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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If price is a major consideration and you are looking for earbuds that are suitable for exercise, with sweatproof certification, and a low latency mode for gaming, then the JBL Tune Flex would be the smarter economic choice. However, if sound quality, particularly for music and podcasts, is paramount and you value the additional benefits of active noise cancelling, app-based audio customization, and compatibility with high-quality lossless codecs like LDAC for superior audio streaming, then the Sony WF1000XM4 would justify the higher expense. The Sonys also provide longer battery life and features like wireless charging, ear detection, and virtual surround sound, enhancing convenience and the listening experience. Remember, though, that both options have been noted to have less than ideal microphone quality for calls. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the JBL Tune Flex
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Good for exercise
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM4
- Excellent for music
- Best in class for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.3
9.0
The Sony WF1000XM4 is excellent for music, while the JBL Tune Flex is good.
Gaming
8.5
5.6
The JBL Tune Flex is very good for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM4 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.0
10.0
The Sony WF1000XM4 is best in class for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Tune Flex is excellent.
TV and Video
7.8
6.0
The JBL Tune Flex is good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM4 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
6.5
8.3
The Sony WF1000XM4 is very good for noise reduction, while the JBL Tune Flex is only fair.
Battery
6.5 Hours
9.0 Hours
The JBL Tune Flex has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM4 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$60
$220
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The JBL Tune Flex has a price of $60 and the Sony WF1000XM4 costs $220.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
6.3
6.7
The Sony WF1000XM4 and JBL Tune Flex are both only fair for phone calls.
Build Quality
8.5
8.9
The Sony WF1000XM4 and JBL Tune Flex both have very good build quality.
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How the JBL Tune Flex and the Sony WF1000XM4 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Tune Flex | Sony WF1000XM4 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$60 | $220 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2022 | July 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.3/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.3/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.7/10 | 6.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6.5 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 18 | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6.5/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 5.1/10 | 5.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 9 Grams | 6.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
JBL Tune Flex
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Dig into reviews and images
MajorHiFi
Gabby Bloch | May 2023
"JBL is offering a similar design and arguably better resolution than the more expensive AirPods 3rd Generation. Add to that a comfortable and versatile fit, an equalizer and pretty decent ANC, and you’ve got a quality wireless earphone. I would have loved longer battery life and more crystal calls, but for the price, you can’t complain. A solid deal overall."
Sony WF1000XM4
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Dig into reviews and images
What HiFi?
What HiFi? | March 2023
"The headphones deliver a satisfying user experience, class-leading battery life, some of the best noise-cancelling we’ve heard in this category, and absolutely stunning sound quality."
Get a great deal on the JBL Tune Flex or the Sony WF1000XM4
About JBL
JBL is an American audio equipment manufacturer. Owned by Harman International which is, itself, owned by Samsung Electronics. JBL markets a wide array of monitoring speakers, professional headphones and consumer market headphones and earbuds. It was founded in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing (whose initials give the company its name) and has become one of the most prolific audio companies ever. Their products were responsible for audio during the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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