A breakdown of the review per specifications

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

JBL Live Free 2 IPX5

Sony WF C500 IPX4

Ingress protection ratings is the rank of protection offered by an enclosure, against solids and liquids. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value means protection against solids such as dust, followed by the one that refers to protection against liquids (sweat).

Having a value of IPX4, the Sony WF C500's rating for solids indicates 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.

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

Weight

JBL Live Free 2 9.8g

Sony WF C500 10.8g

Sony WF C500 have a weight of 10.8g . We take in account a lower weight better because lighter devices are easier to carry.

The JBL Live Free 2, at 9.8g are lighter than the Sony WF C500 by -1g

Has No Wires Or Cables

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sony WF C500 ✓

True wireless devices have no wires connecting any part of the device together, Sony WF C500 are true wireless for this matter since they don't have wires. This is an important difference as some wireless earbuds have wires linking the two earbuds .

JBL Live Free 2 also is true wireless because it doesn't have cables linking the two earbuds .

Sweat Resistance

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sony WF C500 ✓

Sony WF C500 are resistant to sweat

JBL Live Free 2's resistance to sweat makes both devices good for use during long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc

Has Stereo Speakers

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sony WF C500 ✓

Sony WF C500 have stereo speakers, devices with stereo 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 Sony WF C500 have stereo speakers

JBL Live Free 2
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Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sony WF C500 ✗

Active noise cancellation uses advanced technology to actively cancel noise. How it works, it listens to the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and then generates a mirror signal to counter it. In simple terms, it's like having +1 (sound from your surrounding) then adding -1 (inverted noise) to make 0 thus "diluting" the noise.

JBL Live Free 2 have ANC allowing you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue as you don't have to crank up the earbuds volume to outcompete background noise.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sony WF C500 ✓

Sony WF C500 stay tightly in place, creating an acoustic seal that tones down your environment noise well as preventing the device music from leaking out .

Both JBL Live Free 2, and Sony WF C500 have passive noise reduction this means that both reduce ambient noise instead of actively using ANC to cancel it out.

Driver Unit Size

JBL Live Free 2 11mm

Sony WF C500 5.8mm

The Sony WF C500 driver unit is 5.8mm in diameter, the bigger the unit the more powerful, and can produce better bass. The driver unit is basically a mini speaker that produces sound in the earbuds, its size determines the sound made by the earbuds.

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 usually have difficulty producing high frequencies so it's true that, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not indicate that they deliver better quality sound.

Lowest Frequency

JBL Live Free 2 20Hz

Sony WF C500 20Hz

The Sony WF C500's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well a particular 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 can produce equal bass

Highest Frequency

JBL Live Free 2 20000Hz

Sony WF C500 20000Hz

The Sony WF C500's highest frequency is at 20000Hz, high-frequency response indicates how well a particular audio device 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 means that both devices can generate equal treble

Sound Pressure Level

JBL Live Free 2 102dB/mW

Sony WF C500 ✗

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.

Has A Neodymium Magnet

JBL Live Free 2 ✗

Sony WF C500 ✓

Sony WF C500 have neodymium magnets, if used in earbuds produce a higher sensitivity and substantial sound output while using less power. They can help produce music at quite a high sound pressure level, using high magnetic flux.

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Battery Life

JBL Live Free 2 7hours

Sony WF C500 10hours

The Sony WF C500's battery life is 10 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average for a single charge. A device's battery life is commonly 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 . Each time you recharge your earbuds, they get a little less playing time. The effect is barely noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will no longer play for long like they used to.

Battery Life Of Charging Case

JBL Live Free 2 28hours

Sony WF C500 10hours

The battery life of the charging case is given by the vendor, and the Sony WF C500's case has a charge of 10 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, more than that of Sony WF C500 by 18 hours

Charge Time

JBL Live Free 2 ✗

Sony WF C500 2.5hours

It takes 2.5 hours to fully charge the Sony WF C500's battery. It is highly adivsable to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds when they have been in storage for long periods.

Has A Battery Level Indicator

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sony WF C500 ✓

Sony WF C500 have a battery level indicator, an indicator alerts you when the device has a low battery. The battery indicator lights show the charging state of your device and case.

JBL Live Free 2 too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators allow you to tell the charging state of your earbuds, whether fully charged, or the battery is running low.

JBL Live Free 2
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Has Usb Type-C

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sony WF C500 ✓

Sony WF C500 support USB TYPE-C, a 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

JBL Live Free 2 v5.2

Sony WF C500 v5

The Sony WF C500 have Bluetooth version of 5, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers 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, newer than that of Sony WF C500 . Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

JBL Live Free 2 10meters

Sony WF C500 9meters

The Sony WF C500 have a 9meters distance to connect via Bluetooth.

JBL Live Free 2 have a maximum range of 10meters, longer than that of Sony WF C500 by 1meters

Has Aac

JBL Live Free 2 ✗

Sony WF C500 ✓

Sony WF C500 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 the same bit rate.

Being the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Sony WF C500 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.

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Number Of Microphones

JBL Live Free 2 6only

Sony WF C500 2only

Sony WF C500 have 2 microphones.

The JBL Live Free 2 microphones are 6, more than that of Sony WF C500 by 4 . More microphones record better sound quality and enable the earbuds to filter out noise.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sony WF C500 ✗

JBL Live Free 2 use a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are intended to filter out noise from the earbuds' sound.

JBL Live Free 2
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Has Ambient Sound Mode

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sony WF C500 ✗

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 the earbuds

Supports Fast Charging

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sony WF C500 ✓

The Sony WF C500 support fast charging. Most often, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to lower the time it takes to fully charge the earbuds.

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 thirty minutes.

Multipoint Count

JBL Live Free 2 2only

Sony WF C500 ✗

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

Has A Mute Function

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sony WF C500 ✓

The Sony WF C500 have a mute function, they support the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds.

The JBL Live Free 2 also support this function. It means that you can turn off the earbuds' microphone, but you can still hear the other party's voice.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sony WF C500 ✓

The Sony WF C500, so you can 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

JBL Live Free 2 ✗

Sony WF C500 1Years

The 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 following instruction manuals.

Has Voice Prompts

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sony WF C500 ✓

The Sony WF C500 support voice prompts. Automatically receive information via audio messages, say if there is an issue with the connection.

JBL Live Free 2 too support voice prompts meaning the earbuds will notify you when the battery is running low, and it's time to recharge the earbuds.

Travel Bag Is Included

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sony WF C500 ✓

The Sony WF C500 come with their own special pouch. Carrying earbuds without a case, or placing them in your bag without a casing can easily put them at risk of getting damaged.

JBL Live Free 2 too have a travel bag included, which is useful for safe transportation.

A Review By Comparison Of The Technics Eah Az80 Vs. Sony Wf C500

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	20000Hz	20000Hz
	sound pressure level	102dB/mW	✗
	has a neodymium magnet	✗	✓
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
MICROPHONE	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

A Review By Comparison of the Sony Wf C500 Vs. Jbl Live Free 2

Reasons why you might like the JBL Live Free 2

Reasons why you might like the Sony WF C500

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

Has A Neodymium Magnet

Power

Battery Life

Battery Life Of Charging Case

Charge Time

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

Bluetooth Version

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Has Aac

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

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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