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JBL Synchros S500 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£180
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

JBL Synchros S500 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

7.2

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%

7.2

Technical Score

20.0%

6.9

User score

Very good
7.2

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%

8.9

Sound

20.0%

4.5

Features

10.0%

6.0

Design

8.0%

5.8

Connectivity

6.0%

6.1

Battery

4.0%

6.3

Calls & Controls

Very good
6.9

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%

7.9

User reviews

30.0%

4.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(108)
amazon
3.4
(15)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(108)
Amazon_logo.png
3.4
(15)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Good
  • 2.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 5.1
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    3.0

    Weight

    16.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    1.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 4.5
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 5.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    3.0

    Weight

    24.0%

    9.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • jbl-synchros-s500
jbl-synchros-s500

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

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

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 LiveStage™ 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.

Technical Specifications of JBL Synchros S500

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%

8.9

Sound

20.0%

4.5

Features

10.0%

6.0

Design

8.0%

5.8

Connectivity

6.0%

6.1

Battery

4.0%

6.3

Calls & Controls

7.2
JBL Synchros S500 has a technical score of 7.23 points, which is higher than that of 86.1% 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%

7.9

User reviews

30.0%

4.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(108)
amazon
3.4
(15)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(108)
Amazon_logo.png
3.4
(15)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

6.9
JBL Synchros S500 has a user score of 6.93 points, which is lower than that of 79.9% 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.
4.8
JBL Synchros S500 has a popularity of 4.8 points, which is higher than 50.6% 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%

7.2

Overall score

40.0%

9.6

Price

7.9
JBL Synchros S500 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.9 points, which is higher than 83.2% 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

yes
JBL Synchros S500 supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% 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 Synchros S500 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 Synchros S500 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

10 Hz
JBL Synchros S500 reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.3% of headphones and equal to 12.5% of headphones.
Show more
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

no
JBL Synchros S500 does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% 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 Synchros S500 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

1
JBL Synchros S500 has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% 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 Synchros S500 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

?
Show more
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

wired
JBL Synchros S500 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
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

N/A
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

N/A
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

N/A
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 Synchros S500 supports multipoint. 35% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
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

no
JBL Synchros S500 does not offer ambient sound mode. 76.9% 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 Synchros S500 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

N/A
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

no
JBL Synchros S500 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
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

N/A
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

N/A
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

N/A
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

N/A
Show more
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

306 g
JBL Synchros S500 weighs 306 g, heavier than 82.7% of headphones and equal to 0.2% 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

?
Show more

JBL Synchros S500 vs the average headphone

  • Active noise cancellation
    JBL Synchros S500 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
    What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
    When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

    Importance: HIGH

    JBL Synchros S500 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • EQ customization
    JBL Synchros S500 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 Synchros S500 supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
  • Spatial audio support
    JBL Synchros S500 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
    What it is: Supports immersive surround sound playback
    When it matters: When movies, games, and immersive mixes are part of your listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    JBL Synchros S500 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    JBL Synchros S500 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 Synchros S500 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
  • 15 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    JBL Synchros S500 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (117 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 Synchros S500 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (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
    JBL Synchros S500 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    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

    JBL Synchros S500 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • On-device controls
    JBL Synchros S500 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 Synchros S500 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • In-line controls
    JBL Synchros S500 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 Synchros S500 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 11 mm more spacious earcup width
    JBL Synchros S500 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (54 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • Active noise cancellation
    JBL Synchros S500 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Spatial audio support
    JBL Synchros S500 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    JBL Synchros S500 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 15 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    JBL Synchros S500 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (117 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    JBL Synchros S500 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 14 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    JBL Synchros S500 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (117 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    JBL Synchros S500 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • Removable battery
    JBL Synchros S500 has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • On-device controls
    JBL Synchros S500 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • In-line controls
    JBL Synchros S500 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Quick mic mute
    JBL Synchros S500 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • EQ customization
    JBL Synchros S500 supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.

Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Battery
Calls & Controls
Features
  • 40.4% higher weight
    JBL Synchros S500 is heavier than the average headphone (306 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • No voice assistant support
    JBL Synchros S500 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 4 older release date
    JBL Synchros S500 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    November 2013
  • No voice assistant support
    JBL Synchros S500 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    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

    JBL Synchros S500 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 40.4% higher weight
    JBL Synchros S500 is heavier than the average headphone (306 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 Synchros S500 is heavier than the average headphone (306 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.306 g vs 218 g
  • 15.4% lower user score
    JBL Synchros S500 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.93 vs 8.000).
    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.
    JBL Synchros S500 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.93 vs 8.000).6.93 vs 8
  • 2x more expensive
    JBL Synchros S500 is more expensive than the average headphone (£180 vs £90).
    JBL Synchros S500 is more expensive than the average headphone (£180 vs £90).£180 vs £90
  • 4 older release date
    JBL Synchros S500 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    November 2013
    What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
    When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2020

    JBL Synchros S500 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2013 vs 2017
Total
Overall
Design
Features

Graphic comparison of JBL Synchros S500 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
108 Reviews
amazon
3.4
15 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
108 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
3.4
15 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers 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 customers dislike 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

Expert reviews

L
lite-magazin.de
03/01/2014
Review: JBL Synchros 500 – Head-Rockers with Soul and Structure

The JBL Synchros 500 over-ear headphones deliver a premium, high-fidelity audio experience disguised as a sleek, timeless lifestyle accessory. Weighing just 200 grams, they feature comfortable leather padding, a 24-step adjustable aluminum headband, and 180-degree rotating ear cups that fold tightly into an included travel softcase. The audio performance is highly balanced and...Read more

(Translated)Show original
C
connect.de
31/12/2013
JBL Synchros S500 Review - Headphones", "JBL Synchros S500 Tested - Headphones

The connect review of the JBL Synchros S500 highlights these over-ear headphones as a robust, professional-grade model equipped with premium mechanical engineering and active digital signal processing (DSP). Mechanically, the reviewer praises its ultra-robust construction, featuring a generous steel-reinforced headband, wear-free joints, and low-resonance aluminum ear cups. On the...Read more

(Translated)Show original
A
areadvd.de
06/12/2013
Review: JBL Synchros S500 Headphones

The AREA DVD review of the JBL Synchros S500 over-ear headphones (priced at €299) concludes that they are a premium, high-tech universalist product delivering exceptional, high-energy audio performance. Equipped with massive 50 mm drivers, a wide frequency response of 10 Hz to 22 kHz, and battery-powered "Pure Bass" and "LiveStage" DSP technologies, these headphones are praised for...Read more

(Translated)Show original
W
wearemobians.com
12/01/2014
[Review] JBL Synchros S700 and S500 Headphones

This review by WeAreMobians covers the JBL Synchros S700 and S500 headphones, evaluating their design, power modes, and proprietary audio features. On the positive side, both models are praised for their exceptional build quality, featuring adjustable brushed steel headbands, ultra-soft leather cushions, and molded aluminum earcups. They deliver great comfort, excellent passive...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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