Table Of Contents
JBL Reflect Flow vs Reflect Mini: Specs
Reflect Flow | Reflect Mini | |
BATTERY LIFE (ANC ON) | N/A | 6 Hours (18 with Charging Case) |
BATTERY LIFE (ANC OFF) | 10 Hours (30 with Charging Case) | 7 Hours (21 with Charging Case) |
FAST CHARGING | 10 Minutes/1 Hour Of Listening | 10 Minutes/1 Hour Of Listening |
CONNECTIONTYPE | MicroUSB | USB-C |
BLUETOOTH VERSION | 5.0 | 5.1 |
WATERPROOF RATING | IPX7 | IPX7 |
DRIVE SIZE | 5.8 mm | 6 mm |
NOISE CANCELLING | No | Yes (ANC) |
APP SUPPORT | No | Yes |
COLOR OPTIONS | Black, Blue, Green, and Teal | Black, Blue, and White |
More Control
While both the JBL Reflect Flow and the Reflect Mini are excellent fitness earbuds, the JBL Headphones app support is one of my personal favorite additions.
Being able to take full control of your listening experience with the multiple custom controls is essential for runners, walkers, hikers, and bikers. No more prying your phone from your armband or yoga pants pocket just to adjust the volume or skip back through your playlist. Just tap and go.
Better Audio Quality
The JBL Reflect Mini actually have slightly larger drivers. Going from 5.8mm in the first Reflect Flows to 6mm in the Reflect Mini isn’t much to write home about.
The more significant improvement is in the Reflect Mini’s JBL Headphone app compatibility. Even though JBL’s premium sound signature sounds great on both, the custom EQ for the Mini allows you to tune your earbuds to match ANY genre. Plus, you can save and name all of your presets for later use.
Downgrades
The Reflect Mini have 2 significant downgrades:
-
The Reflect Mini’s battery capacity went from 110mAh (Reflect Flow) down to 50mAh. Luckily the new Bluetooth version 5.1 is more efficient, so the 55% reduction in physical battery size resulted in only a 30% reduction in battery life.
Plus, the smaller battery reduced the weight of the earbuds by 25%, so that’s almost a net positive.
-
The other notable downgrade is the ear wings. On the first Reflect Flow, the ear wings covered almost the whole interior of the earbuds with a thick layer of soft silicone that made them one of the most comfortable fitness earbuds we’ve tested.
Even though the Reflect Mini don’t have the same coverage, they’re close. Thanks to JBL’s unique Powerfin ear wing style and the nice reduction in weight, they have a nice secure fit, even during intense workouts.
More Of The Same
The active noise cancelling is a nice perk in the Reflect Mini. On the other hand, if you like road workouts, you’ll be fine with the Ambient Aware mode on either set.
They’re also both VERY durable with a waterproof rating of IPX7. Plus, they both give you an hour of listening with a quick 10-minute charge.
Conclusion
If battery life and comfort are a priority, the first Reflect Flow is an easy choice for fitness earbuds. The 10-hour battery life also make them a perfect alternative for traditional earplugs when working. In addition, they’re just as tough as the newer Mini’s, and the sound quality is pretty close.
On the other hand, if you want all the advanced luxury options and you can get by with a 6-7 hour battery life, the Reflect Mini are well worth it. With a regular price that now starts under $100, they’re easily one of the best values for fitness earbuds.