JBL Free Wireless Earbuds Takes on Apple AirPods

The Apple AirPod has a new competitor in the wireless earbuds arena in the form of the JBL Free. The Harman subsidiary brand is aiming directly at the competitor, offering a lower price and added functionality. Like any bluetooth headset, the Free also has a microphone and can take calls. The JBL Free is actually a lot more compact than Apple’s AirPods which have a long stem extending down. Plus, one big advantage it has over the AirPods is its gel sleeving and silicone inserts. This makes it more resistant to water and is more comfortable to wear.

Unlike the AirPods, the Free is available in white as well as in black. It even comes with its own color-matching charging case. Users also receive two sets of gel sleeves (medium and large) and three sets of silicone inserts (small, medium and large). Inside each compact earbud is a 5.8mm driver and 85mAh Lithium-ion polymer batteries. The battery life with the charging case which has a 1,500mAH capacity is up to 24 hours. Although in terms of continuous playback of just the earbuds, it only lasts four hours. Charging time takes less than two hours.

Pricing and Availability

JBL is currently taking pre-orders for £119.99 and will start shipping out in October. In comparison, the Apple AirPods cost £159.00.