The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If portability and noise isolation are top priorities for you, the Apple AirPods Pro would be a better fit, as they offer best-in-class portability and excellent noise isolation, along with a compact earbud design that is sweatproof and comes with a wireless charging case. They also provide better call quality and are optimized for use with Apple devices. On the other hand, if you are seeking a more budget-friendly option and prefer headphones with a longer battery life for extended listening sessions, the JBL 510BT could be more suitable. However, you'd compromise on comfort, noise isolation, and the overall experience for calls and meetings. Neither are particularly well-suited for gaming or TV, but for music and exercise, the AirPods Pro offer adaptive sound and features like ear detection that might enhance your experience. Keep in mind that the AirPods Pro's integrated H1 chip offers additional features like improved spatial audio and lower latency, but only when paired with Apple devices. 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 Pro
Good for phone calls
Excellent 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 Pro.
Key differences
Music
6.8/10
6.2/10
The Apple Airpods Pro and JBL 510BT are both only fair for music, though the Apple Airpods Pro is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
7.4/10
5.1/10
The Apple Airpods Pro is good for phone calls, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.3/10
5.6/10
The Apple Airpods Pro is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1/10
5.3/10
The Apple Airpods Pro is excellent for noise reduction, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Battery
5.0 Hours
38.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life. The JBL 510BT has 38 hours of battery life.
Cost
$260
$30
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $260 and the JBL 510BT costs $30.
Build Quality
9.0/10
6.5/10
The Apple Airpods Pro has excellent build quality, while the JBL 510BT has only fair build quality.
"For just $50 USD more than the original model with the wireless charging case, this is definitely the pair of buds to get. The AirPods Pro (1st generation) sounds better than the originals and has a way better fit and active noise canceling to boot. If you have an iOS device, just get this."
"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 Pro 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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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.