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JBL Tune 500 Review (2025): Budget On-Ear Headphones with Real “Pure Bass” Value
Last Updated: August 17, 2025 • By Majenas Team • Category: Tech
Need wired headphones that sound fun, work with calls, and won’t chew through your budget? The JBL Tune 500 has been a campus, commute, and “backup pair” favorite for years—thanks to its Pure Bass tuning, 1-button remote/mic, and flat tangle-free cable. If you want plug-and-play simplicity for music, podcasts, and Zoom without battery anxiety, you’re in the right review. See today’s price on Amazon.
Product Overview
The JBL Tune 500 is a wired, closed-back, on-ear (supra-aural) headset tuned with the brand’s signature Pure Bass profile. It includes a 1-button in-line remote with microphone for calls and voice assistants, plus a flat, tangle-resistant cable and a foldable, lightweight frame designed for daily portability. Official JBL pages list a 32 Ω impedance and a 20 Hz–20 kHz stated frequency response—right in the sweet spot for laptops and phones via 3.5 mm (or a dongle). :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Why this model still wins in 2025: it’s simple and dependable. No batteries to charge, no app to learn—just that familiar JBL punch for pop, hip-hop, and YouTube, backed by a mic that handles quick calls and voice prompts. If your day bounces between Spotify, lectures, and quick meetings, the Tune 500 hits a budget-friendly balance of fun sound and real-world convenience. (Specs/feature highlights also corroborated by major retailer listings.) :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Key Features & Benefits
- JBL Pure Bass Sound: A lively, bass-forward tuning that adds weight to pop, R&B, and EDM while keeping vocals forward enough for podcasts and YouTube. (Marketing positioning from JBL.) :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- 1-Button Remote & Mic: Take calls, pause/play, and trigger Siri/Google with a single inline button—no menu digging. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Tangle-Free Flat Cable: Flatter jacket design resists knots in backpacks and coat pockets, extending cable life.
- Lightweight & Foldable: Earcups collapse inward; easy to stash in a sling or laptop sleeve for commuters and students. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Easy to Drive (32 Ω): Works well from phones (via 3.5 mm or dongle), tablets, and laptops without an external amp. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Budget-Friendly: Often priced in the entry tier yet delivers brand-name tuning and a usable mic for day-to-day life. (Check current price on Amazon at the CTA below.)
Watch the Tune 500 in Action
See the size, folding, and inline remote. Tap to open the video on Amazon:
Specifications
| Model | JBL Tune 500 (wired on-ear), with 1-button remote + mic |
| Design | Closed-back, on-ear; lightweight & foldable |
| Drivers | Dynamic (brand literature: 32 mm class) |
| Impedance | 32 Ω (easy to power from mobile devices) |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz (manufacturer rated) |
| Cable | Flat, tangle-resistant cable with 3.5 mm plug; in-line 1-button remote & mic |
Specs sourced from JBL product pages and retail listings. Always confirm the regional SKU you’re buying. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
See Full Specs & Availability on Amazon
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Performance Tests & Real-Life Use
Everyday Listening (Pop, R&B, Podcasts)
The Tune 500 leans into a warm, bass-friendly curve with crisp, slightly boosted upper mids for speech intelligibility. Vocals stay surprisingly clear given the elevated low end. If your playlists jump from playlists to podcasts to TikTok edits, this profile feels engaging without getting sharp on compressed audio—classic “Pure Bass” voicing. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Calls, Class & Meetings
The 1-button inline mic is clutch on laptops and tablets with 3.5 mm inputs (or via a dongle on newer phones). It won’t beat a dedicated USB headset for noise rejection, but for quick calls and voice notes it performs reliably. (Feature set confirmed across JBL/retailer pages.) :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Commuting & Portability
At this price point, good design matters more than bells and whistles. The flat cable really does reduce pocket knots, and the foldable earcups tuck into compact spaces. For buses and trains, passive isolation is solid if you seat the pads properly—a quick earcup adjustment usually helps.
Gaming & Handhelds
As a basic listening headset, the Tune 500 works fine with Switch, Steam Deck, or game controllers. For voice chat, the inline mic is serviceable; just make sure your controller or dongle passes mic over TRRS (4-pole) 3.5 mm, which most do today.
Fit & Comfort
On-ear comfort is personal. The Tune 500’s clamp is moderate, but after 2–3 hours some users with glasses may feel pressure on ear cartilage (typical of supra-aural designs). A brief pad break every couple of hours helps, and pad angle/position makes a big difference in seal and bass.
Why 32 Ω Matters (and when you need an amp)
At 32 Ω, the Tune 500 is easy to drive from phones and laptops. As a rule of thumb, you want the source’s output impedance to be far lower than the headphone’s input impedance to avoid tone shifts and volume loss (classic audio matching guidance). That’s one reason most consumer cans fall in the 16–64 Ω range for mobile devices. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Buyer Reviews (Summarized)
- Bang for the buck: “Punchy bass and handy mic for the price.”
