The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you value overall sound quality and build quality, the AKG K361 would be a better choice for music listening and air travel, plus it has a detachable cable which can be replaced if damaged. However, if you're on a budget and prioritize wireless convenience, longer battery life, and built-in controls for calls and general use, the JBL 510BT might suit you better, especially given its lower price. The JBL 510BT also features app controls customization and AAC codec support which is beneficial for Apple device users, but lacks active noise cancelling which the AKG doesn’t have either. The AKG has a more secure fit for over-ear comfort but the JBL is more portable due to its smaller, foldable design. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the AKG K361
Good for music
Good for TV and video
Advantages of the JBL 510BT
The JBL 510BT has no clear advantages over the AKG K361.
Key differences
Music
7.5/10
6.2/10
The AKG K361 is good for music, while the JBL 510BT is only fair.
Gaming
6.3/10
5.4/10
The AKG K361 is only fair for gaming, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Phone Calls
3.2/10
5.1/10
The JBL 510BT and AKG K361 are both poor for phone calls, though the JBL 510BT is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.0/10
5.6/10
The JBL 510BT and AKG K361 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks, though the JBL 510BT is somewhat better.
TV and Video
7.8/10
5.5/10
The AKG K361 is good for TV and video, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0/10
5.3/10
The AKG K361 is only fair for noise reduction, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Battery
N/A
38.0 Hours
The AKG K361 does not have a battery. The JBL 510BT has 38 hours of battery life.
Cost
$99
$30
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The AKG K361 has a price of $99 and the JBL 510BT costs $30.
Build Quality
8.5/10
6.5/10
The AKG K361 has very good build quality, while the JBL 510BT has only fair build quality.
"The K361 retains much of what makes the K371 such a winner, though it has a leaner sound, and the build changes made to trim the price down are immediately apparent. Still, it’s another excellent offering from AKG, and other companies in this fight should either be very worried or quickly designing updates to their old models."
"The JBL Tune 510BT is affordable and compact, making it a great companion for a commute, so long as you don't need active noise canceling. If you wear glasses or have ear piercings, the on-ear design might not be comfortable, since the ear cups will squish your ears."
Get a great deal on the AKG K361 or the JBL 510BT
About JBL
JBL is an American audio equipment manufacturer. Owned by Harman International which is, itself, owned by Samsung Electronics. JBL markets a wide array of monitoring speakers, professional headphones and consumer market headphones and earbuds. It was founded in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing (whose initials give the company its name) and has become one of the most prolific audio companies ever. Their products were responsible for audio during the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.