Home Headphones Jbl Tune 520Bt Vs. Apple Airpods Max

Jbl Tune 520Bt Vs. Apple Airpods Max Review

Last updated on Apr 13, 2023   9 minute read
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Apple AirPods Max

Apple AirPods Max

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Reasons why you might like the Apple AirPods Max

Overall Score 5.8 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Weight of 384.8 g
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Anc)
  • Battery Life of 20 hours
  • Can Be Used Wirelessly
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode
VS
JBL Tune 520BT

JBL Tune 520BT

See price on Amazon

Reasons why you might like the JBL Tune 520BT

Overall Score 5.5 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Weight of 160 g
  • Battery Life of 57 hours
  • Can Be Used Wirelessly

Jbl Tune 520Bt Vs. Apple Airpods Max Review In Summary

Category Features Apple AirPods Max JBL Tune 520BT
DESIGN weight 384.8g 160g
has a detachable cable
can be folded
has a tangle free cable
cable length 1.2meters
has an over-the-ear foam
has an on-ear foam
has stereo speakers
SOUND QUALITY has active noise cancellation (anc)
has passive noise reduction
lowest frequency 20Hz 20Hz
highest frequency 20,000Hz 20,000Hz
sound pressure level 109dB/mW 103dB/mW
driver unit size 40mm 30mm
impedance 47Ohms 32Ohms
has a neodymium magnet
POWER battery life 20hours 57hours
charge time 2hours 2hours
has a battery level indicator
battery power 664mAh 450mAh
has a rechargeable battery
CONNECTIVITY can be used wirelessly
bluetooth version v5 v5.3
has usb type-c
has aac
maximum bluetooth range 10meters 10meters
MICROPHONE number of microphones 9only 2only
has a noise-canceling microphone
mic sensitivity -29dBV/Pa
EXTRAS has ambient sound mode
has in/on-ear detection
has a mute function
multipoint count 2only 2only
control panel placed on a device
can be used as a headset
warranty period 1years 1years
travel bag is included
has dolby atmos
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Jbl Tune 520Bt Vs. Apple Airpods Max Review In Detail

Design

Weight

Apple AirPods Max 384.8g
JBL Tune 520BT 160g

JBL Tune 520BT have a weight of 160g, these weigh below 320g, which we consider as the highest average a headphone should weigh for comfort during long use. We consider a lower weight better for the reason that lighter devices are more comfortable to carry.

The Apple AirPods Max, at 384.8g are heavier than the JBL Tune 520BT with a difference 224.8g

Has A Detachable Cable

Apple AirPods Max
JBL Tune 520BT

Detachable cables are cables that have connectors on both ends. One end goes into your headphone earpieces, while the other end is inserted into a source device. Some new headphones, and not just the expensive ones, are coming with detachable cables, JBL Tune 520BT are one of those.

Can Be Folded

Apple AirPods Max
JBL Tune 520BT

JBL Tune 520BT are foldable, which makes them more portable. Foldable headphones are easier to transport and take up less storage space.

Has A Tangle Free Cable

Apple AirPods Max
JBL Tune 520BT

Twisted headphone cables can be a great source of annoyance and inconvenience, JBL Tune 520BT's cable is designed to minimize tangling. Constant twisting of the cables can also lead to microfractures in the copper wires, affecting sound quality, or completely damaging your headphones.

Cable Length

Apple AirPods Max
JBL Tune 520BT 1.2meters

A long cable ensures more freedom of movement, but remember that every cable based on the conducting material used has a certain amount of parasitic resistance, inductance, and capacitance. How much depends on the length and construction. JBL Tune 520BT comes with a 1.2meters cable.

Has An Over-The-Ear Foam

Apple AirPods Max
JBL Tune 520BT

Over-ear headphones have larger earpads that fit around your entire ear Apple AirPods Max have a comfortable full-size form with earcups that fully enclose your ears. This design is loved for its increased sound isolation and the fact that it won't leak sound to your neighbors.

Has An On-Ear Foam

Apple AirPods Max
JBL Tune 520BT

On-ear headphones have smaller earpads that sit on top of your ears, this JBL Tune 520BT comfortably rests on top of your outer ears. As it doesn't block out everything from the outside world, it's preferred in places like office environments and recommended for outdoor activities.

Has Stereo Speakers

Apple AirPods Max
JBL Tune 520BT

JBL Tune 520BT have stereo speakers, what this means is that JBL Tune 520BT's speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, this creates a richer sound and a better listening experience.

Both Apple AirPods Max and JBL Tune 520BT have stereo speakers

Apple AirPods Max
See price on Amazon

Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Anc)

Apple AirPods Max
JBL Tune 520BT

Active noise cancellation uses more advanced technology to reduce unwanted ambient sounds. How it works, it listens to the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and then generates a mirror signal to cancel it out. In simple terms, it's like taking +1 outside (noise from your surrounding) and adding -1 inside (counter sound within the device) to make zero hence "diluting" the noise.

