When it comes to wireless earbuds, JBL is absolutely a standout brand with a proven track record of reliability and innovation.
Their Live series, known for its blend of style, functionality, and sound quality, has garnered significant attention. With the release of the JBL Live Pro 2, the brand has raised the bar once again.
In this article, we’ll delve into a detailed comparison between the JBL Live Pro 2 and its predecessor, the JBL Live Pro+, examining various aspects from design and features to sound quality and pricing.
JBL Live Pro 2 vs JBL Live Pro+: Specs Comparison
| Feature | JBL Live Pro 2 | JBL Live Pro+ |
|---|---|---|
| Design | high-quality plastic, matte finish | high-quality plastic, matte finish |
| Water Resistance | IPX5 | IPX4 |
| Color Options | Black, Blue, Chrome Silver, Pink | Black, Blue, Chrome Silver, Pink, White, Beige |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | Up to 10 hours without ANC | Up to 7 hours without ANC |
| Battery Life (With Case) | Up to 40 hours | Up to 28 hours |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2, Multipoint connection | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Sound Quality | Similar, with slightly clearer mids | High quality, dynamic driver |
| Microphone Quality | Superior clarity and noise cancellation | Good, but improved upon by Live Pro 2 |
| Charging | USB-C, Wireless charging | USB-C, Wireless charging |
| App Features | JBL Headphones App: Customizable controls, EQ, ANC and Transparency Mode settings | Similar app features and customizability |
| Price (at launch) | $149.95 | $179.95 (Now often found for less) |
JBL Live Pro 2 vs JBL Live Pro+: Detailed Review
Design and Build Quality
Both the JBL Live Pro 2 and Live Pro Plus boast a sleek and ergonomic design that’s both stylish and functional. The earbuds feature a comfortable fit, making them suitable for extended wear.
The charging cases of both models are constructed from high-quality plastic with a matte finish, exuding a premium feel. The cases are compact and portable, fitting easily into pockets or bags.
In terms of aesthetics, the Live Pro 2 offers a wider range of color options, including black, blue, silver, chrome, and rose, catering to diverse consumer preferences.
On the other hand, the Live Pro Plus also offers multiple color choices, including black, blue, silver, chrome, rose, white, and beige, providing ample options for users to express their personal style.
Features and Functionality
Both earbud models come equipped with a host of features aimed at enhancing the user experience.
They feature touch-sensitive controls for easy navigation of music playback, call management, and access to voice assistants.
Additionally, both models incorporate active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, allowing users to block out external noise and immerse themselves in their music or calls.
One notable difference lies in the IP rating, with the Live Pro 2 boasting an IPX5 rating for water resistance compared to the Live Pro Plus’s IPX4 rating.
While both provide protection against sweat and splashes, the Live Pro 2 offers slightly superior water resistance, making it more suitable for outdoor activities or workouts in adverse weather conditions.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a crucial factor to consider when evaluating wireless earbuds, and both the Live Pro 2 and Live Pro Plus deliver impressive performance in this regard.
The Live Pro 2 offers up to 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, with an additional 40 hours provided by the charging case.
In comparison, the Live Pro Plus provides up to 7 hours of playback with ANC off and up to 6 hours with ANC on, with a total of 28 hours including the charging case.
Both models support fast charging, allowing users to quickly top up their earbuds when running low on battery. The charging cases can be replenished via USB Type-C cable or wireless charging, offering flexibility and convenience.
Connectivity and Audio Performance
When it comes to connectivity, the Live Pro 2 takes a step forward with Bluetooth 5.2, providing a more stable and efficient connection compared to the Live Pro Plus’s Bluetooth 5.0.
Both models support popular audio codecs like AAC, ensuring high-quality wireless audio streaming.
In terms of audio performance, both earbuds feature 11mm dynamic drivers that deliver rich, immersive sound across the frequency spectrum.
However, the Live Pro 2 edges ahead slightly, offering clearer and more detailed sound reproduction, particularly in the mid-range frequencies.
Whether you’re listening to music, watching movies, or taking calls, both models excel in delivering an enjoyable audio experience.
Microphone Quality and Call Performance
One of the standout improvements in the Live Pro 2 is its microphone quality, which surpasses that of the Live Pro Plus.
With enhanced noise-cancellation technology, the Live Pro 2 delivers clearer and more intelligible voice transmission, ensuring crystal-clear call quality even in noisy environments.
This improvement makes the Live Pro 2 an ideal choice for users who prioritize voice clarity during calls or virtual meetings.
JBL Live Pro 2 vs JBL Live Pro+: Which Should You Buy?
Considering the advancements in battery life, connectivity, and microphone quality, the Live Pro 2 stands out as the better investment. However, if the price difference is significant or if you already own the Live Pro+, the older model remains a competitive option.
In the end, your choice between the JBL Live Pro 2 and Live Pro+ will depend on your specific needs and budget. Both models offer the quality and performance expected from JBL, with the Live Pro 2 offering slight but meaningful improvements over its predecessor.
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Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
