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Updated April 10, 2024·
Considering the Beats Powerbeats Pro and JBL 510BT, if you prioritize sound quality for music and podcasts, secure fit during exercise, and portability with a better overall build, the Beats may justify their higher cost, especially if you use Apple devices. They offer excellent noise handling and adaptive sound with Apple's H1 chip. However, if budget is a concern and you want a simple pair of on-ear headphones with a good battery life for casual use, the JBL 510BT are more affordable and could meet your needs, though they have less impressive sound quality, comfort, and additional features. The Beats are better suited for an active lifestyle and compatibility with Apple's ecosystem, while the JBL suits budget-conscious, casual listeners. 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 Beats Powerbeats Pro
Good for phone calls
Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL 510BT
The JBL 510BT has no clear advantages over the Beats Powerbeats Pro.
Key differences
Phone Calls
7.0/10
5.1/10
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is good for phone calls, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.2/10
5.6/10
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Noise Reduction
4.6/10
5.3/10
The JBL 510BT and Beats Powerbeats Pro are both poor for noise reduction, though the JBL 510BT is somewhat better.
Battery
10.0 Hours
38.0 Hours
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has 10 hours of battery life. The JBL 510BT has 38 hours of battery life.
Cost
$124
$30
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has a price of $124 and the JBL 510BT costs $30.
Build Quality
8.8/10
6.5/10
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has very good build quality, while the JBL 510BT has only fair build quality.
"Sweat resistance, actual noise isolation, and a secure fit in your ears make these the true wireless earphones you want in Apple-land. Android users may find other options they like better, as these only support AAC."
"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 Beats Powerbeats Pro or the JBL 510BT
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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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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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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.