If you want wireless freedom and long battery life for kids wireless listening, choose JBL Tune 510BT; if you need a wired connection with an inline microphone and a standard headphone jack, choose Sony ZX Series. For most families choosing between these two, I’d pick the JBL for everyday listening; the Sony makes more sense when avoiding Bluetooth matters more than avoiding a cable.
• JBL Tune 510BT strength: Bluetooth listening, up to 40 hours of battery life, and a foldable on-ear design. Trade-off: it needs charging and has no listed noise control.
• Sony ZX Series strength: a 3.5 mm wired connection, swivel-folding earcups, and a microphone with an inline remote. Trade-off: the 1.2-meter cable stays attached.
• JBL is for: listeners who want wireless movement, device switching, and fewer interruptions to a long listening session.
• Sony is for: listeners who prefer a direct wired connection for a phone or other compatible device and want call controls on the cord.
• Both are on-ear headphones with microphones, but their connection styles make them suited to different routines.
The JBL Tune 510BT is the more convenient pick when a listener moves between a tablet and a phone, or simply does not want a cord running to a device. It connects over Bluetooth, can switch between two devices, and has buttons on the earcup for sound and call controls. That setup could be useful for a child moving between a show on a tablet and a call on a phone, provided the devices are compatible and the headphones are appropriately supervised.
Battery life is the headline practical advantage: JBL lists up to 40 hours of wireless listening, with charging taking as little as two hours. A five-minute charge is listed as enough for two additional hours of music. The foldable design also makes the headphones easier to pack away, while the adjustable headband is designed to fit a range of head sizes. JBL describes the ear cushions as soft and the headband as padded, though comfort is personal and depends on fit.
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Updated: 2026-10-17 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
I’d choose the JBL for someone who wants wireless convenience, longer listening between charges, and the option to change devices without unplugging. I’d skip it if the listener needs a wired 3.5 mm connection, or if they specifically want headphones with noise control: the listed noise-control feature is “None.” Its microphone supports hands-free calls, but this model is not described as having a detachable mic. So if you are searching specifically for on ear headphones detachable mic, neither of these is identified that way.
The Sony ZX Series is the straightforward choice for a listener who would rather plug in than manage Bluetooth and battery charging. It uses a 3.5 mm stereo mini plug and has a 1.2-meter cable with an inline remote and microphone. Sony specifies hands-free calls with selected smartphones, so compatibility with the intended device is worth checking before choosing it.
Its on-ear cushions and closed-back design are meant to help seal in sound, while the swiveling, folding earcups make it easier to store when not in use. Sony lists a 12 Hz to 22 kHz frequency range and 30 mm driver units. Those specifications describe its audio range and driver size; they do not guarantee a particular sound preference or mean it will suit every listener. The cable is a clear trade-off: it can snag or limit movement in situations where wireless headphones would be simpler.
I’d consider the Sony for a child using a compatible device with a headphone jack, or for anyone who wants wired listening and cord-mounted call controls. I’d skip it if freedom from cables is the priority. It also is not a dedicated sleep or ear-clip style: both models here are on-ear headphones. If you are looking for deep bass headphones for side sleepers, neither design is an obvious match based on the listed on-ear construction.
Side-by-Side: Which Should You Choose?
• Best for wireless listening → JBL Tune 510BT. It connects over Bluetooth, while the Sony uses a wired 3.5 mm plug.
• Best for a device with a 3.5 mm headphone jack → Sony ZX Series. Its L-shaped stereo mini plug is designed for that connection.
• Best for switching between a phone and tablet → JBL Tune 510BT. It can switch between two Bluetooth devices.
• Best for a microphone and remote on the cord → Sony ZX Series. Its inline remote and microphone are built into the headphone cable.
• Best for folding storage → Both, with different designs. JBL folds; Sony’s earcups swivel and fold.
• Best when noise control is a priority → Neither is a clear choice from the listed features. JBL specifies no noise control, while Sony describes sound isolation through its closed-back design.
• Best for a kids wireless setup → JBL Tune 510BT. Its Bluetooth connection avoids a cable, though fit and device compatibility still matter.
The search phrase “ear clip headphones under 20” points toward a different form factor from either model here: both are on-ear headphones, not ear-clip headphones. I would not treat either as a substitute if an ear-clip design is the essential requirement. And because the Sony’s microphone is on its cable while the JBL’s microphone is associated with the earcup controls, neither should be mistaken for a model with a detachable microphone.
I’d buy the JBL Tune 510BT for most everyday listening, especially for kids wireless use. Its Bluetooth connection, two-device switching, foldable design, and listed battery life make it the more flexible option for moving between devices. The Sony ZX Series is still a sensible pick when a wired connection and inline microphone matter more than cordless convenience. My choice is JBL, but only if the listener’s devices support Bluetooth and the on-ear fit works for them.
Yes. The JBL Tune 510BT connects to devices over Bluetooth and can switch between two devices. It needs battery charging, with JBL listing up to 40 hours of listening time.
No. The Sony ZX Series is a wired on-ear headphone with a 3.5 mm plug and a 1.2-meter cable. Its microphone and remote are on that cable.
Both include a microphone for calls. The JBL has call controls on the earcup, while the Sony has an inline remote and microphone; Sony specifies hands-free calls with selected smartphones.
For a child who needs wireless listening, I’d lean toward the JBL because it avoids a cable and offers up to 40 hours of battery life. Choose the Sony if the child’s device has a compatible 3.5 mm jack and a wired connection is preferable. Check fit and device compatibility before deciding.
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