear the other party's voice.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

JBL Wave Buds
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

With the JBL Wave Buds, so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever functions are supported on the earbuds.

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) also have a control panel on them.

Has Voice Prompts

JBL Wave Buds
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

JBL Wave Buds have voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information via audio messages, say if there is a problem with the connection.

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) too have voice prompts .i.e the earbuds will notify you when the battery is low, and it's time to recharge the device.

Travel Bag Is Included

JBL Wave Buds
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

The JBL Wave Buds come with a special case. Carrying earphones without a case, or putting them inside your pockets without a cover may easily damage them.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) also have a travel bag included, which is useful for safe transportation.

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