OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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JBL Live 500BT Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£110Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:30 hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

JBL Live 500BT Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

JBL Live 500BT
7.3/10

Overall score

Score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 79% of models
Score components

80%

6.8

Technical score

20%

9.2

User score

â–²Better than 79% of headphones
8.1

Value for money

Value for money
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 81% of models
Score components

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

â–²Better than 81%
6.8

Technical score

Technical score
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 74% of models
Score components

52%

6.4

Sound

20%

7.3

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

6.6

Connectivity

6%

7.7

Battery

4%

8.9

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 74%
9.2

User score

User score
9.2/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 97% of models
Score components

70%

8.9

User ratings

30%

9.9

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
★Better than 97%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones JBL Live 500BT

Technical score
Technical score
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 74% of models
Score components:

52%

6.4

Sound

20%

7.3

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

6.6

Connectivity

6%

7.7

Battery

4%

8.9

Calls & Controls

6.8
User score
User score
9.2/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 97% of models
Score components

70%

8.9

User ratings

30%

9.9

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
9.2
Popularity
Popularity
9.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 91% of models
Popularity:
JBL Live 500BT has a popularity score of 9.9 points, which is higher than that of 91.4% of products in this category.
9.9
Value for money
Value for money
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 81% of models
Score components:

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

8.1
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
50 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 50 mm, larger driver size than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 8.2% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
18 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 18 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 49.6% of headphones and equal to 3.6% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
This pair of headphones supports a noise-canceling microphone. 61.1% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
6
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 6 microphones, more microphones than 96% of headphones and equal to 2.4% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wireless
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
4.2
This pair of headphones uses Bluetooth version 4.2, newer Bluetooth version than 67.7% of headphones and equal to 3.2% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
Market range: <10 m – >15 m
This pair of headphones offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.7% of headphones and equal to 80.6% of headphones.
Audio latency
?
Multipoint support
yes
This pair of headphones supports multipoint. 69.4% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
yes
This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode. 75.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
yes
This pair of headphones supports EQ customization. 76.8% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
yes
This pair of headphones works with a companion app. 78.4% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
yes
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
30 hours
Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life of 30 hours, higher battery life than 46.3% of headphones and equal to 10.4% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
2 hours
Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
This pair of headphones needs 2 hours to charge, lower charging time than 47.8% of headphones and equal to 39% of headphones.
Quick charge
yes
This pair of headphones supports quick charge. 67% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
700 mAh
Market range: <290 mAh – >1k mAh
This pair of headphones has a battery capacity of 700 mAh, higher battery capacity than 66.4% of headphones and equal to 3.7% of headphones.
Show more
Brand name
JBL
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
231.6 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 231.6 g, heavier than 54.9% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
4
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 4, lower clamp force than 51.2% of headphones and equal to 7.4% of headphones.
Show more

JBL Live 500BT vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Ambient sound mode
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • EQ customization
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • Companion app support
    This pair of headphones works with a companion app, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    50 mm vs 40 mm
  • Multipoint support
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • Quick charge support
    This pair of headphones supports quick charge, the average pair of headphones does not. 33% of headphones support quick charge.
  • 15.5% higher user score
    User score
    9.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    JBL Live 500BT
    the average pair of headphones
    JBL Live 500BT has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (9.24 vs 8).
    9.24 vs 8
  • 69% more popular
    JBL Live 500BT is more popular than the average pair of headphones (9.92 vs 5.9).
    9.92 vs 5.87
  • 11.5% better value for money
    JBL Live 500BT has better value for money than the average pair of headphones (8.1 vs 7.3).
    8.1 vs 7.27
  • 16.2 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (76.2 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    76.2 mm vs 60 mm
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • Water resistance
    This pair of headphones is water resistant, the average pair of headphones is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    50 mm vs 40 mm
  • 6 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Quick charge support
    This pair of headphones supports quick charge, the average pair of headphones does not. 33% of headphones support quick charge.
  • Play while charging
    This pair of headphones can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
  • Removable battery
    This pair of headphones has a removable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 7.8% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • Rechargeable battery
    This pair of headphones has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Multipoint support
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • AAC codec support
    This pair of headphones supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
  • NFC pairing
    This pair of headphones supports NFC pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.7% of headphones support NFC pairing.
  • Fast pairing support
    This pair of headphones supports fast pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 14% of headphones support fast pairing.
  • Multipoint connections
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint connections, while the average pair of headphones does not. 30.2% of headphones support multipoint connections.
    supports multipoint for up to 2 devices.
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 5 more microphones
    This pair of headphones has more microphones than the average pair of headphones (6 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    6 vs 1
  • Ambient sound mode
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • EQ customization
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • Companion app support
    This pair of headphones works with a companion app, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
  • Find-my-headphones feature
    This pair of headphones supports find-my-headphones features, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.7% of headphones support Find My Headphones.
  • 7 mm tighter earcup width
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (37 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    37 mm vs 44 mm
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No travel bag
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 6.2% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (231.6 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    231.6 g vs 218 g
  • 7 mm tighter earcup width
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (37 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    37 mm vs 44 mm
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No travel bag
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 6.2% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (231.6 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    231.6 g vs 218 g