- Portability: “Flat cable + foldable cups = perfect for backpacks.”
- Comfort: “Lightweight, but on-ear pressure builds after long sessions.”
- Durability: “Cable holds up better than typical round cords; still, be gentle at the plug.”
Sentiments above are synthesized from recurring themes across retailer listings and user discussions to avoid quoting individual reviews verbatim.
Competitor Comparison
Shopping around? Here’s how the Tune 500 stacks up against two crowd-favorite budget wired models.
| Model | Type | Drivers | Impedance | Freq. Response | Cable/Mic | Stand-out | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JBL Tune 500 | On-ear, closed | ~32 mm dynamic (class) | 32 Ω | 20 Hz–20 kHz | Flat cable + inline mic (1-button) | Pure Bass tuning + quick calls | Pop/hip-hop fans, students, commuters |
| Sony MDR-ZX110 | On-ear, closed | 30 mm dynamic | 24 Ω | 12 Hz–22 kHz | Y-cable; L-shaped 3.5 mm (ZX110AP has mic) | Balanced, easy listening; ultra-affordable | Podcasts, classrooms, backups |
| Panasonic RP-HT161 | Over-ear, closed | 30 mm dynamic | 32 Ω | ~10 Hz–27 kHz (varies by region) | Long 2 m cable; no mic | Bigger cushions, relaxed fit | Home listening, call-free desk work |
Specs verified via official brand pages and retailer listings for each model. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the JBL Tune 500 have a microphone?
Yes. The Tune 500 includes a 1-button in-line remote and mic for calls and voice assistants. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Is the JBL Tune 500 noise-cancelling?
No active noise cancelling (ANC). It’s a passive closed-back design that reduces outside noise by seal and pad pressure.
Is JBL Tune 500 good for gaming?
For casual listening and quick chat, yes. Ensure your controller/dongle supports TRRS (mic + audio) on the 3.5 mm jack. For competitive play, a dedicated gaming headset may isolate voice better.
Do I need a headphone amp for Tune 500?
No. With a 32 Ω impedance, the Tune 500 is designed for phones and laptops. Keeping source impedance low relative to headphone impedance avoids volume/tone loss. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Which is better: JBL Tune 500 or Sony MDR-ZX110?
Tune 500 = bass-boosted + mic. ZX110 = balanced, lighter bass, and the non-AP version lacks a mic. Choose mic + punchy sound (JBL) vs. ultra-budget balance (Sony). :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Buying Guide: How to Choose Budget Wired Headphones (2025)
1) Fit: On-Ear vs Over-Ear
On-ear (Tune 500, ZX110): compact, portable, lighter—but clamp pressure can build on long sessions. Over-ear (RP-HT161): larger cushions around the ear, generally more comfortable for hours, but bulkier for travel. (Panasonic model is a classic budget over-ear reference.) :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
2) Cable & Mic
If you take calls, inline remote + mic is a must (Tune 500, ZX110AP). Flat or braided cables tangle less and may last longer at the pocket and plug. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
3) Impedance & Source Matching
For phones/laptops, 16–64 Ω is typically optimal; higher impedances can require more voltage (amp). Matching a low output impedance source with a higher headphone impedance keeps the frequency response consistent. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
4) Sound Profile
Budget headphones usually fall into three camps: bass-forward (JBL Pure Bass), balanced (Sony ZX series), and warm/relaxed over-ear (Panasonic RP-HT161). Pick based on your playlists and whether you prioritize thump or clarity. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
5) Build & Comfort
Look for foldable hinges, flat or reinforced cables, and replaceable pads (when available). Comfort depends on clamp force and pad material—if you wear glasses, over-ears tend to press less on cartilage.
Learn more: Official JBL Tune 500 page •
Shure: Headphone specs explained. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
Final Verdict: Is the JBL Tune 500 Worth It?
Yes—if you want a bass-friendly, no-charging, call-ready headset under budget. The JBL Tune 500 nails the essentials: fun sound, inline mic, flat cable, and foldable portability. If you’re a speech-heavy listener who prefers balanced tuning, the Sony MDR-ZX110 (or ZX110AP for calls) is a strong alternative; if you need plush comfort for long sessions, the over-ear Panasonic RP-HT161 is hard to beat for the price. But for most students, commuters, and casual listeners, the Tune 500 is the “grab-and-go” champ you won’t stress about.
Get the JBL Tune 500 on Amazon
Read Also
💬 Your turn: Comment below — which feature matters most to you: Pure Bass, mic for calls, or all-day comfort?
