JBL Tune 500BT Review – Just the Basics

We’re going to quickly go over the JBL Tune 500BT portable headphones today. These have been on the market for a while, and we thought it would be fun to check them out because of how cheap they are and how well they work. These headphones are pretty cheap, and they do have some good features, like the ability to work with smart assistants, 32mm drivers, and a 300 mAh battery. But in the last few years, companies like Soundcore, Soundpeats, and even Sony have made some great, low-cost products.

There are a lot of cheap wireless headphones on the market from different brands. Is the JBL Tune 500BT still worth the money? Well, we’ve been using it for a while now, and I just want to talk about some of my experiences with the 500BT. Allow us to begin!

Design + Fit

The headphones do have a pretty standard look, and they can be folded up like most current over-ear headphones. They aren’t as big as some other wireless headphones, like the Soundcore Q10 and Q30. Because of this, the earcups are also smaller, but they can be turned to give the headphones more options.

To be honest, after using it for a while, the headphones can get uncomfortable. I already said that the earcups are a bit small, and I had to take them off after two hours. In the same way, my wife also had problems with the earcups. Having said that, you should be fine if you don’t plan to use this for very long amounts of time.

Unlike other wireless headphones, however, the 500BTs do not have a 3.5mm audio jack in case you want to use them with a wired connection. But then again if you bought these headphones, you’re probably after their wireless capabilities.

Functions

As for controls, the JBL Tune does come with your usual array of power, volume and play buttons on the right earpiece. The center button can be used to play and pause music, as well as answer and hang up your phone calls. A quick double-tap can also summon Siri or Google Assistant, depending on which device you’re using it with.

Holding down either of the volume buttons can play the next or previous song as well. One cool feature is that you can connect two devices simultaneously to the headphones, although you can only listen to one at a time, you will be able to quickly switch between both devices by holding down the volume and the assistant button.

While JBL does have a headphone connectivity app available for download on smartphones, it, unfortunately, does not feature compatibility with the 500BTs. It’s not a terribly huge deal, but I do wish we had added functionality with the app.

Sound Quality + Usage

When it comes to sound quality, the 500BTs do have a bass-rich sound that makes listening to music fun. One of the things I look forward to most about getting JBL goods is that the bass usually sounds great. Good thing that this is the case with these headphones. However, compared to other wireless headphones, this one doesn’t have the strongest bass sound. However, keep in mind that this is a pretty cheap device, so there are sure to be some bugs.

It should be noted that there’s no active noise-canceling or any transparency modes on here, so you might still hear some external audio when listening to your music. Call quality is likewise decent, calls sounded clear and the headphones have microphone functionality.

As for battery life, the headphones can last up to 16 hours on a single charge. It does take around 2 hours to charge it from zero via the micro USB port. I do wish it supported USB Type-C though.

Closing

Alright so are the JBL Tune 500BTs worth your cash? Well, if you’re dead-set on purchasing them, you’re getting great battery life, a solid bass sound, and smart assistant compatibility. On the other hand, the headphones might feel a bit small for some users, there’s no active noise-canceling, no wired compatibility, or USB-C compatibility for that matter.

Nevertheless, I do think that for people looking for affordable headphones with good bass, the 500BTs should be a decent choice. But for a similar price, you can get the Anker Soundcore Life Q10s, which do have a more comfortable fit, longer battery life, and even a bass boost option.

Frequently Asked Questions: FAQs

1. What are the key features of the JBL Tune 500BT?
The key features of the JBL Tune 500BT include wireless Bluetooth connectivity, a lightweight and foldable design for portability, JBL Pure Bass sound technology, a built-in microphone for hands-free calls, and a long-lasting battery life.

2. What devices are compatible with the JBL Tune 500BT?
The JBL Tune 500BT is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. It can also be used with non-Bluetooth devices using a 3.5mm audio cable.

3. What is the battery life of the JBL Tune 500BT?
The JBL Tune 500BT offers a long-lasting battery life of up to 16 hours on a single charge, allowing for extended usage without frequent recharging.

4. Does the JBL Tune 500BT have a built-in microphone for calls?
Yes, the JBL Tune 500BT comes equipped with a built-in microphone and controls on the ear cup, allowing users to answer calls, adjust volume, and manage music playback without reaching for their device.

5. Does the JBL Tune 500BT support voice assistants?
Yes, the JBL Tune 500BT is compatible with voice assistants such as Siri and Google Assistant, allowing users to access hands-free voice commands and notifications.