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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If sound quality for music is a high priority and you prefer a robust build with a professional feel, the Audio Technica M50x offers a very good listening experience and is excellent for music with a dynamic driver, although it lacks a microphone and wireless capability, making it less versatile for calls and portability. However, if you're looking for a budget-friendly, portable option with the convenience of wireless listening and a good microphone for calls, the JBL 510BT would be more suitable, though it compromises on sound quality, comfort, and does not support active noise cancellation. Both models are closed-back, providing some passive noise isolation, but neither is particularly well-suited for exercise, as neither is sweatproof. The M50x offers a detachable cable, making it more durable, whereas the JBL has a significant advantage in battery life for longer listening sessions without the need for a cable. 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 M50x
- Very good for music
- Good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL 510BT
- The JBL 510BT has no clear advantages over the Audio Technica M50x.
Key differences
Music
8.5
6.2
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, while the JBL 510BT is only fair.
Gaming
6.3
5.4
The Audio Technica M50x is only fair for gaming, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Phone Calls
4.4
5.1
The JBL 510BT and Audio Technica M50x are both poor for phone calls, though the JBL 510BT is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
5.6
The Audio Technica M50x is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
5.5
The Audio Technica M50x is good for TV and video, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Battery
N/A
38.0 Hours
The Audio Technica M50x does not have a battery. The JBL 510BT has 38 hours of battery life.
Cost
$149
$30
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the JBL 510BT costs $30.
Build Quality
8.5
6.5
The Audio Technica M50x has very good build quality, while the JBL 510BT has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
5.3
5.3
The Audio Technica M50x and JBL 510BT are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the JBL 510BT compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | JBL 510BT |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $30 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | February 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.5/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 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 | 5.3/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.3/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 294.8 Grams | 158.7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica M50x
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | October 2022
"Good sound is timeless. It doesn’t matter that a number of years have passed since the ATH-M50x came out because it still works well. Since this wired headset doesn’t rely on batteries or Bluetooth technology, it’s bound to outlast its wireless counterparts. The no-nonsense performance, fit, and comfort of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x make it worth picking up."
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 M50x 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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