JBL
JBL Wave Buds 2
₹2,999
Sony
Sony WF-C500
₹4,030
An in-depth comparison to help you choose the right wireless earbuds for your needs.
Price gap
₹1,031
Score gap
4 pts
Rating gap
0.7
Live Amazon.in prices as of 16/07/2026. Prices and availability may change. Details
Editor's analysis
A hand-written take on how these two compare in the real world.
Two globally respected audio brands compete in India's mid-range. The Sony WF-C500 at Rs 4,030 deliver DSEE upscaling and precision 5.8mm drivers but skip ANC with 20hr battery. The JBL Wave Buds 2 at Rs 2,999 offer 8mm drivers, Active ANC, and 40hr battery at Rs 1,031 less. JBL gives you ANC and double the battery for a lower price. Sony gives you purer audio quality from decades of walkman and headphone heritage. This is features versus audio purity.
Round by round
How each product stacks up across the key dimensions.
Product A
JBL Wave Buds 2
5
wins
Product B
Sony WF-C500
1
wins
₹2,999
₹4,030
3.6 / 5
4.3 / 5
88/100
84/100
Popular
2,876 reviews
8mm Dynamic Drivers
5.8mm Driver Unit
Up to 40 hours (with case)
Up to 20 hours (with case)
Quick summary
Two globally respected audio brands compete in India's mid-range. The Sony WF-C500 at Rs 4,030 deliver DSEE upscaling and precision 5.8mm drivers but skip ANC with 20hr battery.
The JBL Wave Buds 2 are the more practical buy - ANC, longer battery, and lower price. The Sony WF-C500 are for dedicated music enthusiasts who listen in quiet environments and value audio fidelity above convenience features.
Side by side
Each pick at a glance, what they include and what they cost.
JBL
Driver Size
8mm Dynamic Drivers
Battery Life
Up to 40 hours (with case)
Active Noise Cancellation
Active Noise Cancellation
Bluetooth Version
5.3
Sony
Driver Size
5.8mm Driver Unit
Battery Life
Up to 20 hours (with case)
Active Noise Cancellation
No ANC
Bluetooth Version
5.0
Live Amazon.in prices as of 16/07/2026. Prices and availability may change. Details
What sets them apart
The decisions you are actually making when you pick one over the other.
The JBL Wave Buds 2 is 26% more affordable, saving you ₹1,031. Both are within a similar price range.
With 4.3 stars from 2,876 reviews, the Sony WF-C500 has stronger customer satisfaction. The large number of reviews makes this rating highly reliable.
The JBL Wave Buds 2 leads in driver size with 8mm Dynamic Drivers compared to 5.8mm Driver Unit.
The JBL Wave Buds 2 leads in battery life with Up to 40 hours (with case) compared to Up to 20 hours (with case).
The JBL Wave Buds 2 leads in bluetooth version with 5.3 compared to 5.0.
Spec sheet
Side-by-side numbers with subtle highlighting on the stronger value.
| Specification | JBL Wave Buds 2 | Sony WF-C500 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ₹2,999 | ₹4,030 |
| Rating | 3.6 / 5(19,120) | 4.3 / 5(2,876) |
| Driver Size | 8mm Dynamic Drivers | 5.8mm Driver Unit |
| Battery Life | Up to 40 hours (with case) | Up to 20 hours (with case) |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Active Noise Cancellation | No ANC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Water Resistance | IP54 | IPX4 |
| Charging Type | USB Type-C (Speed Charge) | USB Type-C |
| Microphones | 4 Mics with ENC | Built-in Mic |
| Weight | 4.9g per earbud | 5.4g per earbud |
Highlighted cells indicate the stronger value in that row.
Strengths and tradeoffs
Where each pick shines, and where you'll have to compromise.
Decision guide
Pick the one that matches your priorities, not the spec sheet.
Choose
JBL Wave Buds 2
If you want
Choose
Sony WF-C500
If you want
Buying tip
Both Sony and JBL are owned by major audio corporations with professional studio equipment divisions. Sony's consumer tuning leans analytical and balanced. JBL's tuning leans fun and energetic with more bass emphasis. Neither is wrong - they are different listening philosophies that suit different genres and moods.
Ready to decide?
Quick answers
Sony positions the WF-C500 as a pure audio product where the budget goes into sound processing (DSEE) and driver quality rather than ANC hardware. JBL offers ANC as a practical feature at a lower price point. Sony bets you will pay for audio quality. JBL bets you want features.
The JBL Wave Buds 2 with Active ANC are clearly better for Indian commutes. Auto-rickshaws, buses, metro trains, and street traffic generate significant noise that ANC handles. The Sony WF-C500 without ANC struggles in these environments. For commuters, JBL is the practical winner.
Both use Bluetooth 5.0+ and handle calls adequately. The JBL's ANC helps during calls in noisy environments by reducing background noise the mics pick up. The Sony handles calls well in quiet settings. For work calls during outdoor walks or commutes, JBL performs better.