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What we think
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Updated April 11, 2024·
If cost is a concern, the JBL Tune Flex offers a lower midrange price and is often significantly less expensive than the Sony WF1000XM5 while still providing very good overall sound quality and excellent for gaming, with a low latency mode suitable for that purpose. However, if you're looking for top-notch noise isolation and are willing to invest in a premium product, the Sony WF1000XM5 may be more suitable, as it offers very good noise cancellation, which the JBL Tune Flex lacks. The Sony also has additional features like an app equalizer, app controls customization, and is optimized for both Android and Apple devices, which the JBL model does not offer. The Sony earbuds also support wireless charging and have a feature for virtual surround sound, which could enhance certain audio experiences, though this requires using supported apps. If you take a lot of calls or attend virtual meetings, neither may be ideal, but the JBL has a fair score in this area compared to the Sony's poor. On the other hand, the Sony WF1000XM5 provides better portability and has longer battery life for typical use without needing the case. Consider your priorities in terms of price, sound isolation, feature set, and where you will be using your earbuds the most to make your decision. 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
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM5
- Very good for music
Key differences
Music
7.3
8.0
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for music, while the JBL Tune Flex is good.
Gaming
8.5
5.1
The JBL Tune Flex is very good for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Phone Calls
6.3
5.0
The JBL Tune Flex is only fair for phone calls, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.0
4.9
The JBL Tune Flex is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
5.4
The JBL Tune Flex is good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.5
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM5 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 WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$60
$298
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The JBL Tune Flex has a price of $60 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The JBL Tune Flex and Sony WF1000XM5 both have very good build quality.
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How the JBL Tune Flex and the Sony WF1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Tune Flex | Sony WF1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$60 | $298 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2022 | July 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.3/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.3/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.6/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.7/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6.5 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 18 | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6.5/10 | 8.8/10 | |
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 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 9 Grams | 6 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 WF1000XM5
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Sound Guys
Harley Maranan | July 2023
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 is among the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, and they aren’t cheap. These earbuds aren’t the best choice for budget-conscious listeners. But if you prioritize active noise cancelation, sound quality, and extensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 is worth its premium price tag."
Get a great deal on the JBL Tune Flex or the Sony WF1000XM5
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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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