Which headphones are better than JBL or Sony - comparison of popular models

Features of JBL headphones

Music playback products under the American JBL brand have been produced since 1946. The range includes both affordable devices and premium models. They differ in dimensions, functions, and technical characteristics.

The main advantages of JBL products: + Affordable price . The simplest wired options will cost only a few hundred rubles. + Versatility of devices . Headphones can work with phones, computers, and players without any problems. + Design . Detailed elaboration of the appearance of the equipment at a high level. Even the cheapest headsets look stylish.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the assortment. There are both wired and wireless headphones. They also differ in size; there are compact Bluetooth headphones that are barely noticeable in the ear, and there are full-size options, some even with a folding design. Among wireless devices, battery life is an important parameter; it can range from 4 to 16 hours of continuous operation. Moreover, this figure is higher for full-size models that have more powerful batteries.

But the main thing is the sound. JBL manufacturers pay attention to ensuring that the sound is spacious and as clear as possible. A distinctive feature is the predominance of bass, for which some music lovers praise the company, while others criticize it, wanting a more balanced sound.

How we test the best sports headphones

When creating our list of the best sports headphones, we test devices to see how they hold up to vigorous workouts, assessing both how reliable they are during exercise and how well they handle ambient sound (such as gym noise, oncoming traffic, etc.) movement).

Our reviewers also test every feature of the app-enabled headphones, as well as ease of setup. During the testing phase, each pair of headphones is worn for 2 hours for a week.

We carry out further testing comparing top and popular models. To determine sound quality, we listen to a variety of tracks in musical genres, including hip-hop and rock, jazz, classical and electronic, and evaluate loudness, clarity and fullness.

Movies, podcasts and video games are also covered. After testing is complete, we rate the best sports headphones on our five-point scale (1 = worst, 5 = best). Products that hit each mark are awarded an Editors' Choice badge.

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Features of Sony headphones

Sony is a well-known Japanese company whose products cover almost all electronics: TVs, game consoles, smartphones, acoustics and other equipment. Headphones of different designs and purposes are no exception.

The main advantages of Sony headphones: + High quality . The Japanese are sensitive to their reputation, so their products are always distinguished by high quality build and sound. + Use of modern technologies. Sony is increasingly introducing Bluetooth devices with interesting solutions. + Design . Restrained colors without bright accents give the product a solid appearance.

Although headphones are not the company’s main product, the range in this category is impressive. There are wireless models, including even special running ones with additional moisture protection. Wired devices are also widely available: from compact options for phones to full-size ones for PCs.

In addition, Sony also has special models for the PlayStation game console. They are additionally equipped with microphones. Professional music devices are also produced under the Sony brand, but the average user is unlikely to find them interesting due to the very high price.

Comparison of wireless headphones

Which wireless headphones are better to choose, JBL or Sony, everyone will decide for themselves, taking into account their needs. To make your decision easier, you should familiarize yourself with the best options from each category, study their technical characteristics and prices.

Compact

Wireless devices with a small charging case included are a current option for owners of smartphones, laptops and players with Bluetooth connectivity. JBL's most popular device of this type is the Tune 120, and Sony's is the WF-XB700. They represent different price categories, but each model has something to surprise.​

In terms of characteristics, Sony is significantly ahead of its competitor; they last longer, are equipped with a modern version of Bluetooth, and are even a little lighter. Judging by the reviews, the sound quality of the WF-XB700 is also higher, but the price is also higher, almost 2 times. Sony should be chosen by those who listen to music for a long time and in any conditions, because they even have protection from sweat or moisture. For those who need to listen to music on the way to and from work, Tune 120 is quite enough.

Both models are good, but they also have disadvantages. With the JBL Tune 120, owners complain about mediocre sound quality and an outdated Micro-USB input, while the Sony's microphone is a little weak.

With control unit

Headphones of this type also connect via Bluetooth, but they have a special shape and are connected to each other, so they stay well in the ear and do not get lost. In this category, determining which sports headphones are better - JBL or Sony is no longer so easy, because they cost almost the same. The comparison is made between the JBL T205BT and Sony WI-C200 models.

Characteristics are divided. One thing that speaks in favor of JBL is that it charges a little easier and faster. This will be a good option for those who like bright colors too, as the T205BT is available in 7 color options, while Sony only offers black and white versions.

Sony WI-C200 is definitely better in terms of autonomy; they can work 2.5 times longer. Once again, the Japanese win in terms of Bluetooth, and connection speed is very important. In terms of cost, both models are absolutely identical.

As for the minuses, JBL is criticized for its build quality and mediocre sound insulation. Sony has problems with inconvenient, overly long cables and a less than comfortable fit. Well, the downside of both models is the lack of moisture protection; sweat getting on the control unit can be critical.

Full size

Due to its size, an on-ear headset will not be as convenient as the two previous options, but it has its advantages - sound quality and autonomy. JBL devices of this type cost from 2 to 15 thousand rubles, and Sony from 2 to 30. For comparison, basic models are suitable: Sony WH-CH510 headphones or JBL Tune 500BT.

