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We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-05 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
• JBL Tune 570BT — biggest strength: Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 freedom with up to 40 hours of playback, plus a 5-minute top-up that buys roughly 2 more hours.
• JBL Tune 570BT — biggest trade-off: No headphone jack at all, and there's no true active noise cancellation — just sound isolation from the on-ear fit.
• Audio-Technica ATH-S120C-BK — biggest strength: A featherweight 111 g build with a USB-C connection and in-line controls, so nothing to charge and nothing to pair.
• Audio-Technica ATH-S120C-BK — biggest trade-off: It's wired, so you're tethered to a USB-C device, and it has no noise control whatsoever.
• Pick the JBL if you want cable-free listening, long battery life, and voice-assistant access on the go.
• Pick the Audio-Technica if you want a compact, lightweight wired set for desk, commute, or travel where a USB-C port is always within reach.
The Tune 570BT is built around one idea: keep the music going without plugging anything in. Bluetooth 5.0 gives you a 10-meter working range, and the battery claim is the headline — up to 40 hours per charge, with a 2-hour charge time from empty. That quick-charge trick is the part I find genuinely useful: five minutes on the cable gets you roughly two more hours, which is the difference between a dead commute and a listenable one.
Sound-wise, this is a JBL Pure Bass design with a bass-driver orientation and a 20 Hz–20,000 Hz frequency range. Translation: it leans warm and thumpy rather than flat and analytical. If you like low-end weight in your music, that's a feature. If you want neutral, it isn't the tool. Controls are on-ear buttons, and there's voice activation for "Hey Siri" or "Hey Google," so you can trigger an assistant without pulling out your phone. Voice prompts and touch/voice control round out the control scheme. The set folds for portability and comes with a cleaning cloth in the box.
Audio-Technica ATH-S120C-BK: Who It's For
The ATH-S120C-BK goes the other direction. It's a wired on-ear headphone that connects over USB-C, which means it works with anything that has a USB-C port — phones, tablets, laptops — and it's listed as compatible with both iOS and Android devices. No pairing, no charging, no battery anxiety. You plug in and you're listening.
The spec that jumps out is the weight: 111 grams. That's light for an on-ear headphone, and it's paired with a compact design that Audio-Technica explicitly frames around comfort during extended use. The housings fold flat, which makes it easy to toss in a bag. Audio specs are 35 ohm impedance, 103 dB sensitivity, dynamic drivers, and a 20 Hz–20,000 Hz range — a sensible, easy-to-drive set of numbers for everyday listening.
Controls live on the in-line remote: play/pause, track skip, volume, and answer/end calls, all without looking at your device. There's an in-line mic for calls. What there isn't: any noise control. The sheet says "None," so plan on hearing your surroundings. There's also no headphone jack — it's USB-C or nothing. The 2-year warranty is worth noting as a durability signal. Who should buy it: someone who wants a light, no-fuss wired headphone for desk work, calls, and travel, and who always has a USB-C device handy. Who should skip it: anyone who wants wireless freedom or has devices without USB-C audio support.
Side-by-Side: Which Should You Choose?
• Best for battery life → JBL Tune 570BT. Up to 40 hours, plus 2 hours from a 5-minute charge. The Audio-Technica has no battery to speak of because it's wired.
• Best for lightweight comfort on long sessions → Audio-Technica ATH-S120C-BK. At 111 g it's the lighter, more compact option by design intent.
• Best for zero-hassle plug-and-play → Audio-Technica ATH-S120C-BK. USB-C in, sound out. Nothing to pair or charge.
• Best for bass-forward listening → JBL Tune 570BT. JBL Pure Bass with a bass-driver design is tuned for low-end impact.
• Best for travel storage → Audio-Technica ATH-S120C-BK. The housings fold flat; the JBL folds too, but the Audio-Technica's compactness is its stated priority.
• Best for hands-free calling on the move → JBL Tune 570BT. On-ear buttons plus voice-assistant activation keep your phone in your pocket.
• Best for calls at a desk or laptop → Audio-Technica ATH-S120C-BK. The in-line mic and remote put full call control on the cable.
• Best for fishing and outdoor sessions → JBL Tune 570BT. Wireless means no cable snagging on gear; just mind that there's no active noise cancellation.
In my opinion, the JBL Tune 570BT is the pick for most people — and it's the one I'd buy. Wireless freedom plus up to 40 hours of battery is a combination that's hard to argue with, and the quick-charge feature is a real safety net. For fishing trips and long days away from an outlet, not having to think about a cable is exactly what I'd want. That said, if you'd rather never charge anything and you always have a USB-C port nearby, the Audio-Technica ATH-S120C-BK is the lighter, simpler, more reliable-by-design alternative — and it's a genuinely good choice for desk work and travel.
how to clean on ear headphones
Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the earpads and headband — the JBL Tune 570BT even ships with a cleaning cloth for this. Avoid soaking the pads or letting liquid near the drivers or ports. For the Audio-Technica, keep moisture away from the USB-C connector and the in-line remote.
how to fit on ear headphones
On-ear models rest against your ears rather than around them, so adjust the headband until the pads sit flat and snug without pressing hard. The Audio-Technica's low 111 g weight helps here for long sessions. A proper seal improves passive isolation on the JBL, since it relies on sound isolation rather than active noise control.
how to ear headphones
If you mean how to wear them correctly: the L and R markings tell you which cup goes on which ear, and the headband should sit centered on top of your head. On-ear cups angle slightly inward to sit on the ear. Getting the sides right is what makes the stereo image and the mic placement work as intended.
how to open ear headphones
On-ear headphones don't "open" like a case — you unfold them. The JBL Tune 570BT folds for portability, and the Audio-Technica ATH-S120C-BK has housings that fold flat for storage. Gently rotate the cups back into position before wearing, and don't force the hinges past their natural range.
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