JBL Live 500BT Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£110
  • Avg. price in US: ~$150
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: 30 hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

JBL Live 500BT review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

6.5

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

5.8

Technical Score

20.0%

9.3

User score

Good
5.8

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.9

Sound

20.0%

6.7

Features

10.0%

7.2

Design

8.0%

5.4

Connectivity

6.0%

7.5

Battery

4.0%

8.5

Calls & Controls

Good
9.3

User score

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 components:

70.0%

8.9

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(4459)
amazon
4.3
(736)
amazon
4.7
(312)
amazon
4.5
(309)
amazon
4.2
(220)
amazon
4.3
(9)
United States
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4.5
(4459)
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4.3
(736)
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4.7
(312)
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4.5
(309)
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4.2
(220)
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4.3
(9)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Exceptional
  • 7.0
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    9.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    1.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    4.8

    Battery life

  • 5.3
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    4.8

    Battery life

    18.0%

    4.9

    Weight

    16.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    10

    Ambient sound mode

  • 9.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    4.8

    Battery life

    14.0%

    10

    Companion app

  • 6.5
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.9

    Weight

    24.0%

    10

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    4.8

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

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.

Technical Specifications of JBL Live 500BT

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.9

Sound

20.0%

6.7

Features

10.0%

7.2

Design

8.0%

5.4

Connectivity

6.0%

7.5

Battery

4.0%

8.5

Calls & Controls

5.8
JBL Live 500BT has a technical score of 5.81 points, which is higher than that of 70.5% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

8.9

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(4459)
amazon
4.3
(736)
amazon
4.7
(312)
amazon
4.5
(309)
amazon
4.2
(220)
amazon
4.3
(9)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(4459)
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(736)
Amazon_logo.png
4.7
(312)
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(309)
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(220)
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(9)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

9.3
JBL Live 500BT has a user score of 9.26 points, which is higher than that of 94.6% of products in this category.
Popularity
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.
10
JBL Live 500BT has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 71.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

6.5

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

7.5
JBL Live 500BT has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.5 points, which is higher than 74.3% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
JBL Live 500BT does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

50 mm
JBL Live 500BT uses a driver size of 50 mm, larger driver size than 86.1% of headphones and equal to 8.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
JBL Live 500BT uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

18 Hz
JBL Live 500BT reaches a lowest frequency of 18 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 49.8% of headphones and equal to 3.5% of headphones.
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Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
JBL Live 500BT supports a noise-canceling microphone. 54.5% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
JBL Live 500BT is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

6
JBL Live 500BT has 6 microphones, more microphones than 96.1% of headphones and equal to 2.4% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

no
JBL Live 500BT does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wireless
JBL Live 500BT supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 52.6% of headphones and equal to 47.4% of headphones.
supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

4.2
JBL Live 500BT uses Bluetooth version 4.2, newer Bluetooth version than 67.6% of headphones and equal to 3.2% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

10 m
JBL Live 500BT offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.6% of headphones and equal to 79.9% of headphones.
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

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Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
JBL Live 500BT supports multipoint. 35% of headphones support multipoint.
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Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
JBL Live 500BT supports ambient sound mode. 23.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
JBL Live 500BT supports EQ customization. 76.8% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
JBL Live 500BT works with a companion app. 55.7% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

yes
JBL Live 500BT supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
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Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

30 hours
JBL Live 500BT offers battery life of 30 hours, higher battery life than 46% of headphones and equal to 10.5% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

2 hours
JBL Live 500BT needs 2 hours to charge, lower charging time than 48.5% of headphones and equal to 39.1% of headphones.
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
JBL Live 500BT supports quick charge. 31% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

700 mAh
JBL Live 500BT has a battery capacity of 700 mAh, higher battery capacity than 65.4% of headphones and equal to 4% of headphones.
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Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

JBL
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

231.6 g
JBL Live 500BT weighs 231.6 g, heavier than 54.9% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

4
JBL Live 500BT has a clamp force of 4, lower clamp force than 51.5% of headphones and equal to 7.5% of headphones.
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JBL Live 500BT vs the average headphone

  • EQ customization
    JBL Live 500BT supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
    What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
    When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    JBL Live 500BT supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    JBL Live 500BT uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    JBL Live 500BT uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.50 mm vs 40 mm
  • More flexible connectivity
    JBL Live 500BT offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
    What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
    When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

    Importance: HIGH

    JBL Live 500BT offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    JBL Live 500BT offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
    What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
    When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    JBL Live 500BT offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    JBL Live 500BT includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
    What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
    When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    JBL Live 500BT includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 6 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    JBL Live 500BT has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    JBL Live 500BT has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • In-line controls
    JBL Live 500BT includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
    What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
    When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.

