Shopping for new headphones can be overwhelming. Think about this for a moment – do you shell out a few more bucks and go for the latest noise-cancelling model, or perhaps stick with the budget pick? Well, today we’re comparing two popular wireless headphones – the Sony WH-CH720N and JBL Tune 510BT; the former set being an more affordable version of the Sony’s flagship ANC options, while the latter comes at a significantly lower price tag but sacrifices some features that some would argue are essential like ANC and a 3.5 mm jack.
Below you will find our comprehensive analyses for both models. Join us as we break down key details such as sound, comfort, and battery life to help decide the perfect headphones for you!
- Battery Life: 50 Hours (35 w/ ANC)
- ANC: Decent Performance
- Sound: Bassy & Full
- Cost: $$
- Battery Life: 40 Hours
- ANC: N/A
- Sound: Warm & Balanced
- Cost: $
Table of Contents
Key Feature Comparison Table
| Features | Sony WH-CH720N | JBL Tune 510BT |
| Type of Headphones | Over-ear | On-ear |
| Weight | 6.77 oz | 5.6 oz |
| Total Battery Life | Up to 50 hours (35 with ANC) | Up to 40 hours |
| ANC Support | Yes | No |
| Wired Connection | Yes | No |
| Fast Charging | 3 minutes = 1 hour | 5 minutes = 2 hours |
| Charging Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Multipoint | Yes | Yes |
| Codec Support | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| App Support | Yes | No |
| Customizable EQ | Yes | No |
| Included Case | No | No |
Which Headphones Have Better Battery Life?
The Sony WH-CH720N headphones feature a longer battery life, with up to 50 hours of playback and 35 hours with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) enabled. In comparison, the JBL Tune 510BT wireless headset still offers an impressive 40 hours of battery although it lacks ANC capabilities entirely.
Fast charging for both models is made possible through USB-C cables. In terms of a quick boost, the JBL 510BT on-ear headphones have the ability to gain 2 hours of playback for every 5 minutes of charge. The WH-CH720N only lasts a similar 60 minutes with 3 minutes of quick charging.
Overall, you’d have no problem with both models when battery power is considered. The Sony model excels with the longer overall battery life, while they have similar fast-charging specs.
App Support & Connectivity
The Sony WH-CH720N set features more connectivity options. Most notably, they support wired playback versus the JBL Tune 510BT’s strictly wireless design. Moreover, the WH-CH720N’s 3.5 mm jack is not merely for emergency purposes as wired playback quality is still superior in this day and age – it provides lossless audio not subject to limitations of typical Bluetooth codecs.
Both headphones utilize Bluetooth 5.0 or 5.2, so connections should be solid and stable. They also feature multipoint technology that enables you to seamlessly switch between two or more Bluetooth devices through the touch of a button. For audio codec support, SBC and AAC come standard.
Only the Sony WH-CH720N has a companion app that lets you customize EQ and adjust bass — Sony Headphones Connect. In summary, the WH-CH720N headphones outmatch the JBL Tune 510BT due to wired support and app support.
Comparing Designs: JBL Tune 510BT vs Sony WH-CH720N
Both of these wireless Bluetooth headphones are different when it comes to form and wearability. Starting with the weight, the Sony WH-CH720N are a tad heavier at 6.77 oz compared to the JBL Tune 510BT at 5.6 oz. More significant are their wearing styles – the Sonys utilize an over-ear form while the JBLs are designed for on-ear listening. On-ear headsets are more likely to cause listening fatigue over long periods compared to over-ear designs that prioritize sound quality with larger drivers.
The Portability edge goes to the JBL Tune 510BT. They are foldable and therefore easier to store in say, your desk or even a handbag. The same can’t be said for the WH-CH720N headphones, as their ear cups can only swivel to a limited point. Moreover, complementary carry cases don’t come with either purchase.
While the Sony set has several physical buttons embedded beside its left and right ear cups for controlling ANC and voice assistant interaction in addition to power and volume control, the JBL model only has a simplistic panel of four multi-functional physical buttons on the right band. The JBL Tune 510BT’s IP67 rating for dust and water resistance is another factor to consider; the Sony WH-CH720N lacks this feature entirely.
Sound Quality
General sound quality is good for both models, as they come with bass-heavy sound profiles by default. This adds thump on genres like hip hop and EDM but risks muddiness. Users will get a little more bass from the WH-CH720N. Both have accurate mids with fairly present vocals. For treble, the JBL headphones are pretty neutral, while the Sony WH-CH720N is a slightly undermphasized.
Just like the Sony WH-CH520 wireless headset, 360 Reality Audio, also known as Spatial Sound, is available for the WH-CH720N. The JBL Tune 510BT doesn’t have this or other similar advanced features. Keep in mind that only the Sony WH-CH720N can be paired with its companion app (Sony Headphones Connect) for EQ customization, future updates, and more. Available for free on mobile phones, it’s one of the best companion apps available for headphones.
