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JBL Tune 520BT vs Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

Buy the JBL Tune 520BT if you want wireless freedom, long battery life, and the lower price: $44.99 at Plug as of November 5, 2026. Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x if you want wired, studio-style sound and don't mind a cable: $59.00 at Best Buy as of November 5, 2026. The JBL costs about $14 less and needs no dongle or cable, while the M20x is the pick for critical listening at a desk.

Today the JBL Tune 520BT costs $14.01 less at its best price.

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JBL
JBL Tune 520BT

JBL Tune 520BT

$44.99at PlugObserved at 2:06 PM
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Choose the JBL Tune 520BT if you want Bluetooth 5.3, up to 57 hours per charge, USB-C fast charging, and the lower price for commuting, workouts, and everyday phone use.

Pros
  • Wireless Bluetooth 5.3 with no cable to snag
  • Up to 57 hours per charge, far longer than most rivals
  • USB-C charging with speed charge
  • Lowest price of the pair at $44.99
  • Light on-ear design for travel
Cons
  • No water resistance rating, so sweat and rain are a risk
  • On-ear pads can press on the ears over long sessions
  • No written warranty listed
  • Wired listening not supported
Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

$59.00at Best BuyObserved at 2:34 PM
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Choose the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x if you want a wired over-ear headphone for mixing, monitoring, or quiet listening where battery life and Bluetooth don't matter.

Pros
  • Wired connection means no charging and no latency
  • Over-ear closed-back design blocks more outside noise
  • Tuned for studio monitoring and clean mids
  • Standard Audio-Technica warranty
  • Lightweight at about 190 g
Cons
  • No Bluetooth, so it needs a cable and a jack
  • Costs $14 more than the JBL
  • No battery or wireless convenience for commutes
  • Cable can snag and limits movement

What separates them

JBL Tune 520BTAudio-Technica ATH-M20x
ConnectionBluetooth 5.3 wirelessWired only
Battery lifeUp to 57 hours, 2-hour recharge via USB-CNone; no battery needed
FitOn-ear cups with faux leather padsOver-ear, closed-back design
Price (Nov 5, 2026)$44.99 at Plug$59.00 at Best Buy
Water resistanceNone ratedNone rated
Intended usePhone calls and casual listening on the goStudio monitoring and critical listening
Weight0.79 lbAbout 0.42 lb (190 g)
WarrantyNo written warranty listedStandard Audio-Technica warranty

Price history

$59.00$49.99
Nov 2Nov 5
  • JBL Tune 520BT: lowest $49.99 on Nov 5 at Walmart.
  • Audio-Technica ATH-M20x: lowest $59.00 on Nov 2 at Target; $59.00 on Nov 5.

Prices at every store

JBL Tune 520BT

  • PlugNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $44.99Observed at 2:06 PM
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  • ShopCGXNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $49.99Observed at 2:06 PM
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  • JBLNew

    In stock

    $59.95Free shippingObserved at 2:34 PM
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  • Lowe'sNew

    Availability unknown

    $49.99Observed at 2:34 PM
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Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • BrandsMart USACheck price at BrandsMart USA
All 10 stores and price history →

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

  • TargetNew

    In stock

    $59.00Free shippingObserved at 2:34 PM
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  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $59.00Free shippingObserved at 2:34 PM
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  • Newegg.comNew

    In stock

    $59.00Free shippingObserved at 2:34 PM
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  • Guitar CenterNew

    In stock

    $59.00Observed at 2:34 PM
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Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

Specs compared

SpecJBL Tune 520BTAudio-Technica ATH-M20x
ColorBlackBlack
Battery life57 h—
Headphone styleOn-Ear—
WirelessY—
BrandJBL—
Works withSmartphone—
Assembled product weight0.79 lb—
Accessories1 x USB-C Charging Cable—
Battery consumption typeIntegrated Rechargeable Battery—
Power typeBattery—
Headphone typeHeadphones—
Has written warrantyNo—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecJBL Tune 520BTAudio-Technica ATH-M20x
Model nameTune 520BT—
actual_colorPurple—
sizeS—
Headphone Cup TypeOn-ear—
Body Part UseEar—
Max Battery Life57 hours—
Recharge Time2 hours (from empty)—
Rechargeable BatteryYes—
Earpad MaterialFaux leather—
Water Protection

What reviewers say

JBL Tune 520BT

Owners of the Tune 520BT generally treat it as a solid cheap everyday headphone, with battery life as the headline. Complaints center on the on-ear clamp and the plasticky feel.