Apple AirPods Max allow you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue as you don't have to crank up the volume to overcome background noise.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Apple AirPods Max
JBL Tune 520BT

Passive Noise Cancellation uses well-designed ear cups to seal out unwanted noise. This is used for both in-ear earphones and over-ear headphones where the headphone itself will keep surrounding noise out. The JBL Tune 520BT sits tightly in place, creating an acoustic seal that reduces background noise and prevents your music from leaking out.

Both of these devices have passive noise reduction which means that also the Apple AirPods Max isolates you from ambient noise instead of actively using technology to cancel it out.

Lowest Frequency

Apple AirPods Max 20Hz
JBL Tune 520BT 20Hz

Low-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio component reproduces low audible frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal on the way through. JBL Tune 520BT's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, the lower the low-frequency response, the stronger and juicier the bass.

Apple AirPods Max's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this means that both devices produce equal bass

Highest Frequency

Apple AirPods Max 20,000Hz
JBL Tune 520BT 20,000Hz

High frequency response measures if and how well an audio device reproduces high audible frequencies and if it changes to the signal while at it. JBL Tune 520BT's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, the higher the high-frequency response, the clearer and crispier the treble.

Apple AirPods Max's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this implies that both devices produce equal treble

Sound Pressure Level

Apple AirPods Max 109dB/mW
JBL Tune 520BT 103dB/mW

Sound pressure is the average variation in atmospheric pressure caused by the sound, the sound level .i.e how loud something is can be perceived differently by different people so we need to have a way of getting an objective measurement of sound level expressed in numerical terms.

The sound pressure level, SPL, is the pressure level of a sound, measured in decibels, dB, JBL Tune 520BT's measurement is 103dB/mW. Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.

Apple AirPods Max's sound pressure level measurement is 109dB/mW.

Driver Unit Size

Apple AirPods Max 40mm
JBL Tune 520BT 30mm

The driver unit is basically a mini speaker that produces sound in the device, its size dictates the loudness of the headphone. JBL Tune 520BT driver unit is 30mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful and can produce better bass.

Apple AirPods Max driver unit is 40mm in diameter, making them have a larger driver unit than that of JBL Tune 520BT by 10mm , many people have a misconception that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.

However, large drivers usually have difficulty reproducing high frequencies so it's true that, larger drivers are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not mean that they deliver better sound.

Impedance

Apple AirPods Max 47Ohms
JBL Tune 520BT 32Ohms

Impedance is the device's resistance to the electromagnetic current, as electricity flows through a conductor, it experiences electrical resistance that counters the flow of current. The resistance of a wire is measured in ohms. JBL Tune 520BT's impedance is 32Ohms, the lower the impedance, the easier it is to get higher volume and requires less power.

Apple AirPods Max's impedance is 47Ohms. The impedance of earbuds is the electrical resistance of the driver unit present on the inside.

Has A Neodymium Magnet

Apple AirPods Max
JBL Tune 520BT

Neodymium magnets if used in audio devices produce a higher sensitivity and substantial sound output using less power to do so. They can help produce music at quite a high sound pressure level, SPL, with the use of high magnetic flux. The Apple AirPods Max have this type of magnet.

Power

Battery Life

Apple AirPods Max 20hours
JBL Tune 520BT 57hours

If your headphones play wirelessly, cancel ambient noise, or enhance your listening experience with active features, their battery life will reduce over time. The device's battery life is given by the manufacturer, with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and have to charge the device less often. JBL Tune 520BT's battery life is 57 hours

Apple AirPods Max's battery life is 20 hours. Each time you recharge your headphones, they get a little less listening time. The effect is barely noticeable at first. But over a few years, you may find that your device, no longer plays for long like it used to.

Charge Time

Apple AirPods Max 2hours
JBL Tune 520BT 2hours

It takes 2 hours to fully charge the JBL Tune 520BT's battery. It is recommended to fully charge the battery before using the headphones for the first time or when they have been unused for extended periods.

Apple AirPods Max takes 2 hours to fully charge the battery

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Apple AirPods Max
JBL Tune 520BT

JBL Tune 520BT have a battery level indicator, an indicator shows you when the device has a low battery. The battery indicator lights show the charging status of your headphones.

Apple AirPods Max too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators allow you to determine the charging state of your headphones, whether fully charged, or the battery is running low.

Battery Power

Apple AirPods Max 664mAh
JBL Tune 520BT 450mAh

Battery power, or battery capacity, represents the amount of electrical energy that a battery can store. JBL Tune 520BT's battery power is 450mAh, more battery power can be an indication of longer battery life.

Apple AirPods Max's battery power is 664mAh.

