If you want bass-forward sound and a quick top-up for kids wireless listening, choose JBL Tune 510BT; if you need longer stated battery life and sound you can adjust, choose Sony WH-CH520. For this Sony vs JBL headphones comparison, I’d pick the Sony for most families, while the JBL makes more sense if its bass emphasis and five-minute charging boost fit your routine better.
• JBL Tune 510BT: Its key strengths are JBL Pure Bass sound and up to 40 hours of battery life; the trade-off is that it offers no sound customization through a companion app in the listed features.
• Sony WH-CH520: It offers up to 50 hours of battery life, customizable EQ, and multipoint connection; the trade-off is that its quick-charge claim is 90 minutes of playback from three minutes, rather than the JBL’s two hours from five minutes.
• Both are wireless on-ear headphones with a built-in microphone, Bluetooth multipoint, and no noise control.
• Choose JBL if you want its bass-focused presentation and a useful short-charge boost; choose Sony if battery stretch and adjustable sound matter more.
The Tune 510BT is a straightforward pick for someone who wants wireless on-ear headphones with a bass-oriented sound profile. JBL describes the sound as Pure Bass, so it’s the more natural fit if you like music with a prominent low end and don’t need to adjust the sound through an app. The listed frequency range is 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and the headphones connect over Bluetooth.
Battery life is stated at up to 40 hours. If the headphones are nearly empty, JBL says a five-minute charge can provide two additional hours of music; a full recharge takes about two hours. That short-charge detail is useful for a child who remembers to charge only when it’s nearly time to leave, or for an adult who wants a quick boost before a commute. The headphones can also connect to two devices, making it easier to move between a tablet and a phone.
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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
The WH-CH520 is the more flexible option for listeners who want to personalize their sound. Sony’s Headphones Connect app provides EQ settings, including presets and the option to create and save custom settings. Sony also lists DSEE, which is intended to improve the presentation of compressed music files. Those features give the Sony an advantage for someone who listens to different genres or wants a way to adjust the sound rather than simply accept one fixed tuning.
Sony states up to 50 hours of battery life, ten hours more than JBL’s stated maximum. Its quick-charge information says a three-minute charge can provide up to 90 minutes of playback. Like the JBL, it connects to two Bluetooth devices at once and has a built-in microphone for hands-free calls. The swivel earcups, adjustable headband, cushion, and soft ear pads are design details aimed at comfort and easier handling.
I’d choose the Sony for a household where the headphones may be used for music, podcasts, calls, and video across more than one device. It also includes voice-assistant access and a feature for locating the headphones through Google’s Find My Device app. The trade-off is that someone who mainly wants bass-forward sound and the JBL’s specific five-minute charging advantage may see less reason to use the Sony’s customization. As with the JBL, there is no listed noise control, so these aren’t a solution for someone who needs active noise cancellation or another form of noise reduction.
• Best for the longer stated battery life → Sony WH-CH520. Sony lists up to 50 hours, compared with up to 40 hours for the JBL.
• Best for a short charge before heading out → JBL Tune 510BT. JBL says five minutes of charging can add two hours of music; Sony says three minutes can add up to 90 minutes.
• Best for adjusting the sound → Sony WH-CH520. Its app offers EQ presets and custom settings, while the JBL’s listed features don’t include app-based EQ.
• Best for a bass-oriented starting point → JBL Tune 510BT. JBL specifically identifies its sound as Pure Bass.
• Best for switching between a phone and tablet or laptop → Tie. Both models list multipoint connection for two devices.
• Best for hands-free calls → Tie on listed basics. Both include a microphone and support calls without holding the headphones.
• Best for kids wireless use when battery longevity is the priority → Sony WH-CH520. Its longer stated battery life may mean fewer charging reminders, though fit and comfort still depend on the individual child.
• Best if you need noise control → Neither. Both product sheets specify none, so look elsewhere if reducing surrounding noise is essential.
The fit question deserves a little care. Both are on-ear designs, not over-ear headphones, and neither spec sheet gives a guarantee that they’ll suit every head or ear shape. If you’re searching for the “best earbuds for big ears,” these two aren’t earbuds at all; they’re headphones that rest on the ears. For a child, I’d pay particular attention to whether the on-ear fit feels comfortable during the kind of listening session they’ll actually have.
The same distinction applies to searches such as “best bluetooth headset for podcast.” Both models have Bluetooth and a built-in microphone, but their main listed format is wireless on-ear headphones. The Sony’s EQ settings offer more control over listening preferences, while the JBL’s stated Pure Bass profile may suit someone who prefers stronger bass. Neither product sheet supports a claim that one is universally clearer for spoken audio.
And if the phrase “best voice assistant open ear headphones for focus” brought you here, note that these aren’t open-ear headphones. Both are on-ear models, and each provides a way to activate a voice assistant. Neither lists noise control, so they’re not the choice I’d make for someone who needs a quieter listening environment to focus.
In my opinion, I’d buy the Sony WH-CH520 for most people choosing between these two. Its longer stated battery life and adjustable EQ give it more flexibility for everyday listening, calls, and the kids wireless use case.
I’d choose the JBL Tune 510BT instead if I wanted its bass-forward sound and especially valued getting two hours of playback from a five-minute charge. For my general-purpose pick, though, the Sony’s added listening options tip the comparison.
Sony lists up to 50 hours of battery life, while JBL lists up to 40 hours. These are stated maximums, so actual playback time can vary with use.
Yes. Both models list multipoint connection, allowing them to connect to two devices and switch between them. That can be useful when moving between a computer or tablet and a phone.
Neither lists noise control. I wouldn’t buy either on the assumption that it will actively reduce surrounding noise.
I’d lean toward the Sony if longer stated battery life and adjustable EQ are your priorities. The JBL may suit a child who prefers bass-forward sound or benefits from its five-minute charge boost; the on-ear fit should be considered for either model.
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