JBL LIVE 770NC VS Sony WH-1000XM5 Comparison Review

After spending hours testing both the JBL LIVE 770NC and the Sony WH-1000XM5, I'm thrilled to share my insights in this comparison review. Each headphone has a lot to offer, and I'm excited to delve into how they stack up against each other. Join me as we explore the features, sound quality, and overall performance of these two top contenders in the noise-canceling headphone market.

What you get

Look and Feel
Comparing the JBL headphones to the Sony WH-1000XM5 reveals distinct differences in their look and feel. The JBLs, available in blue, boast impressive lightweight construction, ideal for long listening sessions. However, the thin plastic build may give a slightly cheap impression, though the plush ear cushions offer excellent comfort. In contrast, the Sony WH-1000XM5 exudes sophistication with its modern design and premium materials, ensuring unparalleled comfort for extended use. While both headphones offer comfort and appeal, the Sony model stands out for its refined aesthetic and luxurious black matte look and nice feel.

Design and Functionality
The JBL Live 770NC and the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones offer distinct design and functionality features to suit different preferences. JBL's headphones use 40mm drivers for immersive sound and have automatic play/pause functionality when removed. They also support voice assistants and can easily connect to multiple devices. In contrast, Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones feature touch-sensitive controls and adaptive noise cancellation for a serene listening experience. Overall, both headphones provide unique benefits for users to enjoy.

ANC
The JBL Live 770NC headphones surprised me with their highly effective True Adaptive Noise Canceling. Featuring four noise-sensing microphones, it effortlessly blocks out distractions whether I'm studying or enjoying music. Additionally, the Smart Ambient feature enhances environmental sounds while maintaining audio quality, providing added convenience. On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM5 impresses with its Adaptive Sound Control, which analyzes surroundings for optimal noise cancellation, ensuring a serene listening experience in any environment.

Battery
The JBL Live 770NC headphones boast an impressive battery life, offering up to 65 hours of playback without ANC, and up to 50 hours with ANC activated - their battery life is truly remarkable. Meanwhile, the Sony WH-1000XM5 provides up to 30 hours of battery life. For quick charging, just 3 minutes of charging yields 3 hours of playback with a compatible USB-PD AC adapter.


Bluetooth
The JBL Live 770NC headphones utilize Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio for improved wireless connections and sound quality. Meanwhile, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones support Bluetooth Specification Version 5.2, allowing for simultaneous pairing with two Bluetooth devices. The difference in Bluetooth versions between the JBL Live 770NC and Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones is minimal, with both offering excellent wireless connectivity and functionality.

Soundstage
As I compared various tracks on both headphones, I found that one of my favorite songs, "Si No Estas" by Inigo Quintero, sounded remarkable on both models. The JBL Live 770NC headphones particularly stood out with their soundstage, boasting a heavy bass presence while maintaining clarity in the mids and highs. However, I noticed that the bass could sometimes dominate other frequencies, especially across different genres. Nevertheless, the layering and stereo spread contributed to an immersive listening experience, enhancing the overall soundstage. Conversely, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones create a spacious and immersive soundstage through advanced DSP technology and virtual surround sound features. With their 360 Reality Audio format, they provide a concert hall-like ambiance, enriching music depth and revealing intricate details with exceptional clarity. In conclusion, both headphones offer an impressive soundstage, ensuring an enjoyable listening experience across various tracks.


Low End
For bass enthusiasts, both Bluetooth headphones offer compelling options, with the JBL Live 770NC providing a fast and punchy low end that doesn't overpower other frequencies, leaving room for the low mids to shine. Customizing the low end with the JBL app is effortless and enjoyable. In contrast, the Sony WH-1000XM5's bass leans towards a boomy quality, occasionally overshadowing other frequencies and compromising clarity, especially in the lower midrange. However, adjustments through the Sony Headphones Connect app allow for fine-tuning, catering to individual preferences without sacrificing impact. Ultimately, preference for the bass-heavy profile of the XM5 depends on personal taste, particularly for genres like electronic and hip-hop.

Mids
Both headphones excel in the midrange, with the JBL Live 770NC achieving a harmonious blend between low and high mids, exemplified by the clarity and richness in tracks like "Creep" by Radiohead. Vocals, guitars, and other midrange elements are delivered with clarity and depth. Similarly, the Sony WH-1000XM5 demonstrates clarity and texture in the upper frequencies, although the lower mids may lack some clarity, affecting the presentation of certain instruments and vocals. Despite this, the overall midrange is more balanced, offering a transparent mix with textured layers that enhance the listening experience, particularly with intricate arrangements.

Highs
Both headphones deliver impressive highs, with the JBL Live 770NC maintaining clarity and precision even in bass-heavy tracks, ensuring every instrument and vocal shines with crisp detail. Meanwhile, the Sony WH-1000XM5 boasts improved response in the treble frequencies, offering clear and well-defined highs. The EQ adjustments in the app enhance the treble further without harshness, contributing to an immersive and balanced listening experience across genres.

Summary
In conclusion, both the JBL Live 770NC and the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones have left me thoroughly impressed. The JBL model excels with its extended battery life and advanced Bluetooth features, ensuring uninterrupted listening sessions and seamless connectivity. On the other hand, Sony's headphones boast a sleek black matte design that adds a touch of sophistication to their appearance. Despite their differences, both headphones offer exceptional soundstage and come with user-friendly apps that allow for EQ customization, enhancing the listening experience. Ultimately, the choice between them depends on individual preferences, with each headphone offering a compelling combination of features and performance that caters to a wide range of users.