Has A Rechargeable Battery

Apple AirPods Max
JBL Tune 520BT

A rechargeable battery is a type of electrical battery that can be charged, discharged into a load, and recharged many times, as opposed to a disposable or primary battery, which is supplied fully charged and discarded after use. JBL Tune 520BT's battery can be recharged and used over again.

The Apple AirPods Max too have a rechargeable battery.

Apple AirPods Max
See price on Amazon

Connectivity

Can Be Used Wirelessly

Apple AirPods Max
JBL Tune 520BT

JBL Tune 520BT can be used wirelessly, wireless devices allow you more freedom of movement.

The Apple AirPods Max also can be used wirelessly

Bluetooth Version

Apple AirPods Max v5
JBL Tune 520BT v5.3

Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. JBL Tune 520BT has a v5.3

Apple AirPods Max has a Bluetooth version of v5. Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Has Usb Type-C

Apple AirPods Max
JBL Tune 520BT

JBL Tune 520BT support USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power on a single cable. The USB-C plug is now part and parcel of most current laptops, phones, and tablets, it features reversible plug orientation and cable direction.

Has Aac

Apple AirPods Max
JBL Tune 520BT

JBL Tune 520BT support AAC, a codec that is used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate.

The Apple AirPods Max support AAC as well. Designed to be the successor of the MP3 format, AAC generally achieves higher sound quality than MP3 encoders at the same bit rate.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Apple AirPods Max 10meters
JBL Tune 520BT 10meters

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology standard that is used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances. The JBL Tune 520BT can connect at a 10meters distance via Bluetooth or infrared to another device.

The Apple AirPods Max can connect at a 10meters distance via Bluetooth

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

Apple AirPods Max 9only
JBL Tune 520BT 2only

JBL Tune 520BT have only 2 microphones, more microphones result in better sound quality and enable the device to filter out background noise.

The Apple AirPods Max microphones are only 9.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Apple AirPods Max
JBL Tune 520BT

Apple AirPods Max use a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are designed to filter out background noise from the desired sound. Especially useful in noisy environments.

Mic Sensitivity

Apple AirPods Max
JBL Tune 520BT -29dBV/Pa

The magnitude of the analog or digital output signal from the microphone with that input stimulus is a measure of its sensitivity. Microphone sensitivity is a measurement of a microphone's efficiency as a transducer (how well it converts acoustical energy to electrical energy). JBL Tune 520BT microphone sensitivity is measured at -29dBV/Pa

Apple AirPods Max
See price on Amazon

Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Apple AirPods Max
JBL Tune 520BT

Apple AirPods Max support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to pass through ambient noises so that they can still be heard. It’s useful when you want to listen to music but also be aware of what’s happening around you, for example when you’re having a jog but would still want to be able to hear traffic.

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Apple AirPods Max
JBL Tune 520BT

Apple AirPods Max support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when they are removed from your ears so that the music is paused, saving battery life and improving your listening experience while at it.

Has A Mute Function

Apple AirPods Max
JBL Tune 520BT

Apple AirPods Max have a mute function, they have an option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device. The mute function means that you unilaterally turn off the microphone, but you can still hear the other party's voice.

Multipoint Count

Apple AirPods Max 2only
JBL Tune 520BT 2only

JBL Tune 520BT support multipoint, which allows you to link to more Bluetooth devices and switch between them. For example, you can easily switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.

The Apple AirPods Max support multipoint count. Bluetooth multipoint would come in handy because you can be on one call without missing notifications coming from another device.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Apple AirPods Max
JBL Tune 520BT

There is a control panel on the JBL Tune 520BT body, so you can easily access the volume control or remote without having to interact with a cable or another device it's connected to.

The Apple AirPods Max too have a control panel on them.

Can Be Used As A Headset

Apple AirPods Max
JBL Tune 520BT

JBL Tune 520BT can be used as a headset. A headset is one headphone or pair with a built-in microphone. Headsets can be used for apps that require communication i.e. Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, games with voice chat, mobile phones, etc.

Apple AirPods Max can be used as a headset. since they have a built-in microphone

Warranty Period

Apple AirPods Max 1years
JBL Tune 520BT 1years

The period of time that warrant free repair and adjustment services in case of a malfunction occurring under normal use that has followed instruction manuals. When covered under the manufacturer’s warranty it is possible to get a replacement in the case of a malfunction. JBL Tune 520BT have a warranty period of 1 years

The Apple AirPods Max have a warranty period of 1years.

Travel Bag Is Included

Apple AirPods Max
JBL Tune 520BT

Carrying headphones without a case, or putting them in bags without a casing can easily put them at risk of getting damaged. The Apple AirPods Max come with their own special case or pouch, which is useful for safe transportation.

Has Dolby Atmos

Apple AirPods Max
JBL Tune 520BT

Dolby Atmos is a surround sound technology that allows sounds to be interpreted as three-dimensional objects. Apple AirPods Max have Dolby Atmos, which allows them to have immersive, 360-degree sound.