    Importance: LOW

    JBL Live 500BT includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 5 more microphones
    JBL Live 500BT has more microphones than the average headphone (6 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
    When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    JBL Live 500BT has more microphones than the average headphone (6 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.6 vs 1
  • 16.2 mm more spacious earcup height
    JBL Live 500BT offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (76.2 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • Foldable design
    JBL Live 500BT has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Water resistance
    JBL Live 500BT is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    JBL Live 500BT uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 6 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    JBL Live 500BT has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • Removable battery
    JBL Live 500BT has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • Rechargeable battery
    JBL Live 500BT has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Play while charging
    JBL Live 500BT can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • More flexible connectivity
    JBL Live 500BT offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • Clear call microphone
    JBL Live 500BT offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    JBL Live 500BT includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • In-line controls
    JBL Live 500BT includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 5 more microphones
    JBL Live 500BT has more microphones than the average headphone (6 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • EQ customization
    JBL Live 500BT supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    JBL Live 500BT uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No travel bag
    JBL Live 500BT does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 6 mm tighter earcup width
    JBL Live 500BT has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (37 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • 6.2% higher weight
    JBL Live 500BT is heavier than the average headphone (231.6 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 6 mm tighter earcup width
    JBL Live 500BT has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (37 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
    What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    JBL Live 500BT has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (37 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.37 mm vs 43 mm
  • Tangle-prone cable
    JBL Live 500BT uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
    What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
    When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.

    Importance: LOW

    JBL Live 500BT uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No travel bag
    JBL Live 500BT does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
    What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
    When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.

    Importance: LOW

    JBL Live 500BT does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 6.2% higher weight
    JBL Live 500BT is heavier than the average headphone (231.6 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    JBL Live 500BT is heavier than the average headphone (231.6 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.231.6 g vs 218 g

Graphic comparison of JBL Live 500BT and

Attribute category
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Third-party reviews

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 dislike 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

Expert reviews

A
au.pcmag.com
15/06/2019

The PCMag Australia review awards the JBL Live 500BT wireless headphones a "Good" 3.5-star rating, highlighting them as a comfortable, bass-forward option priced at $99.95. Key pros include an exceptionally comfortable memory foam design, a robust 30-hour battery life, and a highly customizable companion app featuring a multi-band EQ alongside helpful ambient listening modes like...Read more

U
uk.pcmag.com
14/06/2019

The JBL Live 500BT wireless over-ear headphones deliver a powerful, bass-forward sound signature combined with smart voice assistant integration for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Designed with comfortable memory foam earpads and a fabric-covered headband, these headphones offer up to an impressive 30 hours of battery life and include an excellent companion app with an...Read more

S
swiftfind.co.uk
29/05/2020

The JBL Live 500BT wireless over-ear headphones deliver impressive, immersive audio quality with balanced depth across highs, mids, and lows, alongside a powerful bass response. They feature an exceptionally comfortable design highlighted by thick ear cup padding, an adjustable fabric headband, and a robust build available in black, white, blue, and red. A standout benefit is the...Read more

C
consumerreports.org
01/05/2019

The Consumer Reports review of the JBL Live 500BT over-ear headphones awards a "Very Good" rating for overall sound quality, highlighting a lively, open acoustic signature with deep, punchy bass. While the audio is generally engaging, the evaluation notes a, "boomy and sizzly" profile, characterized by a thin, hazy midrange and a smeared, unnatural treble performance. Consumer...Read more

H
headphonecheck.com
15/05/2019

Despite these strengths, the review notes several design and performance shortcomings. On the audio side, the headphones only support the standard SBC codec, lacking high-quality Bluetooth codecs like AAC or aptX, which limits their appeal for audiophiles. Furthermore, a discrete background noise can be heard in quiet environments, and both ambient sound modes unfortunately amplify...Read more

M
majorhifi.com
17/05/2019

The JBL Live 500BT deviates from the brand’s traditional bass-heavy sound signature to deliver a surprisingly clean, natural, and bright profile that excels with classical, jazz, and intricate acoustic music. The mid-range features clear vocal presence and impressive instrument layering for its price point, though the upper mids can occasionally sound a bit harsh on certain tracks....Read more

R
rtings.com
05/07/2019

The JBL Live 500BT are versatile, durable over-ear headphones featuring a 30-hour battery life, excellent wireless range, and extensive sound customization via the JBL app. They offer Ambient Aware/TalkThru technology and a V-shaped sound profile, though they lack Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and can become uncomfortable during long sessions. According to RTINGS, limitations...Read more

P
pcmag.com
14/06/2019

The JBL Live 500BT headphones offer a comfortable over-ear design with powerful bass, sculpted highs, and an adjustable app-based EQ, making them a strong value for users seeking intense sound profiles. Additional features include smart assistant integration and practical ambient modes like TalkThru. However, the heavily sculpted audio profile is unsuitable for purists, as it makes...Read more

