JBL Soundgear Sense vs Soundcore C40i by Anker
Quick take: The Soundcore C40i by Anker costs $15 less; the Soundcore C40i by Anker lasts longer per charge (7 hrs).
| Spec | JBL Soundgear Sense | Soundcore C40i by Anker |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$115 | ~$100 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Open-Ear & Bone Conduction | Open-Ear & Bone Conduction |
| Noise Cancelling | None | None |
| Battery (single charge) | 6 hrs | 7 hrs |
| Battery (with case) | 24 hrs | 21 hrs |
| Quick Charge | 15 min = 4 hr | 10 min = 2 hr |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | — |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Multipoint | Yes | Yes |
| Driver Size | 16.2 mm | 12 mm |
| Weight | 26 g | 6 g |
| Water Resistance | IP54 | IPX4 |
| Wireless Charging | No | No |
| Transparency Mode | No | No |
| Spatial Audio | No | No |
| App EQ | Yes | Yes |
Pros & cons
JBL Soundgear Sense
- ✓Among the best bass and fullest sound in the open-ear category
- ✓Detachable neckband makes them effectively lose-proof for intense workouts
- ✓Flexible earhooks adjust to a wide range of ears
- ✓15-minute speed charge adds 4 hours
- ✓Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint
- ✓JBL Headphones app with full EQ and control remapping
- ✓IP54 dust and sweat resistance
- ✗12.9g per bud — roughly double the weight of clip-on rivals
- ✗Sound leakage at volume is a recurring complaint in quiet spaces
- ✗6-hour per-charge battery is mid-pack
- ✗Earhooks can conflict with glasses arms
- ✗SBC/AAC only, no hi-res codec
Soundcore C40i by Anker
- ✓Cheapest credible entry into the clip-on open-ear category
- ✓5.8g per bud — most wearers forget they're on
- ✓Physical button controls beat the flaky touch controls on pricier rivals
- ✓Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint
- ✓10-minute quick charge adds 2 hours
- ✓soundcore app EQ meaningfully improves the sound
- ✓Works fine with glasses
- ✗Out-of-box tuning is mediocre — plan on EQ tweaking
- ✗Buds run large; some smaller-eared owners report soreness after an hour
- ✗21-hour total battery trails the OpenDots One's 40
- ✗Codec support unpublished; no hi-res options
- ✗IPX4 only — sweat-safe, nothing more