JBL Live 660NC vs Sony LinkBuds S
JBL Live 660NC and Sony LinkBuds S serve distinctly different use cases despite similar pricing. JBL's over-ear design delivers exceptional 40-50 hour battery life, ideal for travelers and all-day listeners who prioritize comfort and portability isn't critical. Sony's compact in-ear buds offer superior codec support with LDAC for hi-res audio, IPX4 water resistance, and wireless charging—better for active users and audiophiles. Sound quality differs significantly: JBL emphasizes bass-forward signature sound suited for casual listening, while Sony's hi-res capability targets discerning ears with compatible sources. Battery per charge heavily favors JBL (40+ hours versus 6), though Sony's total runtime with case reaches 20 hours. For commuters wanting lightweight discretion and premium audio tech, LinkBuds S wins. For long-haul comfort and extreme battery endurance, Live 660NC excels. Choose Sony for portability and audio quality; choose JBL for marathon battery life.
Full Specifications
| Spec | JBL Live 660NC | Sony LinkBuds S |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 260 g | 4.8 g (per bud) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 40 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off) | 6 hrs buds (ANC on), 14 hrs additional with case |
| Charging | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 4 hrs | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Drivers | 40 mm | 5 mm dynamic driver |
| Features | Adaptive Noise Cancelling, Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes, JBL Signature Sound, Multipoint Bluetooth connection, Google Assistant and Alexa built-in, Speed Charge support | LDAC hi-res wireless audio, Integrated Processor V1 + QN1e chip, Adaptive Sound Control, Speak-to-Chat, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Smallest and lightest Sony ANC earbuds, Bluetooth LE Audio (LC3) |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | LDAC, LC3, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IPX4 (buds) |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
JBL Live 660NC
Pros
- 40-hour battery with ANC is exceptional at $149
- JBL's signature fun sound profile is engaging for pop and rock
- Multipoint Bluetooth connects two devices simultaneously
- Built-in voice assistant support for hands-free control
- Comfortable lightweight fit for extended wear
Cons
- ANC is decent but noticeably behind Sony and Bose
- No LDAC or aptX codecs — limited to AAC
- Bluetooth 5.0 is a generation behind newer models
- Plastic build doesn't feel premium
Sony LinkBuds S
Pros
- Extremely compact and lightweight — barely noticeable when worn
- LDAC hi-res audio support at a sub-$200 price
- Solid ANC performance for such a small form factor
- Multipoint Bluetooth and Bluetooth LE Audio support
- Speak-to-Chat and Adaptive Sound Control are genuinely useful
Cons
- Smaller driver means less bass depth than larger rivals
- ANC is good but not as powerful as Sony WH-1000XM5 or WF-1000XM5
- IPX4 only — not suitable for heavy sweat or rain
- Small ear tips may not seal well for all ear shapes
Related Comparisons
Explore more in headphones, see all JBL products or all Sony products. View full details for the JBL Live 660NC or the Sony LinkBuds S.