L
lite-magazin.de
05/09/2019

The JBL Live 500BT and Live 650BTNC are wireless, over-ear lifestyle headphones that offer high build quality, robust battery performance, and integrated voice assistants (Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant) via touch controls on the left ear cup. The Live 500BT (priced around €150) stands out for its high-quality material finish, featuring a soft fabric-covered headband and plush...Read more

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lite-magazin.de
29/09/2019

The JBL Live 500BT over-ear headphones, as reviewed on lite-magazin.de, offer a feature-rich, lifestyle-oriented experience with built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, along with useful Ambient Aware and TalkThru technologies for situational awareness. These headphones provide a comfortable, foldable design with a fabric-coated headband, delivering an impressive 30-hour battery...Read more

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hifi.de
31/12/2020

The JBL Live 500BT is an affordable over-ear Bluetooth headphone model that delivers a punchy, bass-forward sound performance. While the bass response remains tight and detailed without muddling the tracks, the audio signature lacks high-end brilliance and crisp details over wireless connections. This fidelity limitation stems from its outdated Bluetooth 4.2 standard and reliance on...Read more

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kopfhoerer.de
27/11/2019

The JBL Live 500BT is a pair of wireless, closed-back over-ear headphones that feature a bass-heavy sound profile with a prominent, deep low-end that still allows vocals and lead instruments enough room to breathe. They offer a robust, foldable plastic construction alongside tight-fitting earcups with thick synthetic leather padding that provides solid passive isolation, though they...Read more

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chip.de
01/02/2022

The JBL Live 500BT is a budget-friendly wireless over-ear headphone that scored a "Good" (1.7) rating in the CHIP test kitchen. Weighing 247 grams, it features a plastic build with a metal-reinforced fabric headband. While it skips active noise cancellation (ANC), it offers an Ambient Aware mode and TalkThru technology to pass through environmental sounds or let users chat without...Read more

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test-achats.be
15/05/2019

The JBL LIVE 500BT is a discontinued circumaural (over-ear) Bluetooth 4.2 headphone that achieved a good overall test score of 69 out of 100. Its standout strengths include excellent durability, premium build quality, and an outstanding battery life that lasts approximately 42 hours (2,531 minutes) on a 109-minute charge. Sound performance is consistently good across various genres...Read more

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lesalexiens.fr
19/04/2020

The JBL Live 500BT, as reviewed by Les Alexiens, is a feature-rich, over-ear headset praised for its 30-hour battery life, rapid charging, and strong, customizable sound powered by 50mm drivers and app support. Its standout features include deep Amazon Alexa integration via a touch-sensitive ear cup and effective passive noise isolation, though it lacks active noise cancellation...Read more

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lesnumeriques.com
26/09/2019

The JBL Live 500BT is a mid-range, lightweight (230 g) wireless headphone that delivers energetic and punchy sound quality with well-balanced upper frequencies, respectful instrument timbres, and a wide wireless soundstage. It stands out for its highly functional features, including a flexible, foldable design, fully responsive physical controls, and a solid battery life that...Read more

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test-aankoop.be
15/05/2019

The JBL LIVE 500BT is an over-ear (circumaural) wireless headphone that achieved a good overall test score of 69 out of 100, though it is no longer available on the market. It delivers strong results in fundamental categories, earning top 5-star ratings for its overall battery performance, 109-minute charging time, and durable build quality. Sound quality is a major advantage,...Read more

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letemsvetemapplem.eu
27/07/2019

The JBL Live 500BT is a pair of wireless over-ear headphones that gives you a rich, classic JBL sound with extra bass. They are very comfortable to wear for hours because they have deep, soft ear cushions and a gentle, fabric-covered headband. They also stay stable on your head if you go for a run. A major plus is the long battery life, which lasts up to 30 hours and can quickly...Read more

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wonen.nl
21/05/2019

The WONEN.nl review of the JBL LIVE 500BT over-ear headphones highlights them as an entry-level wireless device with a €149.00 retail price, earning an overall score of 7.8 out of 10. The reviewer praised the stellar battery life, which reaches up to 30 hours, alongside a quick-charge feature providing 2 hours of playback from a 15-minute charge. Structurally, the headphones present...Read more

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rush.nl
19/08/2019

The JBL LIVE 500BT is a wireless over-ear headphone priced at 149 euros that offers solid everyday utility, high comfort, and a strong battery profile. A major advantage of this model is its exceptional 30-hour battery life alongside an included 3.5 mm auxiliary headphone jack that enables continued music listening if the battery drains. For daily wear, it scores high points with...Read more

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