Home Wireless Earbuds Oneplus Buds Z2 Vs. Jbl Live Free 2

Oneplus Buds Z2 Vs. Jbl Live Free 2 Review

Last updated on Mar 30, 2024   7 minute read
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OnePlus Buds Z2

OnePlus Buds Z2

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Reasons why you might like the OnePlus Buds Z2

Overall Score 6.8 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IP55
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 7 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 6 only
VS
JBL Live Free 2

JBL Live Free 2

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Reasons why you might like the JBL Live Free 2

Overall Score 6.5 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IPX5
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 7 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 6 only
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode

Oneplus Buds Z2 Vs. Jbl Live Free 2 Review In Summary

Category Features OnePlus Buds Z2 JBL Live Free 2
DESIGN ingress protection (ip) rating IP55 IPX5
weight 9g 9.8g
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 11mm 11mm
lowest frequency 20Hz 20Hz
highest frequency 20,000Hz 20,000Hz
sound pressure level 102dB/mW
POWER battery life 7hours 7hours
battery life of charging case 31hours 28hours
charge time 1.5hours
has a battery level indicator
CONNECTIVITY has usb type-c
bluetooth version v5.2 v5.2
maximum bluetooth range 10meters 10meters
has aac
MICROPHONE number of microphones 6only 6only
has a noise-canceling microphone
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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Oneplus Buds Z2 Vs. Jbl Live Free 2 Review In Detail

Design

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

OnePlus Buds Z2 IP55
JBL Live Free 2 IPX5

Ingress protection ratings is the rating of protection offered by an enclosure, against dust 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 protection against liquids (water).

Scoring IP55, the OnePlus Buds Z2'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 number of 5 means that they can withstand medium pressure jet that's 6.3mm diameter, similar to garden hose from any angle for 3 minutes at a distance of 2.5 to 3 metres.

Compared to the OnePlus Buds Z2, JBL Live Free 2 have a rating of IPX5 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

OnePlus Buds Z2 9g
JBL Live Free 2 9.8g

OnePlus Buds Z2 have a weight of 9g . We consider a lower weight better for the reason that lighter devices are more comfortable to carry.

The JBL Live Free 2, at 9.8g are heavier than the OnePlus Buds Z2 with a difference of 0.8g

Has No Wires Or Cables

OnePlus Buds Z2
JBL Live Free 2

For a device to be true wireless it should have no wires linking any part of the device together, OnePlus Buds Z2 are true wireless for this case since they have no cables. This is a key difference as some wireless earbuds have wires connecting the two earbuds together.

JBL Live Free 2 also is true wireless because it doesn't have wires linking the pair of earbuds together.

Sweat Resistance

OnePlus Buds Z2
JBL Live Free 2

OnePlus Buds Z2 are resistant to sweat

JBL Live Free 2's resistance to sweat makes both devices fit for use while doing sports such as long-distance running, marathons, cardio sweat workouts , etc

Has Stereo Speakers

OnePlus Buds Z2
JBL Live Free 2

OnePlus Buds Z2 have stereo speakers, what this means is that OnePlus Buds Z2's speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better listening experience.

Both JBL Live Free 2 and OnePlus Buds Z2 have stereo speakers

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Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

OnePlus Buds Z2
JBL Live Free 2

ANC makes use of more advanced technology to actively cancel noise. How it works, it detects and analyzes the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and generates a mirror signal to counter it. In simple terms, it's like taking +1 (noise) and adding -1 (inverted noise) giving 0 resulting in a reduced level of noise.

The OnePlus Buds Z2 have Active Noise Cancellation allowing 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 sounds.

JBL Live Free 2 too have Active Noise Cancellation which makes either of the devices ideal for flights and rush hour commutes. The OnePlus Buds Z2 and JBL Live Free 2 work with different noise cancellation modes, pick the noise cancellation type that you prefer for travel or that enhances your relaxation time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

OnePlus Buds Z2
JBL Live Free 2

OnePlus Buds Z2 sit tightly in place, this creates an acoustic covering that tones down background sounds while preventing the device music from leaking out at the same.

Both JBL Live Free 2, and OnePlus Buds Z2 have passive noise reduction this implies that both reduce ambient noise instead of actively using ANC to cancel it out.

Driver Unit Size

OnePlus Buds Z2 11mm
JBL Live Free 2 11mm

OnePlus Buds Z2 have a unit size of 11mm in diameter, the bigger the unit the more powerful, therefor producing better bass. The driver unit is basically a mini speaker that produces sound in the earbuds, the unit size dictates the sound made by the earbuds.

JBL Live Free 2 driver unit is 11mm in diameter, making both JBL Live Free 2, and OnePlus Buds Z2 similar in how loud their sound gets , 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 are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not mean that they deliver better quality sound.

Lowest Frequency

OnePlus Buds Z2 20Hz
JBL Live Free 2 20Hz

OnePlus Buds Z2's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well an audio device generates low audible frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it.

JBL Live Free 2's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this means that both devices produce equal bass

Highest Frequency

OnePlus Buds Z2 20,000Hz
JBL Live Free 2 20,000Hz

The OnePlus Buds Z2's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response indicates how well an audio device produces high human frequencies and if it changes to the signal on its way through.

