They are both wireless, relying on a Bluetooth connection with my phone, where my 1700-odd mp3 tracks reside. Both connect easily, although the JBL speaker makes a lively noise when doing so, making the process fun. The RHA buds just bleep, which is dull. Both are well-made. Both put out a lot of nicely-balanced sound, and it's hard to say which is the better to listen to. The JBL speaker rests some feet away, and the volume control can be safely turned up a fair bit. The RHA buds are right inside the ears, and can't safely be turned up to sound loud - I'm now acutely aware of how easily intense (and, particularly, nearby) noises can inflict hearing damage.
There are other differences between the two. One is an object with some heft, that you can get a good grip on and won't drop. One is a pair of lightweight fiddly, easily-dropped earpieces. The speaker can easily be carried from room to room in the home, or moved about the caravan, but you wouldn't take it outside. The earbuds are eminently portable in any situation, and let you listen privately and silently in public places, so that you bother nobody. On the other hand, the earbuds insulate you almost completely from external noises, which can be dangerous: the chances of not hearing warning shouts, or being run over by bikes, or not being aware of someone following you with ill-intent, are significant.
The speaker isn't attached to your body in any way. The earbuds are of course touching (and penetrating) your ears, and you are very aware of them. I don't personally find them uncomfortable, although I might not want to wear them on a hot or humid day. (Mind you, I'm not sure I'd want to be listening to music anyway on a sweltering day)
In some situations there is no problem in deciding which of these audio devices to use. Out of doors, or in any public area, it has to be the earbuds, and personal preference is irrelevant.
But in my own home, or in my caravan? Well, what actually happens is that I use the JBL speaker almost exclusively, even for my ironing sessions now. It's just simpler to switch on and get connected with. I just press one button. I don't have to take anything out of a little case, as I must with the buds. I don't have to check that the correct bud is going in each ear. I don't have to remember the right number of button-presses for volume or skipping tracks or whatever. Convenience matters.
And here's a thing that niggles me. The speaker cost me nothing - it was a free gift from BT. The earbuds, bought rather impulsively, cost me £150. I'm using the free gift 95% of the time. I am definitely regretful that I spent that £150 on the earbuds. I have wasted money. Although they are potentially very useful, in practice the earbuds are almost redundant. I should have waited until I really did need them - if I ever do.
Should I have another stab at putting them on eBay? I'll think about it. I'd rather they go to somebody who will use them - a commuter or jogger, say.
