JBL Live Flex 4 review
The JBL Live Flex 4 might be the perfect option for you if you want earbuds that put comfort first. Their lightweight, relaxed fit is perfect for listening on the go, meaning that, unlike some earbuds with a tight in-ear seal, they won't get tiresome or irritating after a while. And yet you can use them with ANC or transparency modes, giving you the option to shut the outside world out, or stay aware of your surroundings to impressive effect.
Design and Smart Case
But perhaps the real draw of the JBL Live Flex 4 is their smart charging case. It has a touchscreen equipped, enabling you to adjust ANC, EQ, playback and more, all without having to whip out your source device. If your phone or music streamer is in your bag or if you don’t want to go to the hassle of opening up the JBL Headphones app, this is pretty convenient.
While the case features might seem slightly gimmicky to some, it proves to be super-responsive with a massive quantity of features onboard. Aside from basic controls, the Flex 4 case lets you alter speech for calling, toggle spatial audio, switch audio source, and even use tools such as a timer and flashlight. As a result, these earbuds easily rival the very best wireless earbuds when it comes to features and usability.
The companion app does offer additional functionality, giving users the ability to set a custom wallpaper for the earbuds case and activate the higher-resolution codec, LDAC, which can provide better quality playback if the source device is compatible. Most Android phones support LDAC, though iPhone users cannot make use of it.
Noise Cancellation and Call Quality
The active noise cancellation on the Live Flex 4 is surprisingly effective. While in-ear models typically dominate this category, the source review found the Live Flex 4 to be pretty adept at muffling surroundings compared to similar open-fit competition.
Although the open architecture means that harsher sounds will seep in, everyday ambient noises like passing cars and office typing are subdued to a decent effect. The improved True Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0 system proves to be a successful inclusion on this model.
The six-microphone system ensures calls remain clear. While voices may not always be heavily defined against background noise, speech is perfectly comprehensible during standard calls and voice recordings.
Battery Life
The earbuds offer solid battery longevity, providing seven hours of playback with ANC enabled, up to 10 hours with ANC disabled, and a maximum of 48 hours utilizing the charging case. This significantly outperforms several competing models in a similar price tier, and the inclusion of wireless charging adds extra convenience.
Audio Performance
Regarding sound quality, the relaxed open-fit architecture inherently means that low frequencies are somewhat less impactful compared to sealed alternatives in the same product family.
Despite these structural limitations, the Flex 4 perform admirably for an open-fit design.
They produce a wide, spacious soundstage with surprisingly impactful bass. The default Studio EQ offers a balanced frequency response, and minor adjustments in the 32-250Hz range easily compensate for any initial low-end lightness.
Listening to complex tracks reveals expressive weighted drums, clearly separated keys, and full-bodied double bass. Utilizing the LDAC codec further elevates the experience by adding intricacies to the mid-range and sharper percussion detailing.
Acoustic tracks and vocals maintain good clarity and definition even at higher volume levels, avoiding harsh distortion.
The earbuds handle various genres competently. Electronic tracks deliver punchy bass without becoming overbearing, and sub-bass remains prominent without muddying other frequencies.
However, the spatial audio mode requires disabling LDAC and falls short of delivering the cleanliness and precision of standard tuning, making it less essential for daily use.
The physical design is comfortable for long listening sessions, secure enough to prevent accidental drops, and protected by an IP54 rating against dust and water splashes.
Aesthetically, the earbuds feature a slightly plasticky appearance, but the curved chassis and charging case are finished to a high standard and available in multiple vibrant color options.
Verdict and Pricing
Priced competitively against previous iterations, the JBL Live Flex 4 deliver solid sound quality, an innovative smart case, effective open-fit ANC, and robust battery life.
Ultimately, the JBL Live Flex 4 stand out as versatile wireless earbuds that serve as an excellent alternative for users seeking advanced features and high-resolution streaming capabilities.
Buy them if…
You prefer a more open-style earbud. What makes the Live Flex 4 stand out from their siblings is their open-style design. Their more relaxed, low-key fit is ideal for anyone who dislikes the sensation of earbuds that require a proper in-ear seal, which can become irritating for some listeners after a while.
You’re enticed by the smart charging case. If you’re intrigued by the Flex 4’s interactive, touchscreen-fitted charging case, it works exceptionally well as a convenient option when your source device is stored away.
Don’t buy them if…
Premium sound is a must for you. While the Flex 4 sound good for open-fit earbuds, their design architecture is inherently limiting for audio fidelity compared to sealed counterparts.
You want amazing noise cancelling. While the Live Flex 4 perform well for open-style earbuds, they cannot match the total isolation provided by dedicated in-ear models.
