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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you're looking for a pair primarily for music listening at home or in the studio, Audio Technica ATH M20X delivers very good overall sound quality with a good soundstage, but they're not the most comfortable and don't have a microphone. They are wired, which means no worries about battery life, but it limits your mobility. On the other hand, JBL 510BT is wireless with a battery life of 38 hours, includes a built-in mic, and provides controls optimized for convenience. The sound quality is fair, and they're more portable due to their foldability and on-ear form factor. However, if you prioritize better sound isolation and sound quality for critical listening, ATH M20X might be the better choice. If you value wireless convenience, portability, and the ability to take calls, JBL 510BT will serve you better. 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 Audio Technica ATH M20X
- Good for music
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the JBL 510BT
- Good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.6
6.2
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is good for music, while the JBL 510BT is only fair.
Gaming
6.2
5.4
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for gaming, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Phone Calls
4.3
5.1
The JBL 510BT and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both poor for phone calls, though the JBL 510BT is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
5.6
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
TV and Video
7.6
5.5
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is good for TV and video, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
5.3
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for noise reduction, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Battery
N/A
38.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M20X does not have a battery. The JBL 510BT has 38 hours of battery life.
Cost
$49
$30
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the JBL 510BT costs $30.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
6.9
6.5
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and JBL 510BT both have only fair build quality.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the JBL 510BT compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | JBL 510BT |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $30 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | February 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.2/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 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 | 6/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.9/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.8/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 190 Grams | 158.7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M20X
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Soundguys
Jasper Lastoria | September 2023
"Audio-Technica positively defies what you can expect for around $50. Ultimately, Audio-Technica did not design the ATH-M20x to go on the subway with you. It’s for the budget-conscious, do-it-yourself producer, podcaster, or studio that needs to buy tracking cans in bulk. If you don’t need the most deluxe, comfortable headphones, maybe you’ll like the ATH-M20x for its spartan functionality. The headphones are aimed at giving you the minimum requirements without it feeling like a sacrifice."
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 Audio Technica ATH M20X or the JBL 510BT
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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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.
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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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