IP ratings refer to the level of protection offered by an enclosure, against dust and water. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value represents protection against solids say dust, followed by the one that refers to resistance against liquids (sweat).
Scoring IPX4, the Sony WF C500's rating is read as, the first value of X denotes 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,
JBL Live Free 2 has a higher liquid rating than Sony WF C500
The Sony WF C500 have a weight of 10.8g . We prefer a lower weight best because lighter devices are easier to transport.
JBL Live Free 2, at 9.8g
are lighter than the Sony WF C500 with a difference -1g
True wireless devices have no cables linking any part of the device together, Sony WF C500 are true wireless for this matter since they have no wires. This is a major difference since wireless earbuds have cables connecting the 2 earbuds .
JBL Live Free 2 also is true wireless because it has no wires linking the pair of earbuds .
Sony WF C500 have sweat resistance
JBL Live Free 2's resistance to sweat makes both devices good for use while doing sports such as long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc
Sony WF C500 have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from separate 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
The Sony WF C500 sit tightly in place, creating a sound seal that reduces your environment sounds well as preventing the device voice audio from leaking out .
Both JBL Live Free 2, and Sony WF C500 have passive noise reduction which means that they limit ambient noise without using ANC to cancel it out.
Sony WF C500 have a unit size of 5.8mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass. The driver unit is the component that makes sound in the earbuds, the unit size dictates the sound produced 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
, as many tend to believe 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 imply that they produce better quality sound. The Sony WF C500's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio component produces 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
The Sony WF C500's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio device produces high recognizable frequencies and if it changes to the signal on its way through.
JBL Live Free 2's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this means that
both devices can produce equal treble
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 commonly given by the manufacturer, and with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and requires fewer chargings. 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 not noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will no longer play for long like they used to. This is given by the vendor, and Sony WF C500's case is said to have a full charge of 10 hours. A charging case with a longer battery life allows you to recharge your earbuds on the go many 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 requires 2.5 hours to fully charge the Sony WF C500's battery. It is recommended to fully charge the battery before using the earbuds for the first time. Sony WF C500 have a battery level indicator, an indicator alerts you when the earbuds has a low battery.
Its lights display the charging state of your earbuds and charging case. JBL Live Free 2 too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators allow you determine the charging state of your earbuds, if charged fully, or the battery is running low. The Sony WF C500 support 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 electronics. Sony WF C500 have Bluetooth version of 5, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that enables 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,
newer than that of Sony WF C500
. Newer versions provide faster data transfers. 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
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 provides better results than other codecs at the same bit rate.
Since its the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Sony WF C500 will work well with your MacBook.
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. The Sony WF C500 have 2 microphones. 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 device to filter out background sounds.
The Sony WF C500 support fast charging. Most often, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to lower the time it takes to fully charge the earbuds. The JBL Live Free 2 support fast charging.
This kind is similar to regular charging, only that the battery fills up much faster. Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in just 30 minutes. Sony WF C500 have a mute function, they support the option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds.
The JBL Live Free 2 too support the mute function. The mute function means that you are in position turn off the earbuds' microphone, but you can still hear the other party talk. With 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. 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 that has followed instruction manuals. The Sony WF C500 support voice prompts.
With voice prompts, you receive information through audio messages, say if there is a problem with the connection. The JBL Live Free 2 too have voice prompts .i.e the device notifies you if the battery is running low, and it's time to recharge them. The Sony WF C500 come with a special case.
Carrying earbuds openly, or putting them inside your bag without a cover can easily damage them. JBL Live Free 2 too have a travel bag included, which offers safe transportation.