Additionally, both headphones contain built-in microphones. Mic quality of both these models is decent for video or phone calls, but professional or studio use is not recommended. In conclusion, the WH-CH720N are more flexible in the sense that you can wirelessly tweak sound profiles to your liking, while the JBLs are a decent, albeit restricted, option for those who want a little bass in a mostly neutral sound signature.
Active Noise Cancellation Performance
Active noise cancellation comes standard with the Sony WH-CH720N headsets. Their ANC capabilities are decent, blocking out mid to high-frequency ambient noise fairly well. However, the WH-CH720N overall noise-cancelling capabilities are just okay. They particularly struggle with reducing low-frequency background noise like plane engines. Don’t expect premium ANC performance, but they can be effective. Ambient sound can be triggered on and off by pressing a physical button located at the right ear cup. Please note that activating ANC decreases the device’s battery life significantly.
On the other hand, the JBL Tune 510BT’s ear pads may passively block background noise, but to a negligible degree. They lack any actual active noise-cancelling features.
In Conclusion: Better Budget Sony Headphones?
- Battery Life: 50 Hours (35 w/ ANC)
- ANC: Decent Performance
- Sound: Bassy & Full
- Cost: $$
- Battery Life: 40 Hours
- ANC: N/A
- Sound: Warm & Balanced
- Cost: $
The Sony WH-CH720N and JBL Tune 510BT are quality headphones, but they hit different price points. A quick price comparison yields a starting price of $149 for the WH-CH720N versus $50 for the JBL Tune 510BT.
As you can see, the JBL Tune 510BT’s redeeming qualities are price and portability — they are built for casual listeners and commuters who don’t need advanced noise-cancelling features. On the other hand, Sony’s WH-CH720N headphones excel in the areas of app support, battery capacity, and adjustable sound quality. Their noise cancellation abilities are decent but not outstanding.
So if you plan to listen in quiet environments or aren’t bothered by ambient noise, and want a lightweight on-ear design, the JBL Tune 510BT remain a solid choice. But if you want a Bluetooth over-the-ear headset design with customizable sound, active noise cancellation, and extra features, then the WH-CH720N might be the wiser investment.
Alternatives Headphones and Similar Options
Check out our complete guide here for the top noise-cancelling headphones overall. You can find several comparisons below for headphones that are similar in price and feature set:
- Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-CH720N
- Sony WH-CH720N vs Sony WH-CH520
- Sony WH-CH520 vs JBL Tune 510BT
- Sony WH-CH720N vs Sony WH-CH520
- Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-CH720N
Comparison List: Sony WH-CH720N vs Sony WH-CH520
Headphone Type:
The Sony WH-CH720N are full-sized over-ear headphones with comfortable padding. This style helps provide good noise isolation and extended comfort for long listening sessions. Meanwhile, the JBL Tune 510BT employs an on-ear design. This allows for a more lightweight feel but can cause discomfort over time.
Battery Life:
The Sony WH-CH720N’s battery can store up to 50 hours worth of playback, or 35 hours with ANC enabled. In contrast, the JBL Tune 510BT offers around 40 hours of battery life. For travel, office use, or other long sessions, the extra 10+ hours of the Sony set are a major advantage.
Weight:
At 6.77 ounces, the Sony headphone are slightly heavier than the JBL which come in at 5.6 ounces. However, this minor 1 ounce difference won’t be very noticeable in use. The JBLs are better than Sony in terms of portability since they can be folded and stored more easily.
Active Noise-Cancelling:
The Sony WH-CH720N feature decent active noise cancelling technology to help isolate louder frequencies. The JBL Tune 510BT do not include ANC.
Passive Playback:
The Sony WH-CH720N allow for wired listening with no battery required. This is useful for saving battery life. Wired playback is known to provide better results (e.g. high-quality, lossless audio). The JBL Tune 510BT do not support passive playback.
Supported Codecs:
Both the Sony and JBL support SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs which offer decent audio quality. Unfortunately, a high-end audio codec for Bluetooth devices like LDAC is unsupported. For most users though, SBC and AAC will work fine.
Fast Charging:
JBL 510BT on-ear headphones last 2 hours with 5 minutes of quick charging, while the WH-CH720N lasts an hour after 3 minutes of charging.
Charging Connection:
Both the Sony WH-CH720N and JBL Tune 510BT use the increasingly standard USB-C charging connection.
Bluetooth Connectivity:
The Sony headphones utilize the latest Bluetooth 5.2 compared to version 5.0 on the JBL. Both also support multipoint to connect two devices simultaneously.
Companion App Support:
Only the Sony WH-CH720N has a companion app that allows you to customize the EQ and sound profile. The JBL Tune 510BT does not have app support.
Included Case:
Unfortunately, neither headphone comes with a carrying case or pouch included. You’d need to purchase one separately if you want a case.
Keith Collins has been writing for over 15 years for various publications. He’s a lover of music, home theater, and excellent sound quality. His fondness for technology in addition to his non-stop curiosity fuels his writing ventures.