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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality and noise isolation for focused music listening or if you frequently use a wired connection, the Etymotic ER4XR would be the better option, despite the higher price. However, if you're looking for a budget-friendly, wireless option with good battery life and built-in controls, especially for casual use, workouts, or travel, the JBL 510BT would suit those needs better. The JBLs also have an advantage in comfort and a foldable design for easier portability, but remember they might not isolate noise as effectively as the Etymotics. 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 Etymotic ER4XR
- Very good for music
- Good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL 510BT
- Good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.0
6.2
The Etymotic ER4XR is very good for music, while the JBL 510BT is only fair.
Gaming
6.2
5.4
The Etymotic ER4XR is only fair for gaming, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.3
5.6
The Etymotic ER4XR is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
TV and Video
7.4
5.5
The Etymotic ER4XR is good for TV and video, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
5.3
The Etymotic ER4XR is excellent for noise reduction, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Battery
N/A
38.0 Hours
The Etymotic ER4XR does not have a battery. The JBL 510BT has 38 hours of battery life.
Cost
$234
$30
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Etymotic ER4XR has a price of $234 and the JBL 510BT costs $30.
Build Quality
9.0
6.5
The Etymotic ER4XR has excellent build quality, while the JBL 510BT has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
4.7
5.1
The JBL 510BT and Etymotic ER4XR are both poor for phone calls.
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How the Etymotic ER4XR and the JBL 510BT compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER4XR | JBL 510BT |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$234 | $30 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2016 | February 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.8/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 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 | 9.1/10 | 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 | 9/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 158.7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Etymotic ER4XR
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Dig into reviews and images
What HiFi?
What HiFi? | May 2015
"The Etymotic ER4XRs' top qualities are the detail and definition of the midrange, rewarding the closest listening. While the soundstage is large rather than gigantic, the excellent separation and spatial precision mean you can dive deep into music just as much as when wearing a pair of full-size open-backed headphones."
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 Etymotic ER4XR or the JBL 510BT
About Etymotic
Etymotic Research is an American based research, development and manufacturing company founded in 1983. They invented the first insert earphones that were used for the diagnosis and research of hearing loss and other auditory disorders. They went on to pioneer the market of high fidelity, isolating, in-ear earphones.
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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Why trust us
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.
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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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