If you want longer battery life and more ways to tailor your sound, choose Sony WH-CH520; if you need a straightforward, foldable pair for kids wireless, choose JBL Tune 510BT. For the core Sony vs JBL headphones decision, I’d lean Sony for flexibility and endurance, while JBL makes a clear case when portability and punchy bass matter most.
JBL Tune 510BT vs Sony WH-CH520 at a Glance
• JBL Tune 510BT: Its standout strengths are foldability, JBL Pure Bass sound, and up to 40 hours of battery life. The trade-off is that it offers no listed sound customization.
• Sony WH-CH520: Its strengths are up to 50 hours of battery life, app-based EQ customization, and multipoint connection. It does not fold, though the earcups swivel.
• Choose JBL if a foldable pair and a bass-oriented presentation suit your daily routine.
• Choose Sony if you want longer stated battery life and the option to adjust the sound.
• Both have a built-in microphone, no headphone jack, and a listed Bluetooth range of 10 meters.
• For kids wireless, JBL’s foldable build is appealing for packing; Sony is a sensible alternative for a child or teen who would use sound customization and longer battery life.
The JBL Tune 510BT is a practical pick for someone who wants simple wireless on-ear headphones with a sound profile centered on bass. JBL describes its sound as Pure Bass, and the listed frequency range is 20 Hz to 20 kHz. There is no listed noise control or app-based EQ, so this is less about fine-tuning and more about putting on a pair and listening.
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
Its foldable design is useful when the headphones need to go into a backpack between classes, on a commute, or during travel. The adjustable headband and soft ear cushions add fit flexibility, while buttons on the earcup handle playback and calls. JBL lists up to 40 hours of battery life, with USB-C charging taking as little as two hours and a five-minute charge providing two additional hours of music.
I’d consider JBL for a child or teen who wants a foldable pair for everyday listening, especially if bass-forward sound is a plus. Skip it if you want to personalize the sound through an app or prioritize the longer battery figure in this comparison. The listed fit advice also matters: headband adjustment may help if the headphones feel tight.
The Sony WH-CH520 makes more sense for someone who wants a little more control over their listening. Its EQ Custom feature in the Sony Headphones Connect app lets you choose presets or create and save your own. Sony also lists DSEE, a feature intended to improve the quality of compressed music files. Those features offer more options than the JBL provides on the information available here.
Battery life is a major part of the Sony case: it is listed for up to 50 hours, and a three-minute USB-C charge can provide up to 90 minutes of playback. The swivel earcups make the headphones easier to handle and carry, though they are not described as foldable. Multipoint lets them stay connected to two Bluetooth devices, which is handy when moving between a laptop and phone.
I’d choose Sony for a listener who wants to adjust the sound, switch between devices, or stretch time between charges. The built-in microphone supports hands-free calls, making it a reasonable option for calls or webinars. If folding the headphones is important, or you prefer JBL’s explicitly bass-focused description, the Tune 510BT may fit better.
Side-by-Side: Which Should You Choose?
• Best for longer stated battery life → Sony WH-CH520. Sony lists up to 50 hours, compared with up to 40 hours for JBL.
• Best for a quick top-up → Sony WH-CH520. Its three-minute charge is listed for up to 90 minutes of playback; JBL’s five-minute charge provides two additional hours of music.
• Best for sound customization → Sony WH-CH520. Its app supports EQ presets and custom saved settings.
• Best for a bass-focused listening preference → JBL Tune 510BT. JBL specifically highlights Pure Bass sound.
• Best for moving between a phone and laptop → Either. Both support connection to two devices, so either can suit a routine that shifts between calls and media.
• Best for calls and webinars → Either, with a practical difference. Both have built-in microphones; Sony’s longer battery life may appeal if long stretches between charges are the priority.
• Best for packing into a bag → JBL Tune 510BT. Its foldable design gives it a clear portability advantage in storage.
For someone searching for the best gaming headphones for flights, neither set of supplied features points to active noise cancellation as a dependable reason to choose one. Both are on-ear Bluetooth headphones, and neither has a headphone jack. For listening on a plane, consider whether wireless use and the lack of a wired connection suit your device and travel setup.
These are headphones, not earbuds, so neither is an answer to the search for the best comfortable bluetooth earbuds. Comfort is also personal: JBL lists soft ear cushions and an adjustable headband, while Sony lists soft earpads, a head cushion, and an adjustable headband. The available details do not establish which one will feel better on a particular person.
My Verdict
In my opinion, I’d buy the Sony WH-CH520 for its longer listed battery life and app-based sound adjustments.
For kids wireless, though, I’d choose the JBL Tune 510BT if a foldable design and bass-forward sound matter more.
The better match comes down to whether you value Sony’s extra listening options or JBL’s easier-to-pack design.
Sony lists up to 50 hours of battery life, while JBL lists up to 40 hours. Actual listening time can vary, so treat those figures as stated maximums rather than a guarantee for every use.
Yes. Both models are described as supporting a connection to two devices, which can help when switching between a computer or tablet and a phone.
The supplied specifications list active noise cancellation for the Sony, but do not provide details about its performance. JBL lists no noise control. Neither model’s provided information supports a direct claim about how much surrounding sound either blocks.
Both include a microphone for hands-free calls. Sony adds app-based sound adjustment and lists longer battery life, while JBL folds for easier packing. For a regular webinar setup, I’d weigh those features against how you plan to store and carry the headphones.
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