This application discloses a communication method. The method includes: comparing, by a second transmit end device, a second bandwidth carrying at least one second service transmission and a first bandwidth, wherein the first bandwidth is used by a first transmit end device within a first specified time period on an unlicensed frequency band to complete first service transmission, the at least one second service transmission started in a remaining time period of the first specified time period after the first service transmission is completed; performing channel listening on the second bandwidth based on a result of the comparison; and performing, by the second transmit end device, the second service transmission on the second bandwidth if the second bandwidth is found to be in an idle state. In addition, a corresponding transmit end device is disclosed. This application discloses a channel listening mechanism applicable to a flexible-bandwidth scenario.