JBL Live 660NC vs Sony WF-C500
The Verdict
These headphones serve entirely different needs. The JBL Live 660NC is an over-ear powerhouse with exceptional battery life: 40 hours with active noise cancellation enabled, or 50 hours without it, plus a 10-minute quick charge delivers 4 hours of listening. The 260g weight feels premium, and features like multipoint Bluetooth, adaptive ANC, and built-in voice assistants make it versatile for travel and daily commuting. However, it lacks water resistance and costs $149. The Sony WF-C500 takes a completely different approach as a compact, lightweight in-ear option at just 5.5g per earbud. While it omits active noise cancellation, it offers IPX4 water resistance for workouts, 10 hours of playback from the buds alone (20 hours total with case), and Sony's DSEE digital enhancement and 360 Reality Audio for immersive sound, all for $99. The Sony lacks multipoint connectivity but excels in portability and durability. Choose the JBL if you want long-lasting comfort with powerful ANC for flights and focused work. Pick the Sony if you need a durable, compact option for active use or prefer earbuds over over-ear designs. Your preference hinges on lifestyle: stationary listening with ANC versus mobile convenience.
Who Should Buy
Buy the JBL Live 660NC if…
- →40-hour battery with ANC is exceptional at $149
- →JBL's signature fun sound profile is engaging for pop and rock
- →Multipoint Bluetooth connects two devices simultaneously
Buy the Sony WF-C500 if…
- →10-hour battery life per charge is outstanding for the price
- →Compact, lightweight design disappears in the ear
- →DSEE upscaling improves compressed audio quality
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
JBL Live 660NC
Pros
- 40-hour battery with ANC is exceptional at $149
- JBL's signature fun sound profile is engaging for pop and rock
- Multipoint Bluetooth connects two devices simultaneously
- Built-in voice assistant support for hands-free control
- Comfortable lightweight fit for extended wear
Cons
- ANC is decent but noticeably behind Sony and Bose
- No LDAC or aptX codecs — limited to AAC
- Bluetooth 5.0 is a generation behind newer models
- Plastic build doesn't feel premium
Sony WF-C500
Pros
- 10-hour battery life per charge is outstanding for the price
- Compact, lightweight design disappears in the ear
- DSEE upscaling improves compressed audio quality
- IPX4 sweat resistance handles workouts
- Reliable Sony sound quality at a budget-friendly price
Cons
- No ANC or ambient sound mode
- No multipoint Bluetooth connection
- No wireless charging case
- Basic microphone quality — not ideal for calls
- SBC/AAC only — no high-resolution codecs
Full Specifications
| Spec | JBL Live 660NC | Sony WF-C500 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 260 g | 5.5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 40 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off) | 10 hrs (20 hrs total with case) |
| Charging | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 4 hrs | USB-C |
| Drivers | 40 mm | 5.8mm driver |
| Features | Adaptive Noise Cancelling, Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes, JBL Signature Sound, Multipoint Bluetooth connection, Google Assistant and Alexa built-in, Speed Charge support | DSEE digital sound enhancement, 360 Reality Audio, Sony Headphones Connect app, Fast Pair for Android |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IPX4 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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