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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prefer earbuds that are lightweight, highly portable, and have better support for Apple devices, the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) might be a better fit. They're well-suited for calls, and their open design helps with spatial awareness; however, they lack sound isolation and aren't the best for immersion or noise-heavy environments. On the other hand, the JBL 510BT headphones, being on-ear and more affordable, offer better passive noise isolation and battery life, but they may not be as comfortable for long sessions and can be less convenient for on-the-go users. Neither are ideal for high-fidelity gaming or TV because of latency issues. Choose Airpods for convenience and integration with Apple products or the JBL 510BT for cost savings and noise isolation. 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 Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL 510BT
- The JBL 510BT has no clear advantages over the Apple Airpods (2nd generation).
Key differences
Gaming
4.8
5.4
The JBL 510BT and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming, though the JBL 510BT is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
6.9
5.1
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
5.6
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The JBL 510BT and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for noise reduction, though the JBL 510BT is somewhat better.
Battery
4.0 Hours
38.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The JBL 510BT has 38 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$30
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the JBL 510BT costs $30.
Build Quality
7.6
6.5
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality, while the JBL 510BT has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
5.8
6.2
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers JBL 510BT to be only fair for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
TV and Video
5.4
5.5
The JBL 510BT and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for TV and video.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the JBL 510BT compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | JBL 510BT |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $30 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | February 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 5.8/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 38 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 158.7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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JBL 510BT
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SoundGuys
Sam Smart | September 2023
"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 Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the JBL 510BT
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
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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Why trust us
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
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.
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