Overall Score 6.5 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
Overall Score 6 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
Category | Features | JBL Live Free 2 | Sony WF C500 |
---|---|---|---|
DESIGN | ingress protection (ip) rating | IPX5 | IPX4 |
weight | 9.8g | 10.8g | |
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 | 5.8mm | |
lowest frequency | 20Hz | 20Hz | |
highest frequency | 20,000Hz | 20,000Hz | |
sound pressure level | 102dB/mW | ✗ | |
POWER | battery life | 7hours | 10hours |
battery life of charging case | 28hours | 10hours | |
charge time | ✗ | 2.5hours | |
has a battery level indicator | ✓ | ✓ | |
CONNECTIVITY | has usb type-c | ✓ | ✓ |
bluetooth version | v5.2 | v5 | |
maximum bluetooth range | 10meters | 9meters | |
has aac | ✗ | ✓ | |
MICROPHONE | number of microphones | 6only | 2only |
has a noise-canceling microphone | ✓ | ✗ | |
EXTRAS | has ambient sound mode | ✓ | ✗ |
supports fast charging | ✓ | ✓ | |
multipoint count | 2only | ✗ | |
has a mute function | ✓ | ✓ | |
control panel placed on a device | ✓ | ✓ | |
warranty period | ✗ | 1Years | |
has voice prompts | ✓ | ✓ | |
travel bag is included | ✓ | ✓ | |
See price on Amazon | See price on Amazon |
IP ratings refer to the level of protection given by an enclosure, against dust and liquids. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value refers to protection against solids such as dust, followed by the one that refers to protection against liquids (water).
Scoring IPX4, the Sony WF C500's rating for solids indicates that no data available to specify a protection rating, and the second number 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 Sony WF C500, 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,
Sony WF C500 has a lower liquid rating than JBL Live Free 2
Sony WF C500 have a weight of 10.8g . We take in account a lower weight better because lighter devices are more comfortable to move with.
The JBL Live Free 2, at 9.8g
weigh less than the Sony WF C500 by -1g
For a device to be true wireless it should have no wires linking any part of the device together, Sony WF C500 are true wireless for this matter since they have no wires. This is an important distinction as some wireless earbuds have wires connecting the pair of earbuds .
JBL Live Free 2 also is true wireless since it has no wires linking the two earbuds .
Sony WF C500 have sweat resistance
JBL Live Free 2's resistance to sweat makes both devices fit for use during long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc
Sony WF C500 have stereo speakers, what this means is that Sony WF C500's speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better listening experience.
The JBL Live Free 2 also have stereo speakers
Active noise cancellation utilises advanced kind of tech to reduce ambient sounds. ANC works when, it studies the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and then inverts the soundwaves to cancel it out. Simply put, it's like taking +1 (sound from your surrounding) then adding -1 (inverted noise) to make 0 resulting in a reduced level of noise.
JBL Live Free 2 have ANC enabling you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue as you don't need to crank up the earbuds volume to overcome background noise.
The Sony WF C500 sit well in place, creating an acoustic seal that reduces background noise and also prevents the earbuds voice audio from leaking out at the same.
Both JBL Live Free 2, and Sony WF C500 have passive noise reduction which implies that they limit ambient noise instead of actively using technology to cancel it out.
Sony WF C500 driver unit is 5.8mm in diameter, the bigger the unit the more powerful, therefor producing better bass.
The driver unit is basically a mini speaker that makes sound in the earbuds, the unit size dictates the loudness of the device.
JBL Live Free 2 driver unit is 11mm in diameter,
making them have a larger driver unit than that of Sony WF C500 by 5.2mm
, a common assumption that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.
However, large drivers find it difficult to produce high frequencies so yeah, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not mean that they deliver better quality sound.
The Sony WF C500's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well an audio device produces low recognizable frequencies and if it alters the signal while at it.
JBL Live Free 2's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this implies that
both devices produce equal bass
Sony WF C500's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response measures if and how well an audio component makes high human frequencies and if it adjustments to the signal on its way through.
JBL Live Free 2's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this means that
both devices can generate equal treble
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.
The Sony WF C500's battery life is 10 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 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 Sony WF C500 by 3 hours
. Every time you recharge your device, they get a little less listening time. The effect is barely 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 Sony WF C500's case is said to have a charge of 10 hours. A charging case with more battery hours enables you to recharge your earbuds on the go multiple times before recharging the case itself.
JBL Live Free 2's charging case has a battery life of 28 hours,
more than that of Sony WF C500 by 18 hours
It takes 2.5 hours to fully charge the Sony WF C500's battery. It is recommended to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds when they have been in storage for extended periods.
The Sony WF C500 have a battery level indicator, an indicator alerts you when the earbuds has a low battery. The battery indicator lights show the charging status of your device and case.
JBL Live Free 2 too have a battery level indicator, these enable you to tell the charging state of your device, whether fully charged, or having a low battery.
The Sony WF C500 have USB TYPE-C, a standard connector for transmitting both data and power through a single cable.
JBL Live Free 2 too support USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug comes along with most current laptops, phones, and tablets.
Sony WF C500 have Bluetooth version of 5, 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,
newer than that of Sony WF C500
. Newer versions provide faster data transfers.
The Sony WF C500 have a 9meters distance connecting via Bluetooth.
JBL Live Free 2 have a maximum range of 10meters,
longer than that of Sony WF C500 by 1meters
Sony WF C500 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 a similar bit rate.
Since its the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Sony WF C500 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.
Sony WF C500 have 2 microphones.
JBL Live Free 2 microphones are 6,
more than that of Sony WF C500 by 4
. More microphones result in better sound quality and enable the earbuds to filter out background sounds.
The JBL Live Free 2 have a noise-canceling microphone, these microphones are intended to reduce noise from the desired sound.
JBL Live Free 2 support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to pass through ambient noises to still be heard even when wearing the earbuds
The Sony WF C500 support fast charging. Most often, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to reduce the amount of time it takes to fully charge a device.
JBL Live Free 2 too support fast charging. This kind is similar to regular charging, only that the battery is filling up much faster. Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in 30 minutes.
JBL Live Free 2 support multipoint of 2 connections, the multipoint feature allows you connect to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. Say, you can seemlessly switch calls from one device to another without manually disconnect and reconnect.
The Sony WF C500 have a mute function, they have the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds.
The JBL Live Free 2 too have the mute function. The mute function means that you are in position turn off the device's microphone, but still hear the other party's voice.
With the Sony WF C500, so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the device.
JBL Live Free 2 too have a control panel on them.
Sony WF C500 have a warranty period of 1 Years, the period of time that warrant free repair and adjustment services in case of a malfunction occurring under normal use that has followed instruction manuals.
Sony WF C500 have voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information through audio messages, like if there is an issue with the connection.
The JBL Live Free 2 too have voice prompts .i.e the device will notify you if the battery is low, and you need to recharge the earbuds.
Sony WF C500 come with their own special pouch. Carrying earphones without a case, or putting them in your pockets without a casing may easily damage them.
JBL Live Free 2 also have a case included, which is useful for safe transportation.