IP ratings refer to the rank of protection given by an enclosure, against solids and water. 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 resistance against liquids (sweat).
Having a value of IP54, the JBL Wave Buds's rating is read as, the first number of 5 denotes 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 Buds, Sennheiser Momentum 3 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
The JBL Wave Buds have a weight of 9g . We prefer a lower weight better because lighter devices are easier to transport.
Sennheiser Momentum 3, at 10.6g
are heavier than the JBL Wave Buds with a difference of 1.6g
True wireless devices have no wires connecting any part of the device together, JBL Wave Buds are true wireless for this case since they have no wires. This is a key distinction since wireless earbuds have cables linking the 2 earbuds together. Sennheiser Momentum 3 also is true wireless because it has no wires connecting the 2 earbuds together.
JBL Wave Buds have sweat resistance
Sennheiser Momentum 3's resistance to sweat makes both devices good for use while doing sports such as long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc
JBL Wave Buds have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from separate channels on both left and right sides, this creates a richer sound and a better listening experience. The Sennheiser Momentum 3 also have stereo speakers
Active noise cancellation utilises more advanced kind of tech to reduce ambient sounds. How it works, it studies the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and inverts the soundwaves to cancel it out.
Simply put, it's like having +1 (sound from your surrounding) and adding -1 (counter sound by the device) to make 0 which results in a reduced level of noise.
JBL Wave Buds have ANC allowing you to listen at lower levels of volume, causing less ear fatigue since you don't need to crank up the device volume to overcome background noise. The Sennheiser Momentum 3 too have Active Noise Cancellation which makes either of the devices ideal for flights and rush hour commutes.
Each operate with different noise cancellation modes, pick the mode that suits your travel or that enhances your chill time. The JBL Wave Buds sit tightly in place, creating a sound covering that tones down background sounds well as preventing the device sound from leaking out .
Both of these devices have passive noise reduction which means that they tone down ambient noise instead of actively using ANC to cancel it out. JBL Wave Buds have a unit size of 8mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass.
A driver unit is the component that produces sound in the earbuds, the unit size determines the loudness of the device. Sennheiser Momentum 3 driver unit is 7mm in diameter,
which implies that they have a smaller driver unit than that of JBL Wave Buds by 1mm
, as many tend to believe 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 mean that they deliver better quality sound.
JBL Wave Buds's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio device generates low recognizable frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal on its way through. Sennheiser Momentum 3's lowest frequency is at 5Hz, this means that
Sennheiser Momentum 3 produce a juicier bass than the JBL Wave Buds
JBL Wave Buds's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response tells how well an audio device makes high audible frequencies and if it makes any adjustments to the signal on its way through. Sennheiser Momentum 3's highest frequency is at 21,000Hz, this means that
Sennheiser Momentum 3 produce a clearer and crispier treble than the JBL Wave Buds
The sound pressure level, 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. Sennheiser Momentum 3's sound pressure level measurement is 107dB/mW. How loud a device is can be perceived differently by different people, so we need to have the means to get an objective measurement of sound level expressed in numerical terms.
The JBL Wave Buds'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 commonly given by the manufacturer, and with more battery hours, you get to use it for longer and requires fewer chargings. Sennheiser Momentum 3's battery life is
less than that of JBL Wave Buds by 1 hours
. Each time you recharge your earbuds, they get a little less playing time.
The effect is barely noticeable at first, but over a few years, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time. This is given by the vendor, and 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.
Sennheiser Momentum 3's charging case has a battery life of 21 hours,
less than that of JBL Wave Buds by 3 hours
It requires 2 hours to fully charge the JBL Wave Buds's battery. It is recommended to fully charge the battery before using the earbuds when they have been in storage for long periods. Sennheiser Momentum 3 takes 1.5 hours to fully charge the battery,
less than that of JBL Wave Buds by 0.5 hours
The JBL Wave Buds have a battery level indicator, an indicator notifies you when the earbuds has a low battery.
Its lights indicate the charging state of your device and case. Sennheiser Momentum 3 too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators enable you tell the charging state of your earbuds, if charged fully, or having a low battery. The JBL Wave Buds use USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power in a single cable.
Sennheiser Momentum 3 too use USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug comes along with most current electronics. JBL Wave Buds have Bluetooth version of 5.2, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data movement between devices placed in range, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves.
Sennheiser Momentum 3 has a Bluetooth version of 5.2,
equal to that of the JBL Wave Buds
. Newer versions provide faster data transfers. The JBL Wave Buds have a 10meters distance connecting via Bluetooth. Sennheiser Momentum 3 have a maximum range of 10meters,
equal to that of the JBL Wave Buds
JBL Wave Buds support AAC, a codec 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 the same 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 are planning 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 Sennheiser Momentum 3 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).
Sennheiser Momentum 3 support APTX Adaptive as well which implies that both can adjust the bit rate for different scenarios, such as listening to HD audio from other devices. JBL Wave Buds have 2 microphones.
Sennheiser Momentum 3 microphones are 6,
more than that of JBL Wave Buds by 4
. More microphones result in better sound quality and help the earbuds to filter out background sounds. JBL Wave Buds use a noise-canceling microphone, these microphones are designed to filter out noise from the desired sound. The Sennheiser Momentum 3 too use a noise-canceling microphone.
This is useful in noisy environments. The 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 voice that the earbud microphone can recognize. The JBL Wave Buds support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to pass through ambient sound to still be heard even while wearing them
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 support ambient sound mode as well, it’s useful when you want to listen to music while being aware of what’s happening around you, 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 earbuds can detect when they are removed from your ears .
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 too support in/on-ear detection, automatically pauses your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears improving your listening experience.
If lost in a room, or can't be found in your bag, JBL Wave Buds support the find earbuds feature. JBL Wave Buds support fast charging. Commonly, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to lower the amount of time it takes to fully charge a device.
Sennheiser Momentum 3 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 can be charged to 50% in thirty minutes.
JBL Wave Buds have a multipoint of 2 connections, this feature allows you connect to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. For example, you can easily switch calls from one device to another without manually disconnect and reconnect. The JBL Wave Buds have a mute function, they support the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 also support the mute function. The mute function means that you are in position turn off the earbuds' microphone, but still hear the other party talk. With the JBL Wave Buds, so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever functions are supported on the device.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 also have a control panel on them. The JBL Wave Buds have voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information through audio messages, say if there is a problem with the connection.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 too support voice prompts .i.e the device notifies you if the battery is running low, and it's time to recharge them. JBL Wave Buds come with a special case. Carrying earbuds openly, or putting them in your pockets without a casing can easily damage them.
Sennheiser Momentum 3 also have a travel bag included, which offers safe transportation.