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
MichaelM
≈ estimated
18/07/2022
Long-term review · two years of ownership
Verdict
JBL Live 500BT is still loved after two years and feels built to last, though its micro USB port is a real drawback.
5.0
Rajat tech
≈ estimated
11/08/2021
Long-term test · five months of daily use
Verdict
JBL Live 500BT's build quality has noticeably degraded over five months, and its bass and finish have worsened, making it hard to recommend at this price.
8.0
PhotonsAcrossTheAir
≈ estimated
23/02/2020
Quick review · a couple of weeks of use
Verdict
The JBL Live 500BT has excellent sound for the money, if you can accept weak comfort and poor charging.
9.0
Tech Nuovo
≈ estimated
30/06/2019
Hands-on review · commute noise isolation and music tests
Verdict
The JBL Live 500BT is a strong pair for the money, with long battery life and strong noise isolation, though bass lacks punch at low volume.
9.5
Gamesky
≈ estimated
28/03/2019
First look · hands-on sound, battery and feature tests
Verdict
The JBL Live 500BT has bright, punchy sound and strong features for the price, a clear step up from the older model.
9.0
Techformative
≈ estimated
28/11/2022
Unboxing and first impressions · battery and comfort tests
Verdict
The JBL Live 500BT is comfortable and long-lasting, a bargain pair, with only a minor connector complaint.
8.0
MIKEUNIX94 GAMER (Michael J Duke)
≈ estimated
07/08/2020
Unboxing · controls and app overview
Verdict
JBL Live 500BT is recommended over a cheaper silver version, judged mainly on unboxing and controls.
9.0
Issac Reid
≈ estimated
07/10/2019
Unboxing and first impressions · gym use
Verdict
JBL Live 500BT is comfortable and well built with a clear sound upgrade, though one signal dropout issue is noted.
7.0
Tech Dunk
≈ estimated
12/06/2019
Hands-on review · comfort, sound and feature tests
Verdict
JBL Live 500BT is good value for bass fans and smaller heads, but its ear cups can hurt larger ears on long listening sessions.
Overview video
Not graded
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

