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JBL Reflect Flow vs Reflect Mini

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JBL Reflect Flow vs Reflect Mini: Specs

JBL Reflect Flow

Reflect Flow

JBL Reflect Mini

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

JBL Reflect Flow vs Reflect Mini - Noise-Cancelling Mics
Noise-Cancelling Mics

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.

JBL Reflect Mini and JBL Headphones App
JBL Headphones App

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.

JBL Reflect Flow vs Reflect Mini - Powerfin Ear wings
Powerfin Ear Wing Style

Downgrades

     The Reflect Mini have 2 significant downgrades:

  1.      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.

  2.      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.

JBL Reflect Mini and Charging Case - White
JBL Reflect Mini and Charging Case

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.

JBL Reflect Flow vs Reflect Mini Wireless Fitness Earbuds
JBL Reflect Flow vs Reflect Mini

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.