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JBL Tune 500BT Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£25
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wireless
Battery life: 16 hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

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

5.8

Good

4.9

Poor

9.4

Exceptional

3.7
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
3.1
Audio latency
25.0%
1.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
2.4
Battery life
3.7
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
2.4
Battery life
18.0%
6.7
Weight
16.0%
10
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
5.0
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%
2.4
Battery life
14.0%
1.0
Companion app
4.5
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
6.7
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
2.4
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#45 in Best JBL Headphones
#254 in Best Cheap Bluetooth Wireless Headphones
#488 in Best Wireless Headphones
#615 in Best Headphones with Mic

Verdict

The JBL Tune 500BT is a lightweight (155g) wireless on-ear headphone featuring 32mm dynamic drivers and signature JBL Pure Bass sound with a frequency response range of 20Hz–20kHz and 32-ohm impedance. Its primary characteristics include Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity with multi-point support for switching between two devices, voice assistant integration (Siri/Google Now), and a foldable design for portability. Main pros include a reliable 16-hour battery life, quick charging (1 hour of play from 5 minutes of charging), and a comfortable padded headband. Available cons include the use of an outdated Micro-USB charging port instead of USB-C, a lack of 3.5mm audio jack for wired use, and reports of a tight clamping force that may cause discomfort during long sessions.

Technical Specifications of JBL Tune 500BT

Overall score

5.8

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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.

Sound

4.6

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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

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

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

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

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Calls & Controls

5.5

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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

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

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

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

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

4.5

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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

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

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

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

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

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Features

4.4

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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

N/A

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

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

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

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Battery

5.8

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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

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

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

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

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Design

7.0

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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

on-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

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

?

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JBL Tune 500BT vs the average headphone

Why is JBL Tune 500BT better than the average headphone?

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EQ customization
JBL Tune 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 Tune 500BT supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
More flexible connectivity
JBL Tune 500BT offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support 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 Tune 500BT offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
On-device controls
JBL Tune 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 Tune 500BT includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
28.9% lower weight
JBL Tune 500BT is lighter than the average headphone (155 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 Tune 500BT is lighter than the average headphone (155 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.155 g vs 218 g
Foldable design
JBL Tune 500BT has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.
Importance: LOW
JBL Tune 500BT has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Quick mic mute
JBL Tune 500BT includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
What it is: Ability to mute microphone during calls
When it matters: When you need to silence the mic quickly during meetings or multiplayer games.
Importance: LOW
JBL Tune 500BT includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
Boom microphone included
JBL Tune 500BT includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a 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
JBL Tune 500BT includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
17.8% higher user score
JBL Tune 500BT has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.42 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 Tune 500BT has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.42 vs 8.000).9.42 vs 8
28.9% lower weight
JBL Tune 500BT is lighter than the average headphone (155 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Foldable design
JBL Tune 500BT has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Rechargeable battery
JBL Tune 500BT has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
More flexible connectivity
JBL Tune 500BT offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
On-device controls
JBL Tune 500BT includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
Quick mic mute
JBL Tune 500BT includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
Boom microphone included
JBL Tune 500BT includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
20 dB higher microphone SNR
JBL Tune 500BT has a higher microphone SNR than the average headphone (95 dB vs 75 dB). The average headphones have a microphone SNR of 75 dB.
EQ customization
JBL Tune 500BT supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.

Calls & Controls

Why is JBL Tune 500BT worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
JBL Tune 500BT has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Tangle-prone cable
JBL Tune 500BT uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
no tangle-free listening cable is present or specified.
No travel bag
JBL Tune 500BT does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
8 mm smaller driver size
JBL Tune 500BT has smaller driver size than the average headphone (32 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
JBL Tune 500BT has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
No neodymium magnet
JBL Tune 500BT does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
15 dB lower max SPL
JBL Tune 500BT has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (95 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
14 hours shorter battery life
JBL Tune 500BT has a lower battery life than the average headphone (16 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
50% lower battery capacity
JBL Tune 500BT has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (300 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
72.5 ms higher audio latency
JBL Tune 500BT has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (200 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
8 mm smaller driver size
JBL Tune 500BT has smaller driver size than the average headphone (32 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 Tune 500BT has smaller driver size than the average headphone (32 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.32 mm vs 40 mm
Fixed cable
JBL Tune 500BT has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.
Importance: MEDIUM
JBL Tune 500BT has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
72.5 ms higher audio latency
JBL Tune 500BT has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (200 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
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
JBL Tune 500BT has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (200 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.200 ms vs 127.5 ms
14 hours shorter battery life
JBL Tune 500BT has a lower battery life than the average headphone (16 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
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
JBL Tune 500BT has a lower battery life than the average headphone (16 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.16 hours vs 30 hours
2 Hz weaker bass extension
JBL Tune 500BT has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 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 Tune 500BT has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
50% lower battery capacity
JBL Tune 500BT has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (300 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
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
JBL Tune 500BT has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (300 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.300 mAh vs 600 mAh
Tangle-prone cable
JBL Tune 500BT uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
no tangle-free listening cable is present or specified.
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 Tune 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 Tune 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 Tune 500BT does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.

