A breakdown of the review per specifications

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

JBL Live Free 2 ipX5

Sony WF C500 ipX4

IP ratings refer to the rating of protection given by an enclosure, against dust and liquids. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value means protection against solids say dust, while the second refers to protection against liquids (water).

Having a value of 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 of liquids 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

Weight

JBL Live Free 2 9.8g

Sony WF C500 10.8g

The Sony WF C500 have a weight of 10.8g . We take in account a lower weight better for the reason that lighter devices are more comfortable to carry.

The JBL Live Free 2, at 9.8g weigh less than the Sony WF C500 with a difference -1g

Has No Wires Or Cables

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sony WF C500 ✓

For a device to be true wireless it should 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 cables connecting the 2 earbuds .

JBL Live Free 2 also is true wireless because it doesn't have cables connecting the pair of earbuds together.

Sweat Resistance

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sony WF C500 ✓

Sony WF C500 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

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 ✗

ANC utilises more advanced kind of tech to reduce ambient sounds. ANC works when, it detects and analyzes the sound pattern of incoming noise and generates a mirror signal to counter it. Simply put, it's like having +1 (sound from your surrounding) and adding -1 (inverted noise) giving zero thus "diluting" the noise.

JBL Live Free 2 have ANC enabling you to listen at lower levels of volume, causing less ear fatigue since you don't need to crank up the device volume to outcompete background noise.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sony WF C500 ✓

Sony WF C500 stay well in place, this creates an acoustic covering that tones down background sounds well as preventing the earbuds music from leaking out at the same.

Both JBL Live Free 2, and Sony WF C500 have passive noise reduction this means that both reduce ambient noise without using ANC to cancel it out.

Driver Unit Size

JBL Live Free 2 11mm

Sony WF C500 5.8mm

Sony WF C500 driver unit is 5.8mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, therefor producing better bass. A driver unit is basically a mini speaker that produces sound in the earbuds, the unit size corellates with the loudness of 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 find it difficult to produce high frequencies so yes, larger drivers are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not indicate that they produce 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 generates low audible frequencies and if it alters the signal on its way through.

JBL Live Free 2's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this implies that both devices can make sound with equal bass

Highest Frequency

JBL Live Free 2 20,000hz

Sony WF C500 20,000hz

Sony WF C500's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response indicates how well an audio component makes high audible frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it.

JBL Live Free 2's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this means that both devices produce 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 audio devices 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.

A Review By Comparison Of The Echo Buds 3Rd Generation Vs. Sony Wf C500

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 . Every time you recharge your earbuds, they get a little less playing time. The effect is not noticeable at first, but over a few years, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time.

Battery Life Of Charging Case

JBL Live Free 2 28hours

Sony WF C500 10hours

This is given by the manufacturer, 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

Charge Time

JBL Live Free 2 ✗

Sony WF C500 2.5hours

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 when they have been in storage for extended periods.

Has A Battery Level Indicator

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sony WF C500 ✓

Sony WF C500 have a battery level indicator, an indicator notifies 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, charging indicators enable you tell the charging state of your earbuds, if charged fully, or having a low battery.

JBL Live Free 2
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Has Usb Type-C

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sony WF C500 ✓

The Sony WF C500 use USB TYPE-C, an industry-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.

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 enables 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.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

JBL Live Free 2 10meters

Sony WF C500 9meters

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

Has Aac

JBL Live Free 2 ✗

Sony WF C500 ✓

Sony WF C500 support AAC, a codec used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because 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 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.

A Review By Comparison Of The Jbl Wave Beam Vs. Sony Wf C500

Number Of Microphones

JBL Live Free 2 6only

Sony WF C500 2only

The 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 help the earbuds to filter out background sounds.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sony WF C500 ✗

The JBL Live Free 2 have a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are made to filter out background sounds from the desired sound.

JBL Live Free 2
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Has Ambient Sound Mode

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sony WF C500 ✗

The JBL Live Free 2 support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient noises so that they can still be heard even when wearing them

Supports Fast Charging

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sony WF C500 ✓

The Sony WF C500 support fast charging. Usually, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to reduce the amount of time it takes to charge the earbuds.

Also the JBL Live Free 2 support fast charging. This kind is similar to regular charging, just that the battery fills up much faster. Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in just 30 minutes.

Multipoint Count

JBL Live Free 2 2only

Sony WF C500 ✗

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. For example, you can seemlessly 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 ✓

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

The JBL Live Free 2 too have this function. The mute function means that you are in position turn off the device's microphone, but still hear the other party's voice.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sony WF C500 ✓

With 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.

Warranty Period

JBL Live Free 2 ✗

Sony WF C500 1years

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.

Has Voice Prompts

JBL Live Free 2 ✓

Sony WF C500 ✓

Sony WF C500 support 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 support voice prompts meaning the earbuds notifies you if the battery is running low, and you need 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 putting 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 offers safe transportation.

A Review By Comparison Of The Jbl Tune Flex 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	20,000hz	20,000hz
	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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