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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If price is a significant concern and you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the JBL 510BT headphones are less expensive and provide a good wireless experience for casual music listening and air travel. However, if you prefer earbuds that are more suited for exercise, have active noise cancelling, and are optimized for both Android and Apple devices, then the JBL Live Free NC+ might be the better investment despite the higher cost. The Live Free NC+ earbuds also offer better call quality, a longer battery life, wireless charging, and an app equalizer for customization, which the 510BT lacks. On the other hand, if you prioritize a more immersive soundstage and comfort for extended use, then you might find the 510BT headphones more fitting despite their poorer performance in calls, meetings, and exercises. 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 JBL 510BT
- The JBL 510BT has no clear advantages over the JBL Live Free NC+.
Advantages of the JBL Live Free NC+
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Phone Calls
5.1
7.6
The JBL Live Free NC+ is good for phone calls, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.6
8.4
The JBL Live Free NC+ is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
7.0
The JBL Live Free NC+ is good for noise reduction, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Battery
38.0 Hours
5.0 Hours
The JBL 510BT has 38 hours of battery life. The JBL Live Free NC+ has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$30
$60
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
The JBL 510BT has a price of $30 and the JBL Live Free NC+ costs $60.
Build Quality
6.5
8.5
The JBL Live Free NC+ has very good build quality, while the JBL 510BT has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
6.2
5.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers JBL 510BT to be only fair for music, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is poor.
Gaming
5.4
5.0
The JBL 510BT and JBL Live Free NC+ are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.5
5.6
The JBL Live Free NC+ and JBL 510BT are both poor for TV and video.
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How the JBL 510BT and the JBL Live Free NC+ compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL 510BT | JBL Live Free NC+ |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$30 | $60 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | February 1, 2021 | March 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.2/10 | 5.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.2/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 7.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 38 Hours | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1.3 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.1 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.5/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 158.7 Grams | 7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
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."
JBL Live Free NC+
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Dig into reviews and images
HeadphoneCheck
Maike Paeßens | 2020
"JBL has added great-sounding, rock-solid all-rounders with a pleasant, warm sound character to their range. They are equipped with a high level of functionality that can be customised via the app. Some compromises have to be made with the active noise cancellation, which has a discreet effect, while the ambient mode and the Talkthru function proved to be powerful despite a perceptible background noise."
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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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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.
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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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