If you want wireless listening and long battery life for kids wireless, choose JBL Tune 510BT; if you need a simple wired headset with a corded microphone, choose Sony ZX Series. The JBL is the more flexible everyday pick, while the Sony keeps things straightforward: plug in and listen.
The deciding difference is how each connects. The JBL runs over Bluetooth and can play for up to 40 hours per charge; the Sony uses a 1.2-meter cable and a 3.5 mm plug, so it never needs charging.
• JBL Tune 510BT: Wireless Bluetooth listening, up to 40 hours of battery life, and a foldable on-ear design; the trade-off is that it must be charged and has no headphone jack.
• Sony ZX Series: Wired connection, swiveling folding earcups, and an inline microphone; the trade-off is the attached 1.2-meter cable.
• Choose JBL if freedom from a cord and fewer charging interruptions matter most.
• Choose Sony if you prefer a direct 3.5 mm connection and do not want battery management.
The Tune 510BT is the more convenient choice when a cable would get in the way. Bluetooth lets it pair with a compatible device, and it can switch between two connected devices. That can help when moving between a tablet playing a video and a phone that might receive a call. The on-ear buttons also handle music and calls, while a button can activate the voice assistant on the paired device.
Battery life is its clearest advantage: JBL specifies up to 40 hours of wireless listening, with a full recharge taking about two hours over USB-C. A five-minute charge can provide up to two additional hours of playback. Those figures make it appealing for a child who uses headphones during car rides, homework breaks, or screen time and may not remember to plug them in every night. Its foldable design and adjustable headband also make it easier to pack and fit than a fixed, nonadjustable design would be.
How We Research
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-17 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
The Sony ZX Series suits someone who wants a corded headset without worrying about Bluetooth pairing or battery charge. Its 3.5 mm plug connects to a compatible headphone jack, and its 1.2-meter cable has an inline remote and microphone for hands-free calls with selected smartphones. That’s a simple setup for listening at a desk, on a compatible portable device, or anywhere a cable is practical.
Sony lists a frequency range of 12 Hz to 22 kHz and 30 mm dynamic drivers. The closed-back, cushioned on-ear design is intended to keep sound contained around the ears, while the swiveling earcups fold for storage and travel. At 120 grams according to the product information, it is also the lighter of these two models on the supplied specifications. That combination makes it a reasonable option for a listener who values a direct connection and a compact folding design.
The cord is also the main limitation. It can snag or restrict movement, and the headset cannot switch wirelessly between devices. Check that the intended device has a compatible 3.5 mm jack; the Sony’s microphone is described for selected smartphones, not every device. For a child who tends to move around while listening, or for a family that wants to avoid cables, I’d lean toward the JBL instead.
• Best for long stretches away from a charger → JBL Tune 510BT. JBL specifies up to 40 hours of wireless playback and a quick-charge option.
• Best for listening without charging → Sony ZX Series. Its 3.5 mm wired connection does not rely on a headphone battery.
• Best for switching between a phone and tablet → JBL Tune 510BT. It can connect to two Bluetooth devices and switch between them.
• Best for a corded microphone and remote → Sony ZX Series. Its inline controls and microphone sit on the cable.
• Best for fewer wires during kids’ screen time → JBL Tune 510BT. Bluetooth removes the headphone cord, though it still needs charging.
• Best for a device with a headphone jack → Sony ZX Series. The 3.5 mm plug is a direct match when the device supports it.
• Best for folding into a bag → Both, in different ways. The JBL folds, while the Sony’s earcups swivel and fold.
• Best for shoppers comparing “under 100 wireless earbuds” → Neither is an earbud. Both are on-ear headphones, and only the JBL is wireless.
The two sets also approach sound and isolation differently. JBL describes its sound as Pure Bass and gives a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Sony lists a wider stated range, from 12 Hz to 22 kHz, and describes a closed-back design that seals in sound. Those specifications alone do not establish which will sound better to a particular listener, so I’d choose based on connection style and daily use rather than treating the frequency figures as a guarantee.
If you’re looking for the best open ear earbuds for children, neither of these matches that category: both are on-ear headphones. The JBL is the only wireless option here, while the Sony is the only wired one. That distinction is more useful than comparing them as though they were earbuds.
My Verdict
I’d choose the JBL Tune 510BT for most families, especially for kids wireless use, because Bluetooth, device switching, and up to 40 hours of battery life make it easier to use without managing a cord. I’d buy the Sony instead if a 3.5 mm connection and no charging routine were my priorities. That’s my call based on the listed design and features—not a claim that one will fit every child or every device.
Only the JBL Tune 510BT is wireless; it connects over Bluetooth. The Sony ZX Series is wired, with a 1.2-meter cable and a 3.5 mm plug.
The JBL is the more practical choice if avoiding a headphone cord is the priority. It still needs charging, and the supplied details do not specify a child-focused volume limit or a kid-specific fit.
No battery charging is listed for the Sony. It connects through its 3.5 mm cable, but the listening device needs a compatible headphone jack.
No. Both are on-ear headphones, not open-ear earbuds. If you want that particular style, neither model described here is a match. RECOMMENDED_ASIN: B08WM3LMJF
• anc earbuds active noise cancelling
• Jxrev Earbuds vs dbsono Active Noise Cancelling
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon or its affiliates. This site is an independent third-party review and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Amazon or the product brands mentioned.