The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If you value the most immersive music and TV experience with a wide soundstage, the AKG K712 Pro is the better option, although it is much more expensive, requires a dedicated amplifier for best results, cannot be used wirelessly, and has poor noise isolation. Conversely, if you're looking for affordable, portable headphones with built-in controls for outdoor use or travel, and don't mind sacrificing sound quality, the JBL 510BT offers wireless convenience, good microphone quality, and is suited for exercise activities with its foldable design and sweatproof feature, but it isn't ideal for critical listening or gaming due to the lower sound quality and comfort. 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 K712 Pro
Good for music
Good for gaming
Very good for TV and video
Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL 510BT
Good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.7/10
6.2/10
The AKG K712 Pro is good for music, while the JBL 510BT is only fair.
Gaming
7.0/10
5.4/10
The AKG K712 Pro is good for gaming, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.8/10
5.6/10
The AKG K712 Pro is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
TV and Video
8.4/10
5.5/10
The AKG K712 Pro is very good for TV and video, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
5.3/10
The JBL 510BT and AKG K712 Pro are both poor for noise reduction, though the JBL 510BT is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
38.0 Hours
The AKG K712 Pro does not have a battery. The JBL 510BT has 38 hours of battery life.
Cost
$659
$30
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The AKG K712 Pro has a price of $659 and the JBL 510BT costs $30.
Build Quality
8.5/10
6.5/10
The AKG K712 Pro has very good build quality, while the JBL 510BT has only fair build quality.
"AKG has created a mini-masterpiece in my opinion. I enjoy this headphone a great deal and it will become my go-to reference headphone for the time being. She is slick, sexy, well-balanced, and crazy comfortable."
"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 K712 Pro 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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
122,900
Recommendations made
18,435
Consumer hours saved
About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
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.