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jbl live 500bt review

JBL Live 500BT Review

True Score

75
Award Icon
Mixed Reviews
70
4

Experts

90
73

Consumers

Expert Rankings

  • rtings logo
  • JqU QGRABA4Z Gq1cIqW0Zf7QfdlSyUnp0qmjPDaus
  • pcmag logo 2

Overall, the JBL Live 650BTNC headphones are ideal for music and casual listening, as they have a good sound profile and strong battery life. But if you can spend more, consider upgrading to a different model for better noise cancellation and comfort.

The Snapshot

our Verdict

The JBL Live 500BT headphones fit tight around the head, which can be uncomfortable for long listening sessions. Also, both the housing and frame creak during use, given they’re made of cheaper plastic. However, sound-wise, they provide great audio quality and customization options, making them suitable for most music genres. However, they have a passive soundstage, which detracts from the audio experience. The battery life is impressive, tested at over 30 hours of continuous battery life, but the lack of active noise cancellation and sub-par noise isolation limit their effectiveness for commuting or noisy environments. While the EQ options are available, they may…

The JBL Live 500BT headphones fit tight around the head, which can be uncomfortable for long listening sessions. Also, both the housing and frame creak during use, given they’re made of cheaper plastic.

However, sound-wise, they provide great audio quality and customization options, making them suitable for most music genres. However, they have a passive soundstage, which detracts from the audio experience.

The battery life is impressive, tested at over 30 hours of continuous battery life, but the lack of active noise cancellation and sub-par noise isolation limit their effectiveness for commuting or noisy environments.

While the EQ options are available, they may not always deliver a noticeable improvement in sound. The volume levels are satisfactory for most users, but pushing it too high can result in audio quality loss.

True Score

75

Reasons to Buy

  • Decent audio reproduction
  • Amazing battery life
  • Great full parametric EQ for audio customization
  • Powerful bass depth and crisp, sculpted highs
  • App includes adjustable EQ and ambient listening modes

Reasons to Avoid

  • Tight fit and can get uncomfortable after a while
  • No active noise cancellation setting
  • Sub-par noise isolation
  • Sound signature not for purists
  • Voice assistance requires pressing a button

Specifications

  • Battery Charge Time
  • Battery Life
    30 hours
  • Built In Microphone
    Yes
  • Built-In Voice Assistant
  • Environment/Transparency Mode
  • Water Resistant
    na
  • Weight
  • Wireless Connectivity
    Bluetooth

What Is Not On the Box

What the brand doesn’t always tell you…

Announced in late 2020, the JBL Live 500BT headphones are an entry-level alternative offering a battery life that lasts up to 30 hours. As per the manufacturer, they are ideal for casual music listening.

The headphones don’t have Active Noise Canceling, but they can connect to two devices through Bluetooth and also allow sound customization through the JBL Headphones app – pretty typical of the best headphones on the market.

They have an integrated microphone, and their controls are situated on the left ear cup. The headphones don’t have a carrying pouch, but they ship with a USB to a micro-USB charging cable.

The headphones can be used with a voice assistant, and they also have Ambient Aware technology to keep owners aware of their surroundings while music plays. Check out our list of the best over-ear headphones for alternatives that are easier to travel with.

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Product Comparison

All Stores

  • JBL LIVE 500BT - Around-Ear Wireless Headphone - White (Renewed)
    $78.99

    Availability

    In Stock

    Free Shipping

    Yes
  • JBL Live 500BT On-Ear Wireless Headphones with Voice Assistant (Black)
    Save $55
    $154.50
    $99.99

    Availability

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    Free Shipping

    Yes

Score Card

E

Expert Score

70

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

90

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

75

Any product with a True Score above 70 is a Mixed Reviews

Expert Score Breakdown

  • Rtings
    A

    Trust Score

    70
    The JBL Live 500BT are good for neutral listening. They have a powerful bass that… read more
  • Which?
    D

    Trust Score

    NR
    The JBL Live 500BT headphones are over-ear wireless headphones, with built-in Alexa and Google Assistant… read more
  • PC Mag
    D

    Trust Score

    70
    The JBL Live 500BT wireless headphones support Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control and… read more
  • Choice
    F

    Trust Score

    NR
    “No bottom line found for this product” read more

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