What people mention
  • BatteryPraisedOwners say a single charge lasts days of normal listening, close to the 57-hour claim.
  • ComfortMixedLight weight helps, but the on-ear clamp and faux-leather pads get uncomfortable and warm over long sessions.
  • BuildCriticisedReviewers describe a plastic feel and some creaking at the hinges.
  • SoundMixedBass-forward tuning suits pop and podcasts, but detail and clarity are modest for the price.

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

Owners and reviewers generally treat the ATH-M20x as one of the best sub-$60 wired headphones for monitoring and casual listening. It is praised for clear, balanced sound and comfort, and criticised for its plastic feel and tight fit.

Pros
  • Good value sound quality for the price
  • Comfortable enough for long sessions
  • Effective isolation for a closed-back budget model
  • Simple, repairable design
Cons
  • Build feels plasticky compared with pricier M-series models
  • Firm clamp at first
  • Cable is not detachable on the standard version
  • Little sub-bass
Reviews
  • Best headphones under $100: Don't spend more
  • The JBL Tune 520BT sound great, and they are a mere $35.99 right now! - Best daily deals
  • Best wired headphones under $50 - Browse earbuds
  • Best wired headphones under $50 - All products featured are independently chosen by us

Questions and answers

Which is better for commuting?
The JBL Tune 520BT. Bluetooth 5.3 and 57 hours of battery mean no cable and no daily charging. The M20x is wired, so it needs a phone with a headphone jack or a dongle.
Which sounds better for studio work?
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x. It is a closed-back over-ear monitor tuned for critical listening. The JBL is tuned for casual music and calls.
Is the JBL worth it over the M20x?
Yes if you want wireless and long battery life. At $44.99 at Plug as of November 5, 2026, it is $14 cheaper than the M20x at $59.00 at Best Buy as of the same date.
Which lasts longer?
The M20x has no battery to wear out and should outlast a wireless headphone in years of service. The JBL's battery degrades over time, though it gives up to 57 hours per charge when new.
Can I use the JBL for calls?
Yes. It connects over Bluetooth 5.3 to a smartphone and is built for calls and casual listening. The M20x has no microphone for calls.
Does either resist sweat or rain?
No. Neither the JBL Tune 520BT nor the ATH-M20x has a water resistance rating, so keep both away from heavy sweat and rain.

More comparisons

  • Sony WH-CH520 On-Ear Wireless Bluetooth Headphones vs JBL Tune 520BT
  • Sony WH-CH520 On-Ear Wireless Bluetooth Headphones vs Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
  • JBL Tune 520BT vs Koss Porta Pro
  • Audio-Technica ATH-M20x vs Koss Porta Pro

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best headphones under $50 for everyday listening
All 9 stores and price history →
No Water Resistance Rating
—
WaterproofNo—
Water ResistantNo—
Connectivity TechnologyWireless, Bluetooth—
Wireless TypeBluetooth—
Bluetooth Version5.3—
Compatible DevicesMobile device—
Ports And InterfacesUSB-C—
Cable Length0.7 ft—
Transmission RangeBroader wireless range (over Bluetooth 5.0)—
Radio Frequency Range2.4 GHz – 2.4835 GHz (bluetooth frequency)—
Driver Size33 mm—
Frequency Response20HZ-20KHZ—
Headphone Impedance30 ohms—
Sensitivity102 dB (at 1khz/1mw)—
Sound OutputStereo—
Connectivity—Wired
Style—On-ear
Over-Ear—Yes