Ingress protection ratings refer to the rank of protection given by a casing, against solids and liquids. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value of the IP rating refers to protection against solids such as dust, while the second refers to resistance against liquids (sweat).
Scoring 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, Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a rating of IP54 meaning that
they both have the same rating against dust
and that of liquids is that,
they both have the same rating against liquids
JBL Wave Buds have a weight of 9g . We prefer a lower weight better because lighter devices are more comfortable to transport.
Bowers & Wilkins PI7, at 50g
weigh more than the JBL Wave Buds by of 41g
True wireless devices have no cables linking any part of the device together, JBL Wave Buds are true wireless for this case since they don't have wires. This is a major difference as some wireless earbuds have cables linking the 2 earbuds together. Bowers & Wilkins PI7 also is true wireless because it doesn't have wires connecting the two earbuds .
JBL Wave Buds are resistant to sweat
JBL Wave Buds have stereo speakers, what this means is that JBL Wave Buds's speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better listening experience.
Both Bowers & Wilkins PI7 and JBL Wave Buds have stereo speakers
Active noise cancellation utilises advanced technology to actively counter noise. ANC works when, it listens to the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and generates a mirror signal to cancel it out. Simply put, it's like taking +1 (noise) and producing -1 (inverted noise) giving zero therefore "diluting" the noise.
JBL Wave Buds have Active Noise Cancellation enabling you to listen at lower levels of volume, good for your ears as you don't have to crank up the earbuds volume to outcompete background noise. The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too have ANC which makes both devices ideal for flights and rush hour commutes. Each operate with different noise cancellation modes, pick the setting that you prefer for commute or that suites your relaxation time.
The JBL Wave Buds sit well in place, this creates an acoustic seal that reduces background noise well as preventing the device music from leaking out .
Both of these devices have passive noise reduction which means that both tone down ambient noise instead of actively using ANC to cancel it out. The JBL Wave Buds driver unit is 8mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, therefor producing better bass. A driver unit is basically a mini speaker that produces sound in the earbuds, its size determines the loudness of the earbuds.
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 driver unit is 9.2mm in diameter,
making them have a larger driver unit than that of JBL Wave Buds by 1.2mm
, 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 yeah, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not imply that they produce better quality sound. The JBL Wave Buds's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well an audio device produces low frequencies that can be heard, and if it alters the signal on its way through.
Bowers & Wilkins PI7's lowest frequency is at 10Hz, this implies that
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 can produce a juicier bass than the JBL Wave Buds
JBL Wave Buds's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response indicates how well a particular audio device produces high audible frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal on its way through. Bowers & Wilkins PI7's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this implies that
both devices generate equal treble
The sound pressure level, is the pressure level 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.
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 usually given by the manufacturer, and with more battery hours, you get to use it for longer and requires fewer chargings. Bowers & Wilkins PI7's battery life is
less than that of JBL Wave Buds by 3.5 hours
. Every 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 no longer play for long like they used to. The battery life of the charging case is given by the manufacturer, and the JBL Wave Buds's case is said to have a charge of 24 hours. A charging case with a longer battery life enables you to recharge your earbuds on the go many times before having to recharge the case itself.
Bowers & Wilkins PI7's charging case has a battery life of 18 hours,
less than that of JBL Wave Buds by 6 hours
It takes 2 hours to fully charge the JBL Wave Buds's battery. It is recommended to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds for the first time. Bowers & Wilkins PI7 takes 3 hours to fully charge the battery,
more than that of JBL Wave Buds by 1 hours
JBL Wave Buds have a battery level indicator, an indicator shows you when the device has a low battery.
The battery indicator lights indicate the charging status of your device and charging case. Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators allow you to determine the charging state of your earbuds, if charged fully, or the battery is running low. JBL Wave Buds use USB TYPE-C, a standard connector for transmitting both data and power through a single cable.
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too use USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug is part and parcel of most current laptops, phones, and tablets. JBL Wave Buds have Bluetooth version of 5.2, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data movement between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves.
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 has a Bluetooth version of 5,
older than that of JBL Wave Buds
. Newer versions provide faster data transfers. The JBL Wave Buds have a 10meters distance to connect via Bluetooth. Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a maximum range of 10meters,
equal to that of the JBL Wave Buds
JBL Wave Buds 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 a similar bit rate.
Since its the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the JBL Wave Buds will work fine with your MacBook.
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 Bowers & Wilkins PI7 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 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).
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support APTX Adaptive as well which means both can adjust the bit rate for different scenarios, such as reducing interference from other devices. JBL Wave Buds have 2 microphones.
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 microphones are 6,
more than that of JBL Wave Buds by 4
. More microphones result in better sound quality and enable the earbuds to filter out background sounds. JBL Wave Buds use a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are intended to filter out background sounds from the earbuds' sound. The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too have a noise-canceling microphone.
This is useful in noisy areas. JBL Wave Buds microphone sensitivity is measured at -38dBV/Pa. The vastness 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 voice that the microphone can pick up. The JBL Wave Buds support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient sound to still be heard even when wearing them
The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support ambient sound mode as well, it’s useful when you want to listen to music while being aware of your surrounding, say you’re having a jog but would still want to be able to hear traffic. JBL Wave Buds support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when removed from your ears .
The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support in/on-ear detection, automatically pauses your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears improving your listening experience.
If misplaced in a room, or can't be found in your bag, JBL Wave Buds have a find earbuds feature. Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too have the find earbuds feature. Use the device app on your smartphone to play a sound from your earbuds to find them.
JBL Wave Buds support fast charging. Most often, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to lower the time it takes to fully charge a device. Also the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too support fast charging.
It's very 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 just thirty minutes. The JBL Wave Buds have a multipoint of 2 connections, this feature allows you connect to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them.
Say, you can switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect. JBL Wave Buds have a mute function, they have the option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds. The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too have this function.
The mute function means that you unilaterally turn off the device's microphone, but you can still hear the other party talk. The JBL Wave Buds, so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the earbuds. Bowers & Wilkins PI7 also have a control panel on them.
JBL Wave Buds support voice prompts. Automatically receive information via audio messages, say if there is a problem with the connection. The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 also support voice prompts meaning the device will notify you if the battery is running low, and it's time to recharge them.
JBL Wave Buds come with their own special case. Carrying earphones openly, or placing them inside your bag without a casing can easily put them at risk of getting damaged. Bowers & Wilkins PI7 also have a travel bag included, which is useful for safe transportation.
