OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Headphones Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
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JBL Synchros S500 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£180Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):yes

JBL Synchros S500 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

7.3

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 80% of models
Score components

80%

7.4

Technical score

20%

7.3

User score

â–²Better than 80% of headphones
7.4

Technical score

Technical score
7.4/ 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 81% of models
Score components

52%

9.1

Sound

20%

5.0

Features

10%

6.3

Design

8%

5.1

Connectivity

6%

5.1

Battery

4%

7.4

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 81% of headphones
7.3

User score

User score
7.3/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components

70%

7.9

User ratings

30%

5.9

Number of reviews

Based on 246 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–¼Worse than 80% of headphones
  • jbl-synchros-s500
jbl-synchros-s500

Best prices

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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 Synchros S500

Technical score
Technical score
7.4/ 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 81% of models
Score components:

52%

9.1

Sound

20%

5.0

Features

10%

6.3

Design

8%

5.1

Connectivity

6%

5.1

Battery

4%

7.4

Calls & Controls

7.4
User score
User score
7.3/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components

70%

7.9

User ratings

30%

5.9

Number of reviews

Based on 246 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
7.3
Popularity
Popularity
5.9/ 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
â–² Better than 50% of models
Popularity:
JBL Synchros S500 has a popularity score of 5.9 points, which is higher than that of 49.8% of products in this category.
5.9
Value for money
Value for money
8.0/ 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 78% of models
Score components:

60%

7.3

Overall score

40%

9.6

Price

8.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
â–² Better than 73% of models
This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
50 mm
Driver size
50 mm
â–² Better than 86% of models
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
Number of drivers
1
â–¼ Worse than 4% of models
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
10 Hz
Lowest frequency
10 Hz
â–² Better than 67% of models
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.2% of headphones and equal to 12.6% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
Noise-canceling microphone
no
â–¼ Worse than 39% of models
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
Can be used as a headset
yes
â–² Better than 15% of models
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
1
Number of microphones
1
â–² Better than 27% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 1 microphones, more microphones than 26.9% of headphones and equal to 50.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
Boom microphone
no
â–¼ Worse than 14% of models
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wired
Connectivity
wired
â–¼ Worse than 49% of models
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
yes
Multipoint support
yes
â–² Better than 69% of models
This pair of headphones supports multipoint. 69.4% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
Ambient sound mode
no
â–¼ Worse than 25% of models
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
yes
EQ support
yes
â–² Better than 77% of models
This pair of headphones supports EQ customization. 76.8% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
Companion app
no
â–¼ Worse than 22% of models
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
Voice assistant support
no
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
Quick charge
no
â–¼ Worse than 33% of models
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
JBL
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
306 g
Weight
306 g
â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 306 g, heavier than 82.7% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

JBL Synchros S500 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Active noise cancellation
    Active noise cancellation (ANC)
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Spatial audio support
    Spatial audio
    yes
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • EQ customization
    EQ support
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    Driver size
    50 mm
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
    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
  • 15 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    117 dB/mW
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (117 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    117 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Multipoint support
    Multipoint support
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    10 Hz
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • On-device controls
    On-device controls
    yes
    â–² Better than 53% of models
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 10 mm more spacious earcup width
    Earcup inner width
    54 mm
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    Market range: <33 mm – >60 mm
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (54 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    54 mm vs 44 mm
  • Active noise cancellation
    Active noise cancellation (ANC)
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Spatial audio support
    Spatial audio
    yes
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    Driver size
    50 mm
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
    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
  • 15 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    117 dB/mW
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (117 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    117 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    10 Hz
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 14 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Sound pressure level
    117 dB SPL
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <94 dB SPL – >115 dB SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (117 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    117 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Highest frequency
    22,000 Hz
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    Market range: <20k Hz – >40k Hz
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (22000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20000 Hz.
    22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • Removable battery
    Removable battery
    yes
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    This pair of headphones has a removable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 7.8% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • Multipoint support
    Multipoint support
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • Multipoint connections
    Multipoint connections
    yes
    â–² Better than 70% of models
    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.
  • On-device controls
    On-device controls
    yes
    â–² Better than 53% of models
    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
    In-line controls
    yes
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Quick mic mute
    Mute function
    yes
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • EQ customization
    EQ support
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • 40.4% higher weight
    Weight
    306 g
    â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
    Market range: <14 g – >340 g
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (306 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    306 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    Voice assistant support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 9.9% lower user score
    User score
    7.3/ 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
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    JBL Synchros S500
    the average pair of headphones
    JBL Synchros S500 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.28 vs 8.000).
    7.28 vs 8
  • 2x more expensive
    JBL Synchros S500 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£180 vs £90).
    £180 vs £90
  • 9.9% lower user score
    User score
    7.3/ 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
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    JBL Synchros S500
    the average pair of headphones
    JBL Synchros S500 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.28 vs 8.000).
    7.28 vs 8
  • 2x more expensive
    JBL Synchros S500 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£180 vs £90).
    £180 vs £90
  • 40.4% higher weight
    Weight
    306 g
    â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
    Market range: <14 g – >340 g
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (306 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    306 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    Voice assistant support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

L
lite-magazin.de
03/01/2014
Summary of the review
Review: JBL Synchros 500 – Head-Rockers with Soul and Structure
(Translated)Show original
C
connect.de
31/12/2013
Summary of the review
JBL Synchros S500 Review - Headphones", "JBL Synchros S500 Tested - Headphones
(Translated)Show original
A
areadvd.de
06/12/2013
Summary of the review
Review: JBL Synchros S500 Headphones
(Translated)Show original
W
wearemobians.com
12/01/2014
Summary of the review
[Review] JBL Synchros S700 and S500 Headphones
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 246 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: June 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about JBL Synchros S500

  • Powerful bass response driven by 50mm drivers
  • LiveStage DSP technology creates a wider, more immersive soundstage
  • Durable build quality featuring a lightweight steel headband
  • Functional passive mode allows listening even when AAA batteries are dead
  • Comfortable fit for many users due to leather ear cushions and adjustable design
  • Detachable cable system with inline remote and microphone for mobile use

What we don't like about JBL Synchros S500

  • Requires external AAA batteries to power the LiveStage processing feature
  • Some users report poor noise isolation and significant sound leakage even at low volumes
  • Earpads may feel small or shallow for users with larger ears
  • Fit can be uneven, leading to potential seal issues and the headphones slipping during movement
  • A few reviewers find the sound quality mediocre compared to more modern or specialized alternatives

Verdict

The JBL Synchros S500 is a powered over-ear headphone featuring premium 50mm drivers and a frequency response of 10Hz to 22kHz, engineered to deliver signature PureBass performance and a maximum SPL of 117dB. Its primary characteristic is the proprietary LiveStageâ„¢ digital signal processing (DSP), which utilizes two AAA batteries to provide approximately 20 hours of an immersive, loudspeaker-like soundstage, though it remains fully functional in passive mode once power is depleted. The design boasts a lightweight steel headband and plush leather ear cushions for durability and comfort, paired with detachable cables for both iOS and Android compatibility. Main pros include its powerful, club-modeled audio clarity and the flexibility of passive/active listening; however, some users find it lacks active noise cancellation and its dependence on non-rechargeable AAA batteries for DSP can be inconvenient.

Compare JBL Synchros S500 with other products in the Headphones category

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