JBL's features will appeal to those who regularly use headphones. They charge very quickly, a full charge will take 2 hours, and after putting the device on charge for 5 minutes, then the owner will be able to enjoy music for a whole hour. Another plus in favor of the Americans is that the membrane diameter is 2 mm larger.

Sony's main advantage is a more capacious battery (even though the headphones weigh less). They can work for almost a day and a half. Perfect for long trips. Traditionally, the Japanese have a better situation with Bluetooth, here it is standard 5.0.

On the downside, the JBL Tune 500BT has background noise in standby mode and is not comfortable for people with large heads. The Sony WH-CH510 can sometimes have interruptions in the sound supply (jerking), and the microphone is too sensitive.

How to choose the best sports headphones

The best sports headphones offer some form of protection against water or sweat. Some claim to withstand water and sweat, and some are IP certified. If you want to know you're protected, look for headphones with an IPX4 rating or higher.

You'll also want to look at the design of the headphones and consider how much you want to wear them while working out. They should be easy to wear and stay on your head without the need for constant adjustment.

As for the headphones themselves, look at how many ear tips and wings come with this pair to give more options for fit. Some people prefer over-the-ear or on-ear headphones because they do a better job of blocking out noise, but some people prefer a secure fit and easy portability in headphones.

For headphones with cables, be sure to check for an in-line remote control, which will allow you to easily control your music without pulling out your smartphone.

Fully wireless fitness headphones offer control of music using physical buttons or touch gestures on the earbud rather than using a remote control. Some headphones are device specific; Make sure you get a pair that is fully compatible with Android and iOS.

If you're considering wireless sports headphones, make sure they have the endurance you need. Some people need headphones with just 6-8 hours of battery life to get them through a week of workouts, while others will need a device with extended battery life to get them through long runs, bike rides, and hikes.

Comparison of wired headphones

It’s also not easy to answer which headphones are better than JBL or Sony when considering wired options. The Japanese have better quality devices in their assortment, but they are expensive, and if you compare options in the same price category, each brand will have its own advantages.

Compact earbuds

Still the most popular type of headphones. They are not as easy to use as wireless ones, but the lack of recharging is a significant advantage. For comparison, you can take the popular JBL T110 and Sony MDR-EX155.

In comparison between JBL and Sony, the former win in terms of price ; they are almost 1.5 times cheaper. But at the same time they provide good sound with the main feature of the brand – bass. The cord is thick enough and there is no friction from it. Sony are almost identical in characteristics, differing only in slightly greater sensitivity, a 10 cm longer cable and 4 ear pads included. Oddly enough, Sony also wins in terms of color palette; 8 options for the MDR-EX155 model are available versus 4 for JBL. But the main advantage is weight; they are practically weightless.

There are no serious complaints about the performance of both models. JBL has complaints about the build quality, and Sony has complaints about the wire being too flimsy.

Full size

Comparing JBL or Sony headphones cannot do without wired over-ear options. Such devices are especially interesting for video game fans, because they provide complete immersion in the sound of the virtual world.

JBL has high sensitivity and produces good bass. This model also benefits from the fact that it costs 1.5 times less than the Sony MDR-ZX660AP. There is also a plus in the design: the rotating mechanism allows you to transport the headphones compactly. Sony has more advantages. They have high sound quality, the membrane diameter is 40 mm, and they weigh only 193 g. The headphones are also interesting in design; in addition to the main gray color, the combination also contains bright light green elements.

The main disadvantage of JBLs is that they put too much pressure on the head, which can cause discomfort during prolonged use. The main disadvantage of Sony is the lack of a folding design.

JBL Tune 110

Next in our TOP are the JBL Tune 110 headphones.

They are available in white, black and blue colors, so you can easily choose the model that will best match your look. And, thanks to the fact that they have a flat cable, you definitely won’t have problems with headphones constantly getting tangled in your pocket.

The headphones themselves are small and light, so you hardly feel them in your ears. And thanks to the ear pads of different sizes, they will sit tightly in your ears and will not fall out even during active activities.

Despite its compact size, JBL Tune 110 will delight its owners with powerful sound, made possible thanks to 9 mm speakers and JBL Pure Bass technology. This technology delivers deep, powerful bass that feels like you're at a rock concert. For listening to modern popular compositions, these headphones will be an excellent solution.

It is also worth noting that they have a microphone that provides high-quality voice reproduction, and during telephone conversations your interlocutor will hear you perfectly.

Also, JBL Tune 110 has a convenient one-button remote control. Its functionality is small, but nevertheless, the remote control allows you to start and pause music playback, as well as answer calls on the go.

• Speaker size: 9 mm.
• Sensitivity: 96 dB.
• Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz.
• Weight: 12.7 g.
• Flat cable.
• JBL Pure Bass sound.
• Cable length: 1.11 m.
• Microphone.
• Remote controller.