If you want long listening sessions for study, choose JBL Tune 510BT; if you need compact, water-resistant earbuds for study, choose Skullcandy Dime 3. The JBL is the stronger fit for extended battery life and an adjustable on-ear design, while the Skullcandy is easier to carry and offers an in-ear fit with sound isolation. For most desk-based studying, I would choose the JBL; for a commute, a shared bag, or a more portable setup, I would choose the Dime 3.
• JBL Tune 510BT strength: Up to 40 hours of battery life, plus a five-minute charge for up to two more hours of listening. Trade-off: Its on-ear design is larger to carry than true wireless earbuds.
• Skullcandy Dime 3 strength: Compact in-ear earbuds with a charging case, an integrated lanyard, and an IPX4 sweat- and water-resistance rating. Trade-off: Listening time is up to 20 hours with the case, and up to eight hours in the earbuds before they need charging.
• JBL Tune 510BT is for: Students who want headphones for long study blocks, device switching, and hands-free calls.
• Skullcandy Dime 3 is for: Students who want a small, easy-to-carry option with sound-isolating earbuds and useful travel features.
The JBL Tune 510BT is an on-ear wireless headphone built around long listening sessions. Its stated battery life is up to 40 hours, a substantial advantage if you often study through the day without wanting to recharge. If the battery runs low, a five-minute charge is listed to provide up to two hours of listening; a full recharge takes about two hours using the Type-C cable. That combination suits a student moving between a morning class, library work, and an evening review session.
The adjustable headband lets you change the fit, and the padded headband and soft ear cushions are intended to make extended wear more comfortable. The design folds for carrying, though it is still a pair of on-ear headphones rather than a small earbud case. JBL also lists Pure Bass sound, Bluetooth streaming, and multipoint switching between two devices. That could be handy if you listen to a lesson on a tablet but want to keep your phone connected for calls. Controls on the ear cup handle audio and calls, and a multifunction button can activate Siri or Google Assistant.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-18 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
I would consider the JBL for someone who expects to wear headphones for long periods at a desk and values the longer battery life. Its microphone supports hands-free calls, too. I would skip it if your main priority is a pocket-sized set of earbuds, or if you need a stated noise-control feature: the listed noise control is none. The on-ear format and an adjustable fit may work well for some people, but the product information does not establish that it will suit every head or ear. If you are comparing open ear earbuds for study, note that neither of these is described as an open-ear design.
The Skullcandy Dime 3 takes the more portable approach. These are in-ear true wireless earbuds, supplied with a charging case and an integrated lanyard. Their compact form makes them a natural choice for someone carrying a small bag, switching between study spots, or commuting with minimal gear. An IPX4 rating indicates sweat and water resistance, a practical point if your day includes walking between classes or a workout before studying.
Battery life is up to 20 hours in total: up to eight hours in the earbuds, with up to 12 additional hours from the charging case. A 10-minute charge is listed to provide up to two hours of listening. This is less total listening time than the JBL offers, but the short-charge feature helps when you have a brief break before heading out. The earbuds also have sound isolation, three preset EQ modes for music, bass boost, and podcasts, and multipoint pairing for two devices. Tile finding technology is included when the product is registered in the Tile app.
For study, the Dime 3 may appeal if you prefer an in-ear fit and want a compact case rather than a headband. Sound isolation may help reduce some surrounding noise, though it is not the same claim as active noise cancellation, which is not listed. The product description also mentions a Stay-Aware mode, but the key feature list does not give details about how it works, so I would not make that the deciding point. Skip the Dime 3 if your main goal is the longest possible battery life between charges or if you would rather avoid putting earbuds in your ears. It is also worth remembering that its eight-hour figure is for the earbuds themselves; the additional listening time comes from the case.
Side-by-Side: Which Should You Choose?
• Best for longer study sessions between charges → JBL Tune 510BT. Its stated battery life is up to 40 hours, compared with up to 20 hours when the Dime 3’s earbuds and case are combined.
• Best for an on-ear fit → JBL Tune 510BT. Choose its adjustable headband and ear cushions if you prefer headphones over earbuds.
• Best for an in-ear fit with sound isolation → Skullcandy Dime 3. Its design is in-ear, and sound isolation is listed as a feature.
• Best for a quick top-up before class → Either, for different reasons. JBL lists five minutes for up to two additional hours; Skullcandy lists 10 minutes for up to two hours.
• Best for sweat and water resistance → Skullcandy Dime 3. It has an IPX4 rating; no comparable rating is listed for the JBL.
• Best for switching between two connected devices → Either. Both products list the ability to connect with or switch between two devices.
• Best for finding misplaced earbuds → Skullcandy Dime 3. Tile finding technology is listed, provided you register the product in the Tile app.
For students who want the best kids headphones for study, fit and supervision matter more than a broad label. The JBL has an adjustable headband, while the Dime 3 uses in-ear earbuds. Neither product sheet gives a child-specific fit recommendation, volume-limiting feature, or age guidance beyond an adult age-range description. I would not assume either is specifically designed for children; a parent should consider the fit and the child’s listening habits before choosing.
There is also a useful distinction between “blocking noise” and keeping a student aware of a room. The Dime 3’s sound-isolating fit is the more clearly described option for reducing some ambient sound, while the JBL lists no noise control. But neither set is presented as a dedicated study or hearing-protection device. If your study space is noisy, think about whether an in-ear seal or an on-ear headphone is more comfortable for you, and consider the room itself as part of the decision.
The search for the best bone conduction headphones for study points to a different type of product altogether. Neither the JBL Tune 510BT nor the Skullcandy Dime 3 is described as bone-conduction or open-ear audio. The JBL sits on the ears, and the Dime 3 sits in them. If you specifically need to hear more of your surroundings while listening, neither should be treated as a substitute for an open-ear or bone-conduction model.
I would buy the JBL Tune 510BT for a study-first routine because its up-to-40-hour battery life better suits long stretches at a desk, and its on-ear controls and two-device switching are practical for schoolwork and calls. For study, that extra listening time is the deciding point for me. I would choose the Skullcandy Dime 3 instead if portability, an in-ear fit, or IPX4 resistance matters more than maximum battery life.
For long study sessions without frequent recharging, the JBL is the stronger fit on its stated battery life of up to 40 hours. The Dime 3 may suit you better if you prefer in-ear earbuds and a compact case.
Neither product is listed with active noise cancellation. The Dime 3 has a sound-isolating fit, while the JBL’s listed noise-control setting is none.
The JBL Tune 510BT lists up to 40 hours. The Dime 3 lists up to 20 hours in total, made up of up to eight hours in the earbuds and up to 12 more from the case.
The Dime 3 is the more clearly suited option for sweat or light water exposure because it has an IPX4 rating. The JBL offers longer stated battery life, but no water-resistance rating is provided for it.
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