A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If you own Apple devices and value seamless integration, the Airpods (3rd generation) are a solid choice with good sound quality, spatial audio, and a strong ecosystem connection. They're great for music, calls, and have features like ear detection and wireless charging. However, they may not be the best for TV and gaming due to lower performance in those areas. In contrast, the JBL 510BT headphones offer good sound quality at a more affordable price with excellent battery life but lack the advanced features like spatial audio and ear detection. They might also be less comfortable and have lower build quality than the Airpods. If you're on a budget or if comfort and battery life are your main concerns, go with the JBL 510BT; if you prioritize advanced features and have an Apple-centric setup, the Airpods would serve you well. 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 (3rd generation)
- Good for music
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL 510BT
- The JBL 510BT has no clear advantages over the Apple Airpods (3rd generation).
Key differences
Music
7.1
6.2
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for music, while the JBL 510BT is only fair.
Phone Calls
7.6
5.1
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
5.6
The Apple Airpods (3rd 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 (3rd generation) are both poor for noise reduction, though the JBL 510BT is somewhat better.
Battery
6.0 Hours
38.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The JBL 510BT has 38 hours of battery life.
Cost
$179
$30
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the JBL 510BT costs $30.
Build Quality
9.0
6.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has excellent build quality, while the JBL 510BT has only fair build quality.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Headphones
Find your new headphones
Key similarities
Gaming
5.4
5.4
The JBL 510BT and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.5
5.5
The JBL 510BT and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for TV and video.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the JBL 510BT compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | JBL 510BT |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $30 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | February 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 5.8/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 38 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 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 | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 158.7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
JBL 510BT
See more
Dig into reviews and images
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 (3rd 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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Apple Airpods (3rd generation) vs. Beats Fit Pro
VS
Compare Apple Airpods (3rd generation) vs. Sennheiser 560S
VS
Compare Apple Airpods (3rd generation) vs. Sony WF1000XM3
VS
Compare JBL 510BT vs. Creative Labs Outlier Air V3
VS
Compare JBL 510BT vs. Soundcore P20i
VS
Compare JBL 510BT vs. Skullcandy Dime 2
VS
FAQs
FAQs about earbuds and headphones
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
123,500
Recommendations made
18,525
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.
Featured in
