By Taylor Bennett 
JBL Tune 510BT Review: Wireless Freedom and Long-Lasting Battery
In a world saturated with wireless headphones, finding the perfect balance of performance, comfort, and affordability can be a challenge. Today, we’re reviewing the JBL Tune 510BT, a popular choice for those seeking a reliable and budget-friendly on-ear headphone experience. Let’s dive in and see if these headphones live up to the hype.
Detailed Review
The JBL Tune 510BT headphones are designed for everyday use, offering a blend of convenience and sonic performance. Right out of the box, their lightweight design and foldable nature are immediately appealing. This makes them easy to toss into a bag or backpack without taking up too much space.
Sound Quality: JBL is known for its “Pure Bass” sound signature, and the Tune 510BT delivers on that promise. The bass is definitely emphasized, providing a punchy and energetic listening experience, especially well-suited for genres like pop, electronic, and hip-hop. While the bass is prominent, it doesn’t completely overshadow the mids and highs, although audiophiles seeking a perfectly balanced sound profile might find it a bit bass-heavy. The overall sound is clear and enjoyable for casual listening.
Comfort and Design: The on-ear design might not be for everyone, but JBL has made an effort to ensure these headphones are comfortable for extended wear. The adjustable headband allows for a customized fit, and the earcups are reasonably padded. However, as the provided note suggests, those with larger heads might find them a bit tight initially. Following the suggestion of stretching the headband over a ball for 24 hours can help alleviate this issue. The rose color is a nice touch, offering a stylish alternative to the standard black or white options.
Battery Life and Connectivity: The standout feature of the Tune 510BT is undoubtedly its impressive battery life. With up to 40 hours of playtime on a single charge, you can easily get through several days of listening without needing to reach for the charger. The speed charge feature is also a welcome addition, providing 2 hours of playback with just a 5-minute charge. Bluetooth 5.0 ensures a stable and reliable connection with your devices, and the ability to seamlessly switch between two devices is a convenient feature for multitasking.
Call Quality and Voice Assistant: The built-in microphone on the earcup allows for hands-free calls. Call quality is decent, although not exceptional, and the other party could hear some background noise in noisy environments. Accessing Siri or Google Assistant is as simple as pressing a button, allowing you to control your device with voice commands.
Usability: The buttons on the earcup are easy to locate and use, allowing you to control volume, skip tracks, answer calls, and activate your voice assistant. The folding design makes these headphones extremely portable, perfect for travel or commuting.
Pros & Cons Table
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Long-lasting battery life (up to 40 hours) | On-ear design might not be comfortable for all |
| JBL Pure Bass sound | Bass-heavy sound signature might not appeal to all listeners |
| Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity | Call quality is decent but not exceptional |
| Speed charge feature | May feel tight on larger heads initially |
| Foldable and lightweight design | |
| Built-in microphone for hands-free calls | |
| Voice assistant integration (Siri/Google Assistant) |
Excellent Alternatives
- Sony WH-CH520: A strong contender in the same price range, offering a balanced sound profile and comfortable fit.
- Anker Soundcore Life Q10: Known for its impressive bass and long battery life, this is another solid budget-friendly option.
- Skullcandy Hesh ANC: If you’re willing to spend a bit more, these offer active noise cancellation for a more immersive listening experience.
Final Verdict
The JBL Tune 510BT headphones are a great value for anyone looking for affordable, wireless headphones with long battery life and a bass-heavy sound signature. While the on-ear design might not be for everyone, and the call quality could be better, the overall performance and feature set make these headphones a solid choice for everyday listening.
Our Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5