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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If budget is a major concern, JBL 510BT is less expensive and offers good wireless on-ear convenience and solid built-in controls. However, for those seeking better sound, noise isolation, and mic quality for calls, the Sony WF1000XM3 presents a major step up, along with active noise cancelling and a companion app with equalizer for a customized listening experience. These earbuds are better for air travel, optimized for both Android and Apple devices, and feature 360 Reality Audio for immersive music, though they lack suitability for exercise and gaming due to no sweatproof certification and low latency. 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 Sony WF1000XM3.
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM3
- Good for music
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
6.2
7.5
The Sony WF1000XM3 is good for music, while the JBL 510BT is only fair.
Phone Calls
5.1
8.2
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for phone calls, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.6
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
8.3
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for noise reduction, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Battery
38.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The JBL 510BT has 38 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM3 has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$50
$180
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The JBL 510BT has a price of $50 and the Sony WF1000XM3 costs $180.
Build Quality
6.5
9.0
The Sony WF1000XM3 has excellent build quality, while the JBL 510BT has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.4
5.6
The Sony WF1000XM3 and JBL 510BT are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.5
5.7
The Sony WF1000XM3 and JBL 510BT are both poor for TV and video.
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How the JBL 510BT and the Sony WF1000XM3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL 510BT | Sony WF1000XM3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$50 | $180 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | February 1, 2021 | August 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.2/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.2/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 38 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.5/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.5/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 158.7 Grams | 9 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."
Sony WF1000XM3
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Sound Guys
Lily Katz | November 2022
"Wireless earbuds are a dime a dozen, and the Sony WF-1000XM3 makes it easy to justify the cost. The design and comfort are good, and the connection strength is consistent. While the lack of aptX or LDAC support is a big drawback, DSEE HX processing improves low-quality audio files. If you want stylish active noise canceling (ANC) earbuds, the WF-1000XM3 needs to be at the top of your list."
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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.
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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
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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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