This review compares the JBL Reflect Flow Pro to the Apple Airpods Pro launched in 2019. Apple launched the Apple Airpods 3 in Fall of 2021, but they have stripped-down versions of the 2019 Airpods Pro. Over the past two years, several new and better earbuds have been released by several brands, such as the Jabra Elite 7 Pro, Klipsch T5II TWS, and the JBL Reflect Flow Pro sports earbuds.
Also read:
Difference between Jabra Elite 7 Pro and Jabra Elite 85t
JBL Reflect Flow Pro Vs Jabra Elite 7 Active Sports Earbuds
JBL Reflect Flow Pro vs Non-Pro Version
JBL Reflect Flow Pro Vs Sony WF-SP800N Sports Earbuds
Compare Weight
| Tech Specs | Apple Airpods Pro | JBL Reflect Flow Pro |
| Weight (each earbud) | 5.4g | 7.2g |
The JBL Reflect Flow Pro’s is still lightweight even though it is 25% heavier than the Apple Airpods Pros. For heavier earbuds, we recommend those that come with wings or fins, or there is a risk where the earbuds might fall out accidentally during active use. Fortunately, the JBL Reflect Flow Pro has its version of the earwings, which they call the Powerfins.
Below are the instructions for wearing the Powerfins, which come in 4 sizes, XS/S/M/L. As usual, there are 3 sizes of ear tips as standard.
Compare IP Rating
| Tech Specs | Apple Airpods Pro | JBL Reflect Flow Pro |
| Earbuds IP Rating | IPX4 | IP68 |
The JBL Reflect Flow Pro is a sports earbud and the IP68 high rating reflects the design is geared towards outdoor activities, especially where sand, dust, water, and sweat are a concern. The IPX4 rating for Apple Airpods is only splashproof and is not certified to submerge underwater at any depth.
On the other hand, the IP68 rating offers water resistance more than 1 meter deep and protection against dust ingress. JBL did not indicate the actual depth that it is certified to. For example, the latest iPhones are certified to 6 meters depth for 30mins based on the IEC 60529:1989 standards.
Compare Controls
Both earbuds use Touch control which is easier to activate earbud functions while on the move or running. For the JBL Reflect Flow Pro, the controls are mainly Tap and Hold, and none uses swipe action.
Compare Audio Specs
| Tech Specs | Apple Airpods Pro | JBL Reflect Flow Pro |
| Audio (Speaker) | ||
| Driver | 13mm | 6.8mm (0.27″) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz- 20kHz | 20Hz- 20kHz |
| Impedance | 32 ohms | 16 ohms |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency (Hear Through) | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone per earbud | 2 | 3 |
| Wind Noise Reduction | No | Yes |
The specifications show AirPods Pro with a larger driver and higher impedance. We researched several sites and concluded that sound quality is not dependent on the size of the driver or the impedance.
However, given the same power input, a more significant sound driver should deliver a louder sound and deeper bass than a smaller driver. On the other hand, a lower impedance driver will be more energy-efficient, but it is also easier to damage the earbud if overloaded. Typically, the impedance of the driver has to be higher than the amplifier.
In the case of the AirPods Pro, a larger driver paired with a high impedance should theoretically deliver a louder sound and stronger bass, but at the expense of higher battery consumption.
The JBL Reflect Flow Pro has 3 microphones per earbud, of which two are beamforming microphones while the third is for wind suppression. It is the first sports earbud that we have reviewed, that has a 6 microphone (3 per earbud) design. The other earbuds with 6 microphones are not explicitly designed for sports, such as the flagship Jabra Elite 85t, Logitech Zone True Wireless, and Soulnation Emotion Pro.
Earbuds Stereo and Mono Mode
Both Apple Airpods and JBL Reflect Flow Pro can operate in the “Stereo” or “Mono” mode.
- Stereophonic or stereo refers to the effect of sound coming from two sources simultaneously, so the stereo mode is the audio you hear from both earbuds simultaneously.
- Monoaural or Mono refers to sound coming from a single source, so the mono mode is the audio you hear when only one earbud is worn.
In the ideal mono mode, either earbud can be used while the other is left in the charging case. Either earbud must be programmed to allow complete control of its operation, such as playing and stopping music or answering a call.
Compare Battery Life
| Tech Specs | Apple Airpods Pro | JBL Reflect Flow Pro |
| Music Time (ANC Off) | 5h | 10h |
| Music Time (ANC On) | 4.5h | 8h |
| Total Time + Charge Case (ANC On) | 24h | 24h |
| Charging Time 0-100% (Buds) | 3h 15mins | 2h |
| Charging Case Weight | 45.6g | 61.5g |
| USB-C Connector (Case) | No | Yes |
| Qi-Certified/Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Fast Charge For 1-hour usage | 5mins | 10mins |
| Battery Status Light | Yes | Yes |
JBL Reflect Flow Pro has closed to double the battery life of the Apple Airpods Pro. The USB-C charging case is also compatible with Qi wireless charging and the weight is still within an acceptable range.
Our Verdict
The new JBL Reflect Flow Pro is an excellent upgrade choice for the two-year-old Apple Airpods Pro. The advantages are summarised as follows:
- The new 3-microphone per earbud with two beamforming and one wind suppression mic will provide better sound quality.
- Longer battery life: The battery life of the JBL Reflect Flow Pro is doubled that of Airpods Pro.
- IP68 Rating: The highest IP Rating gives us additional assurance under all conditions of sand, dust, sweat, and water.
- The Powerfins: The use of ear wings (fins) provides better assurance that the earbuds will not fall out of the ears if we accidentally brush or hit the earbuds. It is not always easy to recover earbuds if they drop into drain covers or on muddy water and grass patch.
