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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you're on a budget and primarily need headphones for music and casual use, the JBL 510BT provides decent sound quality and built-in controls at a lower price, but lacks in comfort and sound isolation. For those who prioritize top-notch noise canceling, long battery life, and features such as an app equalizer, 360 Reality Audio support, and multipoint connection, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is worth the investment despite being more expensive. The Sony model is also better for air travel due to its excellent noise isolation and comfort, but both are less suitable for high-latency activities like gaming and watching TV. 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 WH-1000XM5.
Advantages of the Sony WH-1000XM5
- Very good for music
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
6.2
8.2
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is very good for music, while the JBL 510BT is only fair.
Noise Reduction
5.3
9.1
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is excellent for noise reduction, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
Cost
$30
$398
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The JBL 510BT has a price of $30 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 costs $398.
Build Quality
6.5
8.8
The Sony WH-1000XM5 has very good build quality, while the JBL 510BT has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.4
5.6
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and JBL 510BT are both poor for gaming.
Phone Calls
5.1
5.5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and JBL 510BT are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.6
6.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony WH-1000XM5 to be only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL 510BT is poor.
TV and Video
5.5
5.8
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and JBL 510BT are both poor for TV and video.
Battery
38.0 Hours
40.3 Hours
The JBL 510BT has 38 hours of battery life. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has 40.3 hours of battery life.
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How the JBL 510BT and the Sony WH-1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL 510BT | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$30 | $398 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | February 1, 2021 | May 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.2/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.2/10 | 5.6/10 | |
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 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 38 Hours | 40.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 9.1/10 | |
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 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.5/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.5/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 158.7 Grams | 249.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
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 WH-1000XM5
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir | February 2023
"The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best Sony Bluetooth headphones so far and one of the most well-rounded Bluetooth headphones around. Look no further if you need class-leading ANC with a mostly inoffensive sound signature. Just be ready to pony up the price premium."
Get a great deal on the JBL 510BT or the Sony WH-1000XM5
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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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
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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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