JBL Live Free 2's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this implies that both devices can produce equal treble

Sound Pressure Level

OnePlus Buds Z2
JBL Live Free 2 102dB/mW

SPL, is the pressure level of sound, in decibels, dB, JBL Live Free 2's measurement is 102dB/mW. Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.

Power

Battery Life

OnePlus Buds Z2 7hours
JBL Live Free 2 7hours

The OnePlus Buds Z2's battery life is 7 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 have to charge the device less often.

JBL Live Free 2's battery life is equal to that of the OnePlus Buds Z2 . Each time you recharge your earbuds, they get a little less listening time. The effect is barely noticeable at first, but over a few years, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time.

Battery Life Of Charging Case

OnePlus Buds Z2 31hours
JBL Live Free 2 28hours

This is given by the manufacturer, and the OnePlus Buds Z2's case is said to have a full charge of 31 hours. A charging case with a longer battery life allows you to recharge your earbuds on the go multiple times before having to recharge the case itself.

JBL Live Free 2's charging case has a battery life of 28 hours, less than that of OnePlus Buds Z2 by 3 hours

Charge Time

OnePlus Buds Z2 1.5hours
JBL Live Free 2

It takes 1.5 hours to fully charge the OnePlus Buds Z2's battery. It is recommended to fully charge the battery before using the earbuds when they have been unused for long periods.

Has A Battery Level Indicator

OnePlus Buds Z2
JBL Live Free 2

The OnePlus Buds Z2 have a battery level indicator, an indicator alerts you when the device has a low battery. The battery indicator lights indicate the charging state of your device and case.

JBL Live Free 2 too have a battery level indicator, these allow you determine the charging state of your device, whether fully charged, or having a low battery.

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Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

OnePlus Buds Z2
JBL Live Free 2

OnePlus Buds Z2 support USB TYPE-C, a standard connector for transmitting both data and power through a single cable.

JBL Live Free 2 too use USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug comes along with most current laptops, phones, and tablets.

Bluetooth Version

OnePlus Buds Z2 v5.2
JBL Live Free 2 v5.2

The OnePlus Buds Z2 have Bluetooth version of 5.2, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in range, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves.

JBL Live Free 2 has a Bluetooth version of 5.2, equal to that of the OnePlus Buds Z2 . Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

OnePlus Buds Z2 10meters
JBL Live Free 2 10meters

OnePlus Buds Z2 have a 10meters distance connecting via Bluetooth.

JBL Live Free 2 have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the OnePlus Buds Z2

Has Aac

OnePlus Buds Z2
JBL Live Free 2

OnePlus Buds Z2 support AAC, a codec that is used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because 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 OnePlus Buds Z2 will work fine with your iPad. If you intend on using these with Android , ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well.

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

OnePlus Buds Z2 6only
JBL Live Free 2 6only

OnePlus Buds Z2 have 6 microphones.

While the JBL Live Free 2 microphones are 6, equal to that of the OnePlus Buds Z2 . More microphones record better sound quality and help the earbuds to filter out background sounds.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

OnePlus Buds Z2
JBL Live Free 2

OnePlus Buds Z2 use a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are designed to filter out background sounds from the earbuds' sound.

The JBL Live Free 2 too use a noise-canceling microphone. Especially useful in noisy areas.

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Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

OnePlus Buds Z2
JBL Live Free 2

JBL Live Free 2 support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient sound so that they can still be heard even while wearing them

Has In/On-Ear Detection

OnePlus Buds Z2
JBL Live Free 2

The OnePlus Buds Z2 support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when they are removed from your ears so that the music is paused.

Has Find Earbuds Feature

OnePlus Buds Z2
JBL Live Free 2

When lost in a room, or can't easily find them in your bag, OnePlus Buds Z2 have a find earbuds feature.

Supports Fast Charging

OnePlus Buds Z2
JBL Live Free 2

The OnePlus Buds Z2 support fast charging. Usually, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to lower the time it takes to charge the earbuds.

JBL Live Free 2 too support fast charging. It's very similar to regular charging, only 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

OnePlus Buds Z2
JBL Live Free 2 2only

JBL Live Free 2 have a multipoint of 2 connections, this feature allows you to link to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. For example, you can seemlessly switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.

Has A Mute Function

OnePlus Buds Z2
JBL Live Free 2

OnePlus Buds Z2 have a mute function, they have the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device.

The JBL Live Free 2 also have this function. The mute function means that you are in position turn off the device's microphone, but you can still hear the other party's voice.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

OnePlus Buds Z2
JBL Live Free 2

With the OnePlus Buds Z2, so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever functions are supported on the earbuds.

The JBL Live Free 2 too have a control panel on them.

Has Voice Prompts

OnePlus Buds Z2
JBL Live Free 2

The OnePlus Buds Z2 have voice prompts. Automatically receive information via audio messages, say if there is an issue with the connection.

JBL Live Free 2 also have voice prompts meaning the device notifies you if the battery is low, and you need to recharge the device.

Travel Bag Is Included

OnePlus Buds Z2
JBL Live Free 2

The OnePlus Buds Z2 come with a special pouch. Carrying earbuds without a case, or putting them in your bag without a casing may easily damage them.

JBL Live Free 2 also have a case included, which offers safe transportation.