A breakdown of the review per specifications

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Sennheiser CX 500BT IPX4

JBL Live Free 2 IPX5

IP ratings is the rank of protection offered by a casing, against solids and water. 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 (water).

Having a value of IPX4, the Sennheiser CX 500BT's rating is read as, the first value of X denotes that no data available to specify a protection rating, 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.

Compared to the Sennheiser CX 500BT, JBL Live Free 2 have a rating of IPX5 meaning that we are not yet certain of their rating with solids (dust) and that of liquids is that, Sennheiser CX 500BT has a lower liquid rating than JBL Live Free 2

Weight

Sennheiser CX 500BT 12g

JBL Live Free 2 9.8g

Sennheiser CX 500BT have a weight of 12g . We prefer a lower weight better because lighter devices are easier to move with.

JBL Live Free 2, at 9.8g weigh less than the Sennheiser CX 500BT with a difference -2.2g

Has No Wires Or Cables

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

For a device to be true wireless it must have no cables linking any part of the device together, Sennheiser CX 500BT are true wireless for this matter since they don't have cables. This is a major distinction as some wireless earbuds have wires connecting the two earbuds together.

JBL Live Free 2 also is true wireless because it has no cables connecting the pair of earbuds .

Sweat Resistance

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sennheiser CX 500BT are resistant to sweat

JBL Live Free 2's resistance to sweat makes both devices good for use during long-distance running, marathons, cardio sweat workouts , etc

Has Stereo Speakers

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sennheiser CX 500BT 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 JBL Live Free 2 also have stereo speakers

Sennheiser CX 500BT
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Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Active noise cancellation utilises advanced technology to actively counter noise. ANC works when, it studies the sound pattern of incoming noise and inverts the soundwaves to cancel it out. In simple terms, it's like having +1 (sound from your surrounding) then adding -1 (inverted noise) giving 0 thus "diluting" the noise.

The Sennheiser CX 500BT have Active Noise Cancellation enabling you to listen at lower volume levels, good for your ears since you don't need to crank up the device volume to outcompete background sounds.

The JBL Live Free 2 too have ANC making both devices ideal for flights and morning travels. Each operate with different noise cancellation settings, pick the setting that you prefer for travel or that enhances your chill time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sennheiser CX 500BT stay tightly in place, creating a sound covering that reduces your environment sounds and also prevents the earbuds music from leaking out .

Both of these devices have passive noise reduction this means that both tone down ambient noise without using ANC to cancel it out.

Driver Unit Size

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✗

JBL Live Free 2 11mm

The JBL Live Free 2 have a unit size of 11mm in diameter, the bigger the unit the more powerful, and can produce better bass. The driver unit is basically a mini speaker that makes sound in the device, its size dictates the loudness of the device.

Lowest Frequency

Sennheiser CX 500BT 5Hz

JBL Live Free 2 20Hz

The Sennheiser CX 500BT's lowest frequency is at 5Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well an audio device generates low frequencies that can be heard, and if it alters the signal on its way through.

JBL Live Free 2's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this implies that Sennheiser CX 500BT can produce a juicier bass than the JBL Live Free 2

Highest Frequency

Sennheiser CX 500BT 21000Hz

JBL Live Free 2 20000Hz

Sennheiser CX 500BT's highest frequency is at 21000Hz, high-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio component makes high human frequencies and if it makes any adjustments to the signal while at it.

JBL Live Free 2's highest frequency is at 20000Hz, this implies that Sennheiser CX 500BT generate a clearer and crispier treble than the JBL Live Free 2

Sound Pressure Level

Sennheiser CX 500BT 94dB/mW

JBL Live Free 2 102dB/mW

The sound pressure level, is the level of pressure of sound, in decibels, dB, Sennheiser CX 500BT's measurement is 94dB/mW. Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.

JBL Live Free 2's sound pressure level measurement is 102dB/mW. How loud something is can be taken differently by separate persons, so we need to have the means to get an objective measurement of sound level expressed in numerical terms.

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Battery Life

Sennheiser CX 500BT 8hours

JBL Live Free 2 7hours

Sennheiser CX 500BT'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 requires fewer chargings.

JBL Live Free 2's battery life is less than that of Sennheiser CX 500BT by 1 hours . Each 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 have shorter listening time.

Battery Life Of Charging Case

Sennheiser CX 500BT 16hours

JBL Live Free 2 28hours

The battery life of the charging case is given by the manufacturer, and the Sennheiser CX 500BT's case has a charge of 16 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.

JBL Live Free 2's charging case has a battery life of 28 hours, more than that of Sennheiser CX 500BT by 12 hours

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sennheiser CX 500BT have a battery level indicator, an indicator alerts you when the earbuds has a low battery. Its lights display the charging status of your device and case.

JBL Live Free 2 too have a battery level indicator, these enable you to determine the charging state of your device, if charged fully, or the battery is running low.

Sennheiser CX 500BT
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Has Usb Type-C

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sennheiser CX 500BT have USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power in a single cable.

JBL Live Free 2 too use USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug is part and parcel of most current electronics.

Bluetooth Version

Sennheiser CX 500BT v5.2

JBL Live Free 2 v5.2

The Sennheiser CX 500BT 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.

