If you want bass-forward sound and quick, straightforward charging, choose JBL Tune 510BT; if you need longer battery life and sound you can tailor in an app, choose Sony WH-CH520. For kids wireless, I’d lean toward the JBL when simple controls and a foldable design matter, while the Sony makes more sense for longer stretches between charges.
If you want bass-forward sound and quick, straightforward charging, choose JBL Tune 510BT; if you need longer battery life and sound you can tailor in an app, choose Sony WH-CH520. For kids wireless, I’d lean toward the JBL when simple controls and a foldable design matter, while the Sony makes more sense for longer stretches between charges.
This Sony vs JBL headphones comparison comes down to two on-ear Bluetooth models with different strengths: JBL emphasizes bass and a compact foldable build, while Sony adds app-based EQ customization and a longer stated battery life. Neither lists active noise cancellation, so consider the listening environment before choosing.
JBL Tune 510BT vs Sony WH-CH520 at a Glance
• JBL Tune 510BT: Its standout strengths are bass-forward sound, folding for easier carrying, and up to 40 hours of battery life. Its trade-off is that it offers no listed app-based EQ customization.
• Sony WH-CH520: Its advantages are up to 50 hours of battery life and customizable EQ through Sony’s app. It does not fold, though its swivel design helps make it compact to carry.
• Both are wireless, on-ear headphones with built-in microphones and Bluetooth multipoint pairing for two devices.
• Choose JBL if you want a foldable, simple-to-use pair with a bass-focused sound profile. Choose Sony if you prioritize longer battery life and the option to adjust the sound.
How We Research
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
The Tune 510BT is the more straightforward pick for someone who wants Bluetooth headphones that fold for carrying and put bass near the center of the listening experience. JBL lists up to 40 hours of battery life, with a full recharge taking as little as two hours over USB-C. A five-minute charge is listed as enough for two additional hours of music, which could be useful when the headphones need a quick top-up before heading out.
An adjustable headband and soft ear cushions are part of the design, and JBL says the lightweight construction is intended for extended listening. There’s a microphone and call control on the ear cup, plus a button for accessing Siri or Google Assistant. The headphones can also switch between two Bluetooth devices, so moving between a tablet and phone is part of their feature set.
I’d consider the JBL for a child who needs a simple wireless option for a tablet, or for an adult who wants foldable headphones for a bag and prefers bass-forward sound. I would look elsewhere if adjusting EQ through a companion app or getting the longest stated battery life is the priority. Its listed battery life is shorter than Sony’s, even though the quick-charge figures make the JBL appealing when there’s little time to recharge.
Sony’s strongest case is a combination of longer stated battery life and sound customization. It offers up to 50 hours of battery life, and Sony lists a three-minute charge as providing up to 90 minutes of playback. In the Headphones Connect app, EQ presets and custom settings let listeners alter the sound to suit different music preferences.
The WH-CH520 also has a built-in microphone for hands-free calls and supports pairing with two Bluetooth devices at once. Its lightweight design includes soft earpads and an additional head cushion; the earcups swivel to make the headphones more compact to carry. Sony also lists support for Google Assistant and Siri, along with a feature to help locate missing headphones through a device-finding app.
I’d choose Sony for someone who wants more control over how music sounds, or who would rather recharge less often according to the listed battery-life figures. It could suit a student moving between a laptop and phone, or a listener who likes to tune audio for different genres. If folding headphones are a must, the JBL’s folding design is the clearer fit; Sony’s swivel design is useful, but it isn’t the same feature.
• Best for 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 quick charge before leaving → JBL Tune 510BT. A five-minute charge is listed for two hours of music; Sony lists up to 90 minutes from a three-minute charge.
• Best for sound customization → Sony WH-CH520. Its companion app offers EQ presets and the ability to save custom settings.
• Best for a foldable design → JBL Tune 510BT. JBL lists folding as a carry-friendly feature; Sony’s earcups swivel for compact carrying.
• Best for bass-forward listening → JBL Tune 510BT. JBL specifically emphasizes its bass-oriented sound.
• Best for switching between a phone and another Bluetooth device → Either. Both models support connections to two devices.
• Best for a child who needs a simple wireless pair → JBL Tune 510BT, in my opinion. Its foldable design and ear-cup buttons make a straightforward case, though fit and comfort are individual.
• Best for customizing music and podcasts → Sony WH-CH520. The app-based EQ offers a way to adjust the sound rather than relying only on a fixed tuning.
Neither model lists active noise cancellation. That makes the choice less about blocking the world out and more about battery, carrying design, controls, and the sound features you value. For noisy flights, don’t assume either pair will actively reduce cabin noise based on these listed features.
My Verdict
FAQ
Sony lists up to 50 hours for the WH-CH520, while JBL lists up to 40 hours for the Tune 510BT. Actual listening time can vary with use.
Neither product’s listed features include active noise cancellation. If reducing background noise is essential, these two models may not match that need.
Both have built-in microphones for hands-free calls, and both can connect to two Bluetooth devices at once. The listed information does not establish that one microphone is better, so either could be considered for calls or webinars.
They are wireless on-ear headphones, but neither lists active noise cancellation or a gaming-specific feature. For flights, consider whether on-ear headphones without listed noise cancellation will suit your environment; for gaming, check that the device you plan to use supports Bluetooth audio.
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