The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize over-ear comfort and better sound for music and air travel without a concern for the budget, the JBL 510BT might suit you, despite its poor comfort score. However, if you prefer ultra-portability and a more budget-friendly option suitable for exercise due to its sweatproof certification, and you don't mind a lower overall sound quality, the JLab Go Air Pop earbuds would be a better choice. Neither is ideal for calls, meetings, gaming, or TV watching due to either poor or fair scores in those areas. Both support AAC codec, but only the JBL offers virtual surround, which can enhance certain audio content. Keep in mind, the JBL has a built-in microphone, longer battery life, and the convenience of being foldable, whereas the JLab earbuds are smaller, lighter, and come with a case that provides additional battery life. 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 JLab Go Air Pop.
Advantages of the JLab Go Air Pop
Good for music
Good for exercise
Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
6.2/10
7.1/10
The JLab Go Air Pop is good for music, while the JBL 510BT is only fair.
TV and Video
5.5/10
6.1/10
The JLab Go Air Pop is only fair for TV and video, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3/10
6.5/10
The JLab Go Air Pop is only fair for noise reduction, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Battery
38.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The JBL 510BT has 38 hours of battery life. The JLab Go Air Pop has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$30
$25
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The JBL 510BT has a price of $30 and the JLab Go Air Pop costs $25.
Build Quality
6.5/10
9.0/10
The JLab Go Air Pop has excellent build quality, while the JBL 510BT has only fair build quality.
"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."
"The JLab GO Air POP is a great option for anyone on a tight budget. This pair of true wireless earbuds checks all the boxes for earbud essentials, and performs pretty well in most areas. The microphone isn't great, but that's to be expected for something this inexpensive."
Get a great deal on the JBL 510BT or the JLab Go Air Pop
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
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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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.