Short answer

• Sony: balanced, detail-forward sound with strong noise-cancellation and versatile tuning. Good for clarity, imaging, and overall “all-rounder” listening.
• Bose: warm, smooth, and laid-back midrange with very comfortable signature and excellent ANC — music sounds pleasant and fatigue-free, though a bit less detailed.
• JBL: bass-forward, fun, energetic sound designed for impact (especially on portable speakers and some headphones); not as refined in mids/highs but great for casual, party, and portable use.

Longer breakdown (by category)

1. Headphones / true wireless earbuds

• Sony
  • Signature: neutral-to-warm but detail-oriented; emphasis on clarity and wide soundstage on many models.
  • Strengths: very good ANC, detailed highs, strong codec support on some models, versatile for genres from classical to electronic.
  • Tradeoffs: can be slightly clinical for listeners who want big, warm bass.
• Bose
  • Signature: smooth, warm, mid-centric. Vocals and acoustic instruments sound natural and pleasant.
  • Strengths: industry-leading ANC, comfortable tuning for long listening sessions.
  • Tradeoffs: slightly rolled-off treble/detail compared with Sony; less punchy bass than JBL.
• JBL
  • Signature: bass-heavy, lively. Emphasizes low end for immediate impact.
  • Strengths: fun for pop/hip‑hop/EDM, often lower price, durable/portable designs.
  • Tradeoffs: mids can be recessed, highs less detailed — not the best for critical listening.

2. Portable Bluetooth speakers

• Sony
  • Tends toward balanced sound with solid midrange and clear highs; some models include extra bass modes.
  • Good for mixed-use and outdoor listening with fidelity.
• Bose
  • Smooth, room-filling sound; Bose speakers often make music sound pleasant at conversational levels and in small rooms.
  • Not typically as bass-heavy as JBL, but well-balanced and natural.
• JBL
  • Designed to impress: strong, deep bass and high maximum SPL; many models are rugged and party-oriented.
  • Best when you want impactful low end and volume.

3. Home audio / soundbars

• Sony
  • Emphasizes clarity, imaging, and integration with TV features (Dolby Atmos support on many units).
• Bose
  • Warm, voice-forward sound that’s comfortable for long TV/movie watching.
• JBL
  • Less common in high-end home audio; focused more on punch and affordability.

Which to pick based on your priorities

• Choose Sony if you want detailed, versatile sound and top-tier noise cancellation — good for critical listening and varied genres.
• Choose Bose if you want the most comfortable, easy-to-listen-to sound and the best ANC for long sessions or travel.
• Choose JBL if you want big bass, high volume, durability, and value — ideal for parties, workouts, and bass-heavy music.

Tuning tips

• Use any built-in EQ or app: lower bass a bit if JBL feels boomy; boost highs or presence if Bose feels too smooth; add slight bass or “warmth” to Sony if you want more punch.
• Try different ear tips and proper seal for earbuds — it dramatically affects bass and clarity.
• For speakers, placement matters: move nearer a wall for more bass, or away from corners to reduce boominess.

How to judge for yourself (quick listening test)

• Vocals: listen for naturalness (Bose often wins for warmth).
• Detail/air: listen for cymbals, reverb tails, subtle background instruments (Sony tends to show more).
• Bass punch: listen to bass guitar/kick drum at moderate volume (JBL will usually be most forceful).
• Imaging/soundstage: listen to classical or binaural tracks to judge separation (Sony often performs well).

If you have a specific model (e.g., Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort/700/Ultra or JBL Charge/Flip/Live), I can give a side‑by‑side comparison and EQ suggestions for that exact pair.