JBL Live Free 2 has a Bluetooth version of 5.2, equal to that of the Sennheiser CX 500BT . Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Sennheiser CX 500BT 10meters

JBL Live Free 2 10meters

The Sennheiser CX 500BT have a 10meters distance connecting via Bluetooth.

JBL Live Free 2 have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the Sennheiser CX 500BT

Has Aac

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✗

Sennheiser CX 500BT support AAC, a codec that is used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because 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 Sennheiser CX 500BT will work well with your iPhone. If you are planning on using these with Android , ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well.

Has Aptx Adaptive

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✗

Sennheiser CX 500BT support APTX Adaptive, an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that are developed by Qualcomm. It has a variable bit rate (between 279kbps and 420kbps).

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Number Of Microphones

Sennheiser CX 500BT 4only

JBL Live Free 2 6only

Sennheiser CX 500BT have 4 microphones.

While the JBL Live Free 2 microphones are 6, more than that of Sennheiser CX 500BT by 2 . More microphones result in better sound quality and help the device to filter out background sounds.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

The Sennheiser CX 500BT use a noise-canceling microphone, these microphones are designed to filter out background sounds from the desired sound.

The JBL Live Free 2 too have a noise-canceling type of microphone. This is useful in noisy environments.

Highest Mic Frequency

Sennheiser CX 500BT 10000Hz

JBL Live Free 2 ✗

Sennheiser CX 500BT's highest mic frequency is 10000Hz, high frequencies are better for recording treble. The highest mic frequency of a microphone is defined as its upper limiting frequency.

Lowest Mic Frequency

Sennheiser CX 500BT 100Hz

JBL Live Free 2 ✗

The Sennheiser CX 500BT's lowest mic frequency is 100Hz, low frequencies are best for picking up bass. The lowest mic frequency of a microphone is defined as its lower limiting frequency.

Sennheiser CX 500BT
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Has Ambient Sound Mode

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

The Sennheiser CX 500BT support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient noises so that they can still be heard even when wearing the earbuds

The JBL Live Free 2 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 run but still want to be able to hear traffic.

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✗

Sennheiser CX 500BT support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when removed from your ears so that the music is paused.

Has Find Earbuds Feature

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✗

When misplaced in a room, or can't be found in your bag, Sennheiser CX 500BT have a find earbuds feature.

Supports Fast Charging

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sennheiser CX 500BT support fast charging. Usually, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to lower the time it takes to fully charge a device.

JBL Live Free 2 support fast charging. This kind is similar to regular charging, just that the battery is filling up much faster. Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in just thirty minutes.

Multipoint Count

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✗

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 easily switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.

Has A Mute Function

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

The Sennheiser CX 500BT have a mute function, they have the option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds.

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

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

The Sennheiser CX 500BT, so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the device.

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

Warranty Period

Sennheiser CX 500BT 2Years

JBL Live Free 2 ✗

The Sennheiser CX 500BT have a warranty period of 2 Years, the period of time that warrant free repair and adjustment services in case of a malfunction occurring under normal use following instruction manuals.

Has Voice Prompts

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sennheiser CX 500BT have voice prompts. Automatically receive information via audio messages, say if there is a problem with the connection.

JBL Live Free 2 also have voice prompts meaning the earbuds will notify you if the battery is low, and it's time to recharge the earbuds.

Travel Bag Is Included

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

The Sennheiser CX 500BT come with their own special case. Carrying earphones without a case, or putting them in your bag without a cover may easily damage them.

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

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Category	Features	Sennheiser CX 500BT	JBL Live Free 2
DESIGN	ingress protection (ip) rating	IPX4	IPX5
	weight	12g	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
	lowest frequency	5Hz	20Hz
	highest frequency	21000Hz	20000Hz
	sound pressure level	94dB/mW	102dB/mW
POWER	battery life	8hours	7hours
	battery life of charging case	16hours	28hours
	has a battery level indicator	✓	✓
CONNECTIVITY	has usb type-c	✓	✓
	bluetooth version	v5.2	v5.2
	maximum bluetooth range	10meters	10meters
	has aac	✓	✗
	has aptx adaptive	✓	✗
MICROPHONE	number of microphones	4only	6only
	has a noise-canceling microphone	✓	✓
	highest mic frequency	10000Hz	✗
	lowest mic frequency	100Hz	✗
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	✓	✓
	warranty period	2Years	✗
	has voice prompts	✓	✓
	travel bag is included	✓	✓
		See price on Amazon	See price on Amazon

A Review By Comparison of the Sennheiser Cx 500Bt Vs. Jbl Live Free 2

Reasons why you might like the Sennheiser CX 500BT

Reasons why you might like the JBL Live Free 2

A summary of the review by feature comparison

A breakdown of the review per specifications

Design

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Weight

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

Lowest Frequency

Highest Frequency

Sound Pressure Level

Power

Battery Life

Battery Life Of Charging Case

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

Bluetooth Version

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Has Aac

Has Aptx Adaptive

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Highest Mic Frequency

Lowest Mic Frequency

Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Has Find Earbuds Feature

Supports Fast Charging

Multipoint Count

Has A Mute Function

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Warranty Period

Has Voice Prompts

Travel Bag Is Included

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