pcmag.com
14/06/2019
Review · Bass-heavy voice headphones
Verdict
The JBL Live 500BT is a comfortable, bass-heavy headphone whose adjustable EQ suits bass lovers, not audiophiles seeking flat, accurate sound.
R
rtings.com
05/07/2019
Summary of the review
JBL Live 500BT Wireless Headphones Review - RTINGS.com
majorhifi.com
17/05/2019
Review · Clean-sounding over-ears
Verdict
The JBL Live 500BT is a clean, detailed headphone with snug padding, best for classical and jazz, though bass-heads and treble-sensitive listeners may want more.
headphonecheck.com
15/05/2019
Review · Bass-heavy voice over-ears
Verdict
The JBL Live 500BT is a bass-tuned, foldable over-ear with a long battery and solid voice assistant support, but its basic codec and background noise limit it.
C
consumerreports.org
01/05/2019
Summary of the review
JBL LIVE 500BT Headphone Review - Consumer Reports
swiftfind.co.uk
29/05/2020
Review · Everyday Bluetooth over-ears
Verdict
The JBL Live 500BT is a comfortable over-ear with 30 hours of playback and useful TalkThru modes, though it comes without a carrying case.
uk.pcmag.com
14/06/2019
Review · Bass-forward voice headphones
Verdict
The JBL Live 500BT is a comfortable, bass-forward headphone whose adjustable EQ suits bass lovers, while purists and people who want clear call voices should look elsewhere.
au.pcmag.com
15/06/2019
Hands-on test · Bass-heavy over-ears
Verdict
The JBL Live 500BT suits bass lovers who want heavy low end and EQ control, but it is not for anyone wanting flat, accurate sound.
headphonedungeon.com
20/05/2019
Hands-on test · Portable Bluetooth headphones
Verdict
The JBL Live 500BT is a portable Bluetooth pair with a comfortable fit and a strong EQ, though its soundstage is not especially wide.
indianexpress.com
30/06/2019
Travel test · Everyday Bluetooth headphones
Verdict
The JBL Live 500BT is a comfortable, long-lasting travel pair with rich sound and a useful TalkThru mode, but it lacks active noise cancelling.
chip.de
01/02/2022
Hands-on test · Budget Bluetooth
Verdict
The JBL Live 500BT is a budget over-ear pair with punchy bass and a 33-hour battery, but its overall sound feels cool and slightly unnatural.
kopfhoerer.de
27/11/2019
Hands-on test · Bass-heavy over-ear
Verdict
The JBL Live 500BT is a foldable, bass-heavy over-ear pair with long battery life and fast charging, but it hisses faintly and lacks higher-quality Bluetooth audio.
hifi.de
31/12/2020
Hands-on test · Over-ear Bluetooth
Verdict
The JBL Live 500BT is a sturdy over-ear pair with balanced, bass-accented sound and a useful app EQ, but Bluetooth sound lacks detail.
lite-magazin.de
29/09/2019
Test · Bluetooth over-ears
Verdict
The JBL Live 500BT is a stylish over-ear with good sound, a long 30-hour battery and handy Ambient Aware modes for hearing your surroundings.
lite-magazin.de
05/09/2019
Hands-on test · Over-ear comparison
Verdict
The JBL Live 500BT is a well-built over-ear with built-in Alexa and Google Assistant, but it lacks the noise cancelling of its bigger sibling.
lesnumeriques.com
26/09/2019
Test · Bluetooth over-ears
Verdict
The JBL Live 500BT is a foldable headphone with long battery life and natural-sounding ambient modes, but its fit depends on head shape and the ear cups creak.
lesalexiens.fr
19/04/2020
Test · Alexa built-in headphones
Verdict
The JBL Live 500BT is a sturdy over-ear with Alexa built in, but cramped buttons and a sparse app make it less intuitive than it looks.
test-achats.be
15/05/2019
Lab test · Consumer comparison
Verdict
The JBL Live 500BT did well in consumer lab tests for sound, battery and build, but everyday handling and the setup guide let it down.
L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
27/07/2019
Summary of the review
JBL Live 500BT Review: Wireless Over-Ear Headphones with Pleasant Sound
(Translated)Show original
rush.nl
19/08/2019
Hands-on review · Over-ear Bluetooth
Verdict
The JBL Live 500BT suits everyday pop listeners with clear highs and long battery life, but purists will find its midrange tinny.

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about JBL Live 500BT

  • Exceptional battery life, often exceeding 30 hours on a single charge
  • Effective passive noise isolation due to the snug over-ear fit
  • Clear sound quality with strong bass performance, suitable for EDM and Hip-Hop
  • Useful features like TalkThru and Ambient Aware for hearing surroundings
  • Multi-point connection allows for easy switching between multiple devices
  • Customizable audio experience via the JBL Headphones app EQ settings
  • Sturdy and durable build quality, especially for the price point

What customers don't like about JBL Live 500BT

  • The headband can feel very tight or cause clamping pain during long sessions
  • Ear pads may cause ears to feel hot or sweaty after extended use
  • Lack of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) makes them less ideal for loud commutes
  • Microphone quality is often reported as poor or garbled during voice calls
  • Controls and buttons can be non-intuitive and difficult to distinguish by touch
  • Charging uses an older Micro-USB port rather than the modern USB-C
  • Some reports of ear pad material peeling or tearing after several months

Verdict

The JBL Live 500BT is a pair of over-ear wireless headphones featuring large 50mm dynamic drivers that deliver a bass-forward sound signature with a frequency response range of 18Hz to 20kHz. Key characteristics include a lightweight 232g design with a fabric-covered headband, Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity with multi-point pairing, and integrated support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant via touch controls. Its main pros are an impressive battery life of up to 30 hours, a quick-charge feature providing 2 hours of playback from a 15-minute charge, and specialized Ambient Aware and TalkThru technologies for environmental awareness. However, notable cons include a tight clamping force that may cause discomfort during long sessions, the lack of active noise cancellation (ANC), and a sound profile that some users find overly sculpted rather than balanced for critical listening.

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