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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize overall sound quality and comfort for extended listening, like for music production or critical listening in quieter environments, you might lean towards the Audio Technica ATH M30X. They have better sound, a closed-back design for passive noise isolation, and are suitable for air travel. However, they lack wireless capabilities, so they might not be as convenient for on-the-go use. On the other hand, if price is a major concern, and you want wireless connectivity for portability, the JBL 510BT could be your pick. These are lighter, foldable, and great for casual listening or calls, with an integrated microphone and decent built-in controls, though they do compromise on sound quality and comfort. Neither of these options are sweatproof or have active noise cancelling, so if you're using them for exercise or in very noisy environments, you may want to consider other models. 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 M30X
- Good for music
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the JBL 510BT
- The JBL 510BT has no clear advantages over the Audio Technica ATH M30X.
Key differences
Music
7.6
6.2
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for music, while the JBL 510BT is only fair.
Gaming
6.6
5.4
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for gaming, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Phone Calls
4.3
5.1
The JBL 510BT and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both poor for phone calls, though the JBL 510BT is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
5.6
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
TV and Video
7.9
5.5
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for TV and video, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
5.3
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for noise reduction, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Battery
N/A
38.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M30X does not have a battery. The JBL 510BT has 38 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$30
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the JBL 510BT costs $30.
Build Quality
7.2
6.5
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has good build quality, while the JBL 510BT has only fair build quality.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M30X and the JBL 510BT compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | JBL 510BT |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $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 | 7.7/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 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 | 7.2/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.4/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 220 Grams | 158.7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M30X
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Soundguys
Jasper Lastoria | August 2023
"The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x is a great choice for anybody that needs a decent set of over-ear studio monitors. While the frequency response is not totally spot on, it works for basically every situation reasonably well. The sound quality and reasonably good comfort promote its candidacy as a great pick for $69 USD."
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 M30X 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
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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 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
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