Overall Score 6.6 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
Overall Score 5.5 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
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 |
IP ratings is the level of protection offered by a casing, against solids and liquids. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value of the IP rating means protection against solids say dust, followed by the one that refers to resistance against liquids (sweat).
Scoring IPX4, the Sennheiser CX 500BT's rating for solids indicates that no data available to specify a protection rating, and of liquids 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
The Sennheiser CX 500BT have a weight of 12g . We consider a lower weight best because lighter devices are more comfortable to move with.
The JBL Live Free 2, at 9.8g
are lighter than the Sennheiser CX 500BT with a difference -2.2g
True wireless devices have no cables connecting any part of the device together, Sennheiser CX 500BT are true wireless for this case since they have no wires. This is an important difference as some wireless earbuds have wires linking the pair of earbuds together.
JBL Live Free 2 also is true wireless because it doesn't have wires linking the 2 earbuds .
Sennheiser CX 500BT have sweat resistance
JBL Live Free 2's resistance to sweat makes both devices fit for use while doing sports such as long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc
Sennheiser CX 500BT have stereo speakers, what this means is that Sennheiser CX 500BT's speakers deliver sound from independent 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
Active noise cancellation uses advanced kind of tech to reduce ambient sounds. ANC works when, it studies the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and inverts the soundwaves to cancel it out. Simply put, it's like taking +1 (sound from your surrounding) then adding -1 (counter sound by the device) giving 0 which results in a reduced level of noise.
Sennheiser CX 500BT have ANC enabling you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue since you don't need to crank up the device volume to overcome background noise.
JBL Live Free 2 too have Active Noise Cancellation making both earbuds ideal for plane rides and rush hour travels. The Sennheiser CX 500BT and JBL Live Free 2 operate with different noise cancellation types, pick the mode that suits your commute or that suites your relaxation time.
The Sennheiser CX 500BT stay well in place, this creates an acoustic covering that tones down your environment noise well as preventing the earbuds music from leaking out at the same.
Both JBL Live Free 2, and Sennheiser CX 500BT have passive noise reduction this means that they reduce ambient noise instead of actively using technology to cancel it out.
JBL Live Free 2 driver unit is 11mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass. A driver unit is basically a mini speaker that produces sound in the earbuds, its size determines the loudness of the earbuds.
The Sennheiser CX 500BT's lowest frequency is at 5Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio device produces low recognizable 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
Sennheiser CX 500BT make sound with a juicier bass than the JBL Live Free 2
Sennheiser CX 500BT's highest frequency is at 21000Hz, high-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio component makes high recognizable frequencies and if it makes any adjustments to the signal on its way through.
JBL Live Free 2's highest frequency is at 20000Hz, this implies that
Sennheiser CX 500BT can produce a clearer and crispier treble than the JBL Live Free 2
SPL, is the pressure level 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. The sound pressure level, something is can be taken differently by separate persons, so we need to have a way of getting an objective measurement of sound level expressed in numerical terms.
The 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 usually given by the manufacturer, and with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and have to charge the device less often.
JBL Live Free 2's battery life is
less than that of Sennheiser CX 500BT by 1 hours
. Every time you recharge your device, they get a little less listening time. The effect is not noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time.
The battery life of the charging case is given by the manufacturer, and the Sennheiser CX 500BT's case is said to have 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
The 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 charging case.
JBL Live Free 2 too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators enable you determine the charging state of your device, whether fully charged, or having a low battery.
Sennheiser CX 500BT support USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power through a single cable.
JBL Live Free 2 too have USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug is part and parcel of most current electronics.
The Sennheiser CX 500BT 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.
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.
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
Sennheiser CX 500BT support AAC, a codec that is 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 Sennheiser CX 500BT will work well with your iPad. 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.
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).
The Sennheiser CX 500BT have 4 microphones.
JBL Live Free 2 microphones are 6,
more than that of Sennheiser CX 500BT by 2
. More microphones result in better sound quality and enable the earbuds to filter out noise.
Sennheiser CX 500BT have a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are made to filter out noise from the earbuds' sound.
The JBL Live Free 2 too use a noise-canceling type of microphone. Especially useful in noisy environments.
The Sennheiser CX 500BT's highest mic frequency is 10000Hz, high frequencies are best for recording treble. The highest mic frequency of a microphone is defined as its upper limiting frequency.
Sennheiser CX 500BT's lowest mic frequency is 100Hz, low frequencies are better for picking up bass. The lowest mic frequency of a microphone is defined as its lower limiting frequency.
Sennheiser CX 500BT support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient noises so that they can still be heard even when wearing them
The JBL Live Free 2 support ambient sound mode as well, it’s useful when you want to listen to music but also be aware of your surrounding, for example when you’re having a jog but would still want to hear traffic.
The Sennheiser CX 500BT 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.
When misplaced in a room, or can't be found in your bag, the Sennheiser CX 500BT support the find earbuds feature.
The Sennheiser CX 500BT support fast charging. Commonly, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to lower the time it takes to charge a device.
JBL Live Free 2 support fast charging. This kind is 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.
The JBL Live Free 2 have a multipoint of 2 connections, the multipoint 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.
The Sennheiser CX 500BT have a mute function, they support the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device.
The JBL Live Free 2 too have the mute function. It means that you are in position turn off the device's microphone, but you can still hear the other party's voice.
With the Sennheiser CX 500BT, so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the earbuds.
The JBL Live Free 2 too have a control panel on them.
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.
Sennheiser CX 500BT have voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information via audio messages, say if there is a problem with the connection.
JBL Live Free 2 too have voice prompts .i.e the device will notify you if the battery is running low, and it's time to recharge the device.
Sennheiser CX 500BT come with a special case. Carrying earbuds openly, or placing them in your pockets without a casing may easily put them at risk of getting damaged.
JBL Live Free 2 also have a case included, which offers safe transportation.