JBL Live 770NC vs Sony LinkBuds S
Both headphones deliver compelling audio experiences at the same $199 price point, but serve different lifestyles. JBL Live 770NC excels with exceptional 50-hour battery life (ANC on), 40mm drivers providing room-filling sound, and foldable over-ear design ideal for extended wear sessions and travel. Sony LinkBuds S prioritize portability with industry-leading 4.8g earbuds, LDAC hi-res codec support for superior audio quality, and IPX4 water resistance for active use. Battery longevity favors JBL significantly (50+ hours versus 6 hours per charge), while Sony's compact form factor and wireless charging offer convenience. For sound quality, Sony's LDAC capability edges ahead, though JBL's larger drivers provide greater volume and bass. Choose JBL for all-day listening without charging anxiety; select Sony if portability, audio fidelity, and workout durability matter more.
Full Specifications
| Spec | JBL Live 770NC | Sony LinkBuds S |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 268 g | 4.8 g (per bud) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 65 hrs (ANC off), 50 hrs (ANC on) | 6 hrs buds (ANC on), 14 hrs additional with case |
| Charging | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 4 hrs playback | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Drivers | 40 mm | 5 mm dynamic driver |
| Features | Adaptive ANC with Smart Ambient, JBL Spatial Sound, Multipoint Bluetooth for two devices, Bluetooth LE Audio with LC3 codec, Voice assistant built-in (Alexa, Google, Siri), Foldable design for travel | 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 | LC3, AAC, SBC | LDAC, LC3, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IPX4 (buds) |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
JBL Live 770NC
Pros
- Extraordinary 65-hour battery life (ANC off) leaves all rivals behind
- Bluetooth multipoint for two-device pairing at $199
- Bluetooth LE Audio and LC3 codec future-proofs the headphones
- Strong bass-forward JBL sound signature for casual listening
- Comfortable foldable design with good padding
Cons
- ANC is decent but not on par with Sony or Bose
- Bass-heavy tuning may not suit balanced or audiophile listeners
- No aptX HD or LDAC for hi-res wireless audio
- Build quality feels plasticky for the price
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 770NC or the Sony LinkBuds S.