JBL produces a number of bass-heavy headphones, and the JBL Tune 510BT is one of them. For under $50 USD, you can get JBL’s signature bassy sound, Bluetooth multipoint, a built-in microphone, and voice assistant integration. Even with everything this headset has to offer, it falls short when it comes to comfort.

WATCH FULL REVIEW: JBL by Harman Tune 510BT Headphones Unboxing Review

Key specs

32mm Drivers
Built-In Mic for Hands-Free Calls
Multi-Function Voice Assistant Button
Works with Siri & Goggle Assistant
Up to 40 Hours of Battery Life
5-Minute Charge for 2 Hours of Audio
Multi-Point Connection Support
Padded Headband & Ear Cushions
Foldable Design for Easy Storage
Made from Lightweight Material

Design

The JBL Tune 510BT is a Bluetooth headset that fits over the ear. It’s small and foldable, making it simple to store in a backpack or at your desk when not in use.

The build isn’t particularly sturdy, and the design is unremarkable. You could easily mistake these for any cheap headphones if it weren’t for the large JBL logo on each ear cup.

Instead of wrapping around the ears, the ear pads rest on them. It’s also a pain to wear with glasses because of this. The ear cups are surrounded by a wrinkly fabric that makes noise when I move, which can interfere with the listening experience.

Battery life

JBL claims a 40-hour battery life, which is very accurate. At a constant output of real music peaking at 75dB, the Tune 510BT lasts 40 hours and 43 minutes.j

One of this headset’s most redeeming features is its battery life. Quick charging is also supported, with five minutes of charging giving you an extra two hours of battery life. The JBL Tune 510BT is charged with a USB-C cable that comes with the headphones.

Audio quality

The sound profile of the JBL Tune 510BT is V-shaped. This should give your favorite EDM and hip-hop tracks a little more kick and boom, but it may slightly muddy vocals and lead instrumentals.

Their slightly exaggerated treble range adds a bit of extra brightness to your mix, though some users may find it harsh and piercing. They don’t have any sound customization options, including no in-app graphic EQ or on-board EQ presets.

The verdict

This could be a good option for you if you want an affordable and compact pair of headphones with a bass-heavy sound. The JBL Tune 510BT shouldn’t be too uncomfortable if you can handle the ear cups pressing against your ears and don’t wear glasses or have any piercings. However, if you’re traveling, we wouldn’t recommend them as your primary headphones.

If you wear glasses or find that tight headphones cause your ears and head to hurt, these aren’t the headphones for you. Furthermore, if you want good noise isolation, these won’t provide much. Look for better isolation and sound quality elsewhere, and consider over-ear or in-ear headphones if you need something small.