Here is JBL Live 500BT vs Sennheiser HD 4.40 BT side-by-side comparison to decide which is right for you.
Overview
JBL Live 500BT
Pros
- Strong bass depth and sculpted, clear highs.
- Ambient listening modes and customizable EQ are included in the app.
- Support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
- Comfortable.
Cons
- Not for purists, sound signature.
- Pressing a button is necessary for voice assistance.
- Controls might be simpler to use.
It only seems natural that voice control would spread to the Bluetooth headphone industry as speech control enters more and more smart speakers. The newest pair of headphones that support Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa is the JBL Live 500BT model.
You have to push a button to call your preferred assistant, so it’s not as seamless as using a smart speaker that listens for wake phrases, but it still works just fine. The JBL headphones also produce a sound characteristic that is the real bass lover’s dream. In the end, there is a better justification for purchasing the 500BT than voice compatibility.
Sennheiser HD 4.40 BT
Pros
- Strong audio performance with great high-frequency clarity and deep bass.
- Aesthetically pleasing and simple to use.
- Exceptional value for the money.
Cons
- Not for purists: the sculpted sound signature.
- The included cable is without an inbuilt remote.
Sennheiser hasn’t had as much success with Bluetooth headphones as it has with wired and professional audio products. With the HD 4.40 BT, Sennheiser has finally achieved our expectations for a wireless pair: great sound quality (with some added boosted bass) and the usability that makes or breaks so many Bluetooth models.
Priced to compete with some extremely good models, the HD 4.40 BT headphones more than hold their own. Bass enthusiasts looking for a balanced sound signature in a straightforward, basic design won’t be let down, and the headphones is the best in this middle-price category.
Design
- Either pair of headphones has stereo speakers on each side, which enhances the audio performance.
- They are better isolated from outside noise thanks to the over-the-ear style of the headphones.
- Both cannot be used to exercise because they lack sweat-resistant characteristics.
- A travel pouch for the JBL Live 500BT is typically included and is helpful for transporting the speaker safely.
- Both headsets’ collapsible designs make them easier to move and take up less storage space.
- Neither of the models is weatherproof. So it is not advised to use the device outside, especially if it is likely to rain.
Sound Quality
- The highest frequency rating for the Sennheiser model is 22000Hz, and the highest frequency rating for the JBL model is 20000Hz. Sennheiser and JBL are separated by 2000Hz, giving Sennheiser the advantage of offering a sharper and crisper treble.
- With the lowest frequency rating of 18Hz, both headsets deliver an identical amount of bass.
- Sennheiser’s higher sound pressure level of 113dB/mW results in louder sound when given the same audio source. The sound pressure level of JBL is 108 dB/mW.
- Sennheiser’s securely sealed over-the-ear design results in passive noise cancellation or noise isolation. It aids in reducing outside noise.
- Due to its higher impedance, JBL needs more power to provide the same volume as Sennheiser.
- When compared to JBL, Sennheiser produces greater bass and clearer high notes because of its Neodymium magnet, which also makes it lighter.
Battery Life
- The Sennheiser model’s battery life is shorter than the JBL model’s. The Sennheiser model only offers 25 hours of battery life, while JBL offers 33 hours on a single full charge.
- The charging period for both headphones is two hours.
- Additionally, they contain a charge level indication.
Connectivity
- As opposed to Sennheiser’s Bluetooth version 4.0, JBL uses the more recent Bluetooth 4.2 version, which offers a lossless connection.
- NFC-based Bluetooth pairing is supported by Sennheiser. Sennheiser HD4.40BT enables quicker Bluetooth pairing than JBL, thanks to NFC. Holding the smartphone close to the Sennheiser will make pairing go more quickly.
- Both headsets can be used as wired headsets with the 3.5mm headphone connector once the battery has been completely depleted.
- For simpler control of the music playback, both models incorporate control panels on their ear cups.
- The JBL Live 500BT offers audio prompts that let users know when their batteries are running low and voice commands that let them interact with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa.
Verdict
A very slight advantage exists between the Sennheiser HD 4.40 BT Wireless and the JBL Live 500BT. They are slightly more solidly constructed and less plasticky than the
Sennheiser, and they have slightly better sound quality since they have more treble detail than the Sennheiser. With the JBL, you also get an additional 10 hours of battery life. The
Sennheiser audio cable lacks an in-line microphone, whereas theirs does. To watch video material without any lag, the Sennheiser, which has lower latency and supports NFC pairing, is preferable.
Why Should You Choose The Sennheiser HD 4.40 BT Model?
- When it comes to the highest frequency produced, Sennheiser has a better rating, resulting in a crisp and clear treble.
- Sennheiser outperforms JBL when it comes to passive noise canceling.
- It won’t require as much power to produce the same amount of sound as a JBL because of the lower impedance.
- Sennheiser and JBL both produce louder sounds from the same audio source. However, Sennheiser does so at a 5dB/mW greater sound pressure level.
- Sennheiser is lighter, produces more bass, and produces cleaner high notes than JBL since it uses a neodymium magnet as opposed to ferrite.
- The Sennheiser model contains two built-in microphones as opposed to JBL’s single microphone, which improves sound clarity and filters out background noise when making audio connections.
Read more: Best JBL Headphones: Top Brand Product
FAQs
Are JBL headphones better than Sennheiser?
Our Opinion. A very slight advantage exists between the Sennheiser HD 4.40 BT Wireless and the JBL Live 500BT. They are slightly more solidly constructed and less plasticky than the Sennheiser, and they have slightly better sound quality since they have more treble detail than the Sennheiser.
How durable are Sennheiser headphones?
How Durable Perform Sennheiser Headphones Typically? Under conditions of heavy use, Sennheiser headphones can last five to ten years.
Is JBL a reliable name in headphones?
JBL generally produces feature-rich headphones with a well-balanced sound since they tend to closely follow the Harman curve. However, despite their affordability, they have a plasticky manufacturer that might feel a little cheap, and their design and fit might not always be the most comfortable.
Is JBL of high caliber?
JBL is among the pioneers of speaker technology; the business has existed for many years. Wireless JBL speakers have established themselves as the indisputable leaders of
Bluetooth speakers for the mass market because of their waterproofing, robust features, and dependable performance.
How excellent are Sennheiser headphones?
Sennheiser is one of a few audio monoliths, and choosing from its extensive selection of headsets can be difficult. Sennheiser headphones are dependable and consistently outperform headphones in a similar price range, despite not having the most attractive model names.
Conclusion
There are a few things to consider when choosing between the JBL Live 500BT and Sennheiser HD 4. 40 BT headphones. Both are good options for those who want quality sound, but there are some differences to take into account.
The JBL Live 500BT is slightly cheaper, but the Sennheiser HD 4. 40 BT offers better battery life and noise cancellation. It really comes down to personal preference in the end, but both pairs of headphones are worth considering.