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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If you are on a tight budget and primarily need earbuds for calls and meetings with a very good-quality built-in microphone, the Apple EarPods are suitable for you, especially if you prefer a wired connection and a lightweight design. However, the EarPods lack noise isolation and are not recommended for use during exercise or air travel due to their open enclosure. In contrast, if you prefer wireless headphones for casual listening with better noise isolation and don't mind on-ear discomfort over extended periods, the JBL 510BT would be more suitable. The JBL 510BT also has a long battery life, which is ideal for those who don't want to charge frequently. Keep in mind though, that the EarPods offer a good soundstage which can be preferable for an immersive listening experience, even though they are not as suitable for gaming or watching TV due to the open design. Each option has trade-offs depending on whether you value wireless convenience and isolation (JBL 510BT) or budget-friendliness and microphone quality for calls (Apple EarPods). 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 Earpods
- Good for music
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL 510BT
- Good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.8
6.2
The Apple Earpods is good for music, while the JBL 510BT is only fair.
Gaming
8.3
5.4
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Phone Calls
8.0
5.1
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
5.6
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
TV and Video
7.4
5.5
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The JBL 510BT and Apple Earpods are both poor for noise reduction, though the JBL 510BT is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
38.0 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The JBL 510BT has 38 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$30
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the JBL 510BT costs $30.
Build Quality
7.6
6.5
The Apple Earpods has good build quality, while the JBL 510BT has only fair build quality.
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How the Apple Earpods and the JBL 510BT compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | JBL 510BT |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $30 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | February 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 5.8/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 38 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
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 | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 158.7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Earpods
See more
Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
JBL 510BT
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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 Earpods 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.
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