Graphic comparison of JBL Tune 500BT and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about JBL Tune 500BT?

Affordable price point offering great value for money
Rich and punchy 'Pure Bass' sound signature typical of JBL
Foldable and lightweight design makes them highly portable
Stable Bluetooth connectivity with multi-point support for two devices
Long-lasting battery life (approx. 16 hours) with quick charging capability
Simple and easy-to-use physical controls on the ear cup

What customers dislike about JBL Tune 500BT?

Tight clamping force can become uncomfortable during long listening sessions
Small on-ear pads may not fit all ear sizes comfortably
Build quality feels somewhat plasticky and budget-oriented
Uses an outdated Micro-USB port for charging instead of USB-C
Noticeable sound leakage at higher volumes due to on-ear design
Microphone quality can be inconsistent or muffled during calls
No option for wired use if the battery dies (no 3.5mm jack)

Expert reviews

headphonecheck.com

01/04/2020

JBL Tune 500BT Review

The JBL Tune 500BTGo is a pair of lightweight, foldable, wireless on-ear headphones praised for delivering a bass-rich, punchy sound profile that excels with hip-hop, R'n'B, and electronic music. On the plus side, the reviewer highlights their user-friendly pairing and a reliable Bluetooth 4.1 range of about ten meters. They also feature highly functional multipoint connectivity,...Read more

headphonesaddict.com

26/02/2021

JBL Tune 500BT Review: Budget On-Ears with Bass

The JBL Tune 500BT are budget-friendly, wireless on-ear headphones designed for casual listeners who prefer a bass-heavy sound profile. Priced under $50, these lightweight, closed-back headphones feature 32mm drivers and a foldable design that makes them highly portable for daily commutes or gym sessions. While the manufacturer promises 16 hours of battery life, testing revealed...Read more

headphonecheck.com

19/12/2018

JBL Tune 500BT Review

The JBL Tune 500BT is a pair of lightweight, foldable, plastic Bluetooth 4.1 on-ear headphones designed for mobile convenience and bass-heavy audio profiles. On the positive side, they offer a very rich, powerful bass performance that remains clear without muddying the mid and high frequencies, making them particularly well-suited for hip-hop, electro, and R'n'B genres. They feature...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

19/12/2018

JBL Tune 500BT review on kopfhoerer.de

The JBL Tune 500BT is a lightweight, foldable pair of wireless on-ear headphones designed for portability and a secure, comfortable fit without creating pressure points during long sessions. It stands out for its strong, bass-heavy audio profile that delivers rich sound in both the deep bass and fundamental tones without muddying the mid or high frequencies. A key benefit is its...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

05/01/2020

JBL Tune 500BT Review: A Bluetooth Headphone as Light as Its Price Tag

The Les Numériques review paints the JBL Tune 500BTGo as a highly budget-oriented, entry-level Bluetooth headphone that requires substantial compromises. On the positive side, it stands out for being remarkably lightweight at 153 grams and compact, featuring earcups that fold flat and inward for easy travel. It provides a punchy and hard-hitting sound profile heavily focused on...Read more

letemsvetemapplem.eu

16/02/2019

JBL Tune 500BT Review - Wireless for Everyone

The JBL Tune 500BT is an affordable, entry-level pair of wireless on-ear headphones designed for casual listeners looking to transition away from traditional wired options like Apple's standard EarPods. Weighing only 155 grams due to a lightweight plastic build, they offer a comfortable fit that stays secure during movement without causing headaches. The headphones feature...Read more

canarias.worten.es

22/11/2018

Performance Test: JBL Tune 500BT Bluetooth Headphones", "Review: JBL Tune 500BT Bluetooth Headphones

The JBL Tune 500 Bluetooth headphones offer a satisfactory, entry-level wireless experience featuring deep, punchy JBL Pure Bass, a 16-hour battery life with quick-charge capabilities, and a lightweight, foldable 155-gram design. Users appreciate the multi-point connection for switching between devices and the clear microphone performance for calls. However, the headset is...Read more

robadainformatici.it

24/09/2021

JBL Tune 500BT - Full review - Geeks' Stuff

The JBL Tune 500BT is a budget-friendly pair of on-ear wireless headphones that offers strong overall quality without relying on unreliable, unknown brands. Weighing only 155 grams, these headphones are highly portable, lightweight, and comfortable due to their soft ear pads and rotatable, foldable design. Audio performance is highly satisfactory for the price point, utilizing 32mm...Read more

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