JBL Live Free 2
See price on AmazonOverall Score 6.5 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
Sony WF C500
See price on AmazonOverall 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 |
Ingress protection ratings is the rank of protection offered by a casing, against dust and water. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value of the IP rating refers to protection against solids say dust, followed by the one that refers to protection against liquids (water).
Having a value of IPX4, the Sony WF C500'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 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 prefer a lower weight better because lighter devices are easier to move with.
The JBL Live Free 2, at 9.8g are lighter than the Sony WF C500 by -1g For a device to be true wireless it must have no cables connecting any part of the device together, Sony WF C500 are true wireless for this case since they don't have cables. This is an important difference as some wireless earbuds have wires connecting the two earbuds . JBL Live Free 2 also is true wireless since it has no cables connecting the 2 earbuds . Sony WF C500 are resistant to sweat 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 Sony WF C500 have stereo speakers, what this means is that Sony WF C500's 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 Sony WF C500 sit well in place, creating a sound seal that tones down background sounds and also prevents the device sound from leaking out . Both of these devices have passive noise reduction which implies that both tone down ambient noise instead of actively using technology to cancel it out.
Sony WF C500 have a unit size of 5.8mm in diameter, the bigger the unit the more powerful, therefor producing better bass. A driver unit is basically a mini speaker that makes sound in the earbuds, the unit size determines the sound made by 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 , many people have a misconception that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.
However, large drivers usually have difficulty producing high frequencies so yeah, 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 inidcates how well an audio component generates low frequencies that can be heard, and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it. JBL Live Free 2's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this implies that
both devices can produce equal bass
The Sony WF C500's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response tells how well a particular audio device produces high audible 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 generate equal treble 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 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 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 a few years, your wireless earbuds will no longer play for long like they used to. This is given by the manufacturer, and the Sony WF C500's case is said to have a charge of 10 hours. A charging case with more battery hours 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 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 for the first time. Sony WF C500 have a battery level indicator, an indicator shows you when the earbuds has a low battery.
The battery indicator lights indicate 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 earbuds, whether fully charged, or the battery is running low. The Sony WF C500 use USB TYPE-C, a standard connector for transmitting both data and power in a single cable.
JBL Live Free 2 too have USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug comes along with most current electronics. 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. 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 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.
Being the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Sony WF C500 will work well 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. Sony WF C500 have 2 microphones. While the 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 noise.
The Sony WF C500 support fast charging. Most often, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to lower the time it takes to charge a device. Also the JBL Live Free 2 support fast charging.
It's very similar to regular charging, just that the battery fills up much faster. Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery is charged to 50% in 30 minutes. Sony WF C500 have a mute function, they have the option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds.
The JBL Live Free 2 also have the mute function. The mute function means that you unilaterally turn off the device's microphone, but still hear the other party's voice. The Sony WF C500, so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the earbuds.
The JBL Live Free 2 also 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 support voice prompts.
With voice prompts, you receive information through audio messages, like if there is an issue with the connection. JBL Live Free 2 too have voice prompts .i.e the device notifies you if the battery is running low, and you need to recharge them. The Sony WF C500 come with a special case.
Carrying earphones without a case, or placing them inside your bag without a casing may easily put them at risk of getting damaged. JBL Live Free 2 also have a travel bag included, which offers safe transportation.