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JBL Tune 520BT vs Koss Porta Pro

Buy the JBL Tune 520BT for wireless listening, long battery life and phone calls; buy the Koss Porta Pro for wired sound quality and a cable that never needs charging. At the latest prices the gap is small: $44.99 at Plug as of November 5, 2026 for the JBL versus $39.99 at Amazon as of November 5, 2026 for the Koss. The Koss is the better-sounding headphone for the money, but only if you can live with a cable.

Today the Koss Porta Pro costs $5.00 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 and USB-C charging with no cable tether.

Pros
  • Up to 57 hours per charge, far longer than most wireless on-ears
  • USB-C charging with speed charge
  • Bluetooth 5.3 for a stable phone connection
  • Mic and controls for calls and playback
Cons
  • No water resistance rating
  • No written warranty listed
  • Closed on-ear design leaks less but sounds less open
Koss
Koss Porta Pro

Koss Porta Pro

$39.99at AmazonObserved at 2:06 PM
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Choose the Koss Porta Pro if you want wired, semi-open sound with a 15–25,000 Hz range and don't mind a 3.9 ft cable.

Pros
  • Semi-open design gives a wide, lively sound for the price
  • 60 ohms and 101 dB sensitivity work well from a phone jack
  • Folds up small and weighs very little
  • Koss lifetime warranty is widely known
Cons
  • Wired only, with a fixed 3.9 ft cable
  • No mic or controls
  • Semi-open design leaks sound both ways

What separates them

JBL Tune 520BTKoss Porta Pro
ConnectionBluetooth 5.3 wirelessWired 3.5 mm, 3.9 ft dual-entry cable
BatteryUp to 57 hours, 2-hour recharge via USB-CNone needed; no battery
Sound designClosed on-ear, tuned for wireless listeningSemi-open on-ear, 60 ohms, 101 dB sensitivity, 15–25,000 Hz
PortabilitySwiveling on-ear cups, 0.79 lbFoldable headband, very light
Water resistanceNone ratedNone rated
Calls and controlsBuilt-in mic and on-ear controls for a smartphoneNo mic, no controls
WarrantyNo written warranty listedKoss lifetime warranty is widely known
Price$44.99 at Plug as of November 5, 2026$39.99 at Amazon as of November 5, 2026

Price history

  • JBL Tune 520BT: lowest $49.99 on Nov 5 at Walmart.
  • Koss Porta Pro: lowest $39.99 on Nov 5 at Amazon.

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 →

Koss Porta Pro

  • B&H Photo-Video-AudioNew

    In stock

    $49.95Free shippingObserved at 2:33 PM
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  • Koss CorporationNew

    In stock

    $49.99Free shippingObserved at 2:33 PM
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  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $39.99Free shippingObserved at 2:06 PM
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  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by new-sealed

    $50.88Observed at 2:33 PM
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Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
All 5 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecJBL Tune 520BTKoss Porta Pro
ColorBlackBlack / Silver
Cable Length0.7 ft3.9' / 1.2 m
Frequency Response20HZ-20KHZ15-25,000 Hz
Sensitivity102 dB (at 1khz/1mw)101 dB SPL/1mW
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—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecJBL Tune 520BTKoss Porta Pro
Power typeBattery—
Headphone typeHeadphones—
Has written warrantyNo—
Model nameTune 520BT—
actual_colorPurple—
sizeS—
Headphone Cup TypeOn-ear—
Body Part UseEar—
Max Battery Life57 hours—
Recharge Time2 hours (from empty)

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.

Koss Porta Pro

Owners treat the Porta Pro as a long-running budget favorite: light, comfortable and surprisingly open-sounding for the money. Complaints center on sound leakage, fragile build and foam pads that flatten over time.

What people mention
  • SoundPraisedOwners describe a lively, open sound with decent bass and clear mids for the price.
  • ComfortPraisedThe light weight and adjustable headband make long listening sessions easy.
  • Sound leakageCriticisedThe semi-open design lets music out and noise in, so it suits quiet rooms better than commutes.
  • BuildCriticisedPlastic parts and a thin cable are seen as the weak points.
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

Questions and answers

Which is better for commuting?
The JBL Tune 520BT. It is wireless, has a mic for calls and up to 57 hours of battery, so there is no cable to snag. The Koss Porta Pro leaks sound and needs a phone with a headphone jack.
Which sounds better?
The Koss Porta Pro, for most listeners. Its semi-open design and 15–25,000 Hz range give a wider, more detailed sound than a closed wireless on-ear at this price.
Which lasts longer?
The Koss Porta Pro, in practice. It has no battery to wear out and Koss backs it with a lifetime warranty. The JBL's battery will degrade over years of charging.
Is the JBL worth the extra $5?
Yes if you need wireless. At $44.99 at Plug as of November 5, 2026 it costs $5 more than the Koss at $39.99 at Amazon as of November 5, 2026, and that buys Bluetooth, a mic and 57 hours of battery.
Can I use the Koss Porta Pro with a phone that has no headphone jack?
Only with a USB-C or Lightning adapter, which is not included. The JBL connects over Bluetooth 5.3 with no adapter.

More comparisons

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

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best headphones under $50 for everyday listening
—
Rechargeable BatteryYes—
Earpad MaterialFaux leather—
Water ProtectionNo Water Resistance Rating—
WaterproofNo—
Water ResistantNo—
Connectivity TechnologyWireless, Bluetooth—
Wireless TypeBluetooth—
Bluetooth Version5.3—
Compatible DevicesMobile device—
Ports And InterfacesUSB-C—
Transmission RangeBroader wireless range (over Bluetooth 5.0)—
Radio Frequency Range2.4 GHz – 2.4835 GHz (bluetooth frequency)—
Driver Size33 mm—
Headphone Impedance30 ohms—
Sound OutputStereo—
Impedance—60 ohms
Cable—Straight, Dual Entry, 4ft standard 3.5mm
Wearing Style—Dual Ear with Headband