JBL LiveFree NC + TWS
JBL currently offers the Live Free NC + True Wireless headphones for EUR 151 (regular EUR 159). The TWS earphones are available in white, rose, blue, or black. We received the black version as a test sample. As the NC + in the product name already reveals, the JBL headphones have active noise canceling. So that the in-ears are not immediately damaged by a light rain or snow shower, they have an IPX7 certification. This even allows the TWS listeners to immerse themselves briefly without saying goodbye to the eternal hunting grounds.
With around 7 hours of playback time, the listeners are in the upper segment regarding battery life. If the charging case is fully charged, the in-ears can be charged almost twice as it promises up to 14 hours of playback time.
Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+
Cambridge Audio recently launched the Melomania 1+, an updated version of its Melomania 1presented, which can be had for just under 130 EUR. While the listener has remained largely the same, the M1 + can now also be controlled with the Melomania app. For example, you get access to various EQ curves, and you can upload a firmware update to the TWS earphones.
In addition, the scope of delivery has been supplemented with Comply Foam Tips, and the charging case now uses USB C instead of Micro USB. The headphones are protected against wind and weather using IPX5.
The Melomania 1+ are compatible with aptX and AAC. Above the Melomania 1+ is the Melomania Touch, which has completely different earplugs and a case with a soft lacquer coating and is equipped with touch controls, as the name suggests.
Pros and Cons
| JBL LiveFree NC + TWS | Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+ |
| Active noise canceling | Great value for money |
| IPX7 water-resistant | Excellent build quality |
| Wireless charging | IPX5 water-resistant |
| Rather weak ANC mode | No active noise cancellation |
General
| JBL LiveFree NC + TWS | Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+ | |
| $ | CHECK PRICE | CHECK PRICE |
| Brand | JBL | Cambridge |
| Type | In-Ear | In-Ear |
| Colors | Blue, Black, White, Rose | Black, White, Red |
| Battery life | 7 Hours | 20 Hours |
| Weight | 14 g (each) | 231.6 g |
| Connectivity | Wireless, Bluetooth | Wireless, Bluetooth |
Design
| JBL LiveFree NC + TWS | Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+ | |
| Type | In-Ear | In-Ear |
| Wireless | Yes | Yes |
| Noise Cancelling | Yes | No |
| Dimensions | – | 59 x 50 x 22mm |
| Foldable Design | No | Yes |
Features
| JBL LiveFree NC + TWS | Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+ | |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Music Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Quick Charge | Yes | Yes |
| Speakers | Yes | No |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz to 20 kHz | 20 Hz to 20 kHz |
JBL LiveFree NC + TWS
The touch sensors with which can control the TWS earphones are located on the top of the in-ear headphones. We would like to explain in more detail which functions are possible by touching the sensors.
We start with the touch sensor from the left in-ear. At the factory, the left side takes over the ambient noise control. A single tap activates or deactivates noise canceling. If you press the left touch sensor twice, TalkThru is switched on or off, and a long touch activates the voice assistant in the smart device. If there is a call, the incoming call can be accepted and also ended by tapping twice. If you want to reject a call and mute the call in the meeting, a longer touch is sufficient.
The right earbud also has its tasks and is responsible for controlling the music playback. If you tap the right in-ear briefly, playback is started or paused. A double-tap is enough to play the next track, and a triple tap calls up the previous track. A longer press calls up the smartphone’s voice assistant. The call functions are identical to those of the left in-ear.
What is particularly noteworthy about the JBL LiveFree NC + TWS is that the gesture control can be designed according to your own wishes. The user can choose between control for playback control, ambient noise control, volume control, and voice assistant with the left and right in-ear. If you don’t want to use the touch sensors at all, you can deactivate them. Gesture control is carried out in the My JBL Headphones app.
Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+
The quality of the earbuds is good; however, due to the design, inserting and removing them is not as comfortable as with some competitors. The hard plastic case has a metal hinge for opening and closing. The mechanism itself seems a bit unstable, however. There are five LEDs on the front of the pleasantly compact case, which light up in light blue and provide information on the charge status.
Now let’s turn to the app, and that’s where we start with the tutorial. We find it very useful that you can quickly learn to use the Melomania 1+. After all, not every user has had a lot of experience with in-ears that can be controlled via an app.
Battery
| JBL LiveFree NC + TWS | Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+ | |
| Battery Type | Li-Po | Li-Po |
| Battery Life | Up to 7 hours | Up to 9 hours |
| Charging Time | 2 hours | 15 min |
Connectivity
| JBL LiveFree NC + TWS | Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+ | |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Device Connection | No | No |
| Connection | Wireless | Wireless |
| Range | 100 m | 100 m |
Conclusion!
JBL LiveFree NC + TWS
When choosing a color, the colors black, white, rose, and blue are available. Like our previous test candidates, the JBL Live Free NC + TWS headphones have an excellent build quality. Only here, too, the folding mechanism of the charging case is effortless. The playing time of the fully charged in-ear is still absolutely okay at approx. 7 hours, but the fully charged case only delivers juice for up to 14 hours. Here we had significantly better values ​​from other manufacturers. We liked the sound of the JBL Free NC + TWS very much; only the lack of small nuances, especially in the midrange, somewhat disturb the excellent overall impression. The My JBL Headphones App made a perfect impression on us, but the EQ sound curves seemed a bit strange to us, especially with “Bass” or “Vocals.” There is still potential for revision here.
Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+
The Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+ is a successful upgrade at a comparatively low purchase price. The cultivated, lively acoustics set highlights and the lack of distortion, and the level of stability are also to be praised very much. The app control, new to the “+” version, is great; we really like the numerous pre-programmed EQ curves. The earbuds are excellent; the case is rather average. There is no active noise suppression, but thanks to the enormous number of earmolds supplied, the Melomania 1+ can be integrated almost perfectly into the ear canal so that the passive noise suppression works great. The battery life of up to nine hours on one charge is still perfect.
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