JBL Tune 770NC vs Sony WF-C500
The Verdict
Both headphones deliver solid value at $99, but serve different use cases. The JBL Tune 770NC excels as a travel and all-day companion with its remarkable 44-hour battery life (ANC enabled) and over-ear design that provides passive noise isolation alongside active noise cancellation. Its 40mm drivers produce warm, bass-forward sound characteristic of JBL's house sound, and multipoint pairing lets you seamlessly switch between devices. Adaptive ANC adjusts to your environment, while TalkThru mode lets you hear conversations without removing the headphones. However, it lacks water resistance and weighs 226 grams, making it less portable than earbuds. The Sony WF-C500 takes the opposite approach as true wireless earbuds, weighing just 5.5 grams each with IPX4 water and sweat resistance ideal for workouts. Its 5.8mm drivers deliver crisp midrange through DSEE processing and 360 Reality Audio support, though the 10-hour battery (20 hours with case) requires more frequent charging than the JBL. Missing multipoint pairing and ANC are notable omissions. If you prioritize ultra-portability, water resistance, and gym compatibility, choose the Sony. For long listening sessions, travel convenience, and noise cancellation, the JBL Tune 770NC is the smarter pick.
Who Should Buy
Buy the JBL Tune 770NC if…
- →70-hour battery without ANC is staggering for a $99 headphone
- →ANC at $99 makes this the cheapest decent noise-cancelling option
- →Multipoint Bluetooth included — rare at this price
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 Tune 770NC
Pros
- 70-hour battery without ANC is staggering for a $99 headphone
- ANC at $99 makes this the cheapest decent noise-cancelling option
- Multipoint Bluetooth included — rare at this price
- Lightweight at 226 g — comfortable for extended sessions
- JBL Pure Bass profile is fun and engaging
Cons
- ANC is basic — blocks low rumble but misses mid and high frequencies
- No LDAC or aptX — limited to AAC and SBC
- Plasticky build matches the budget price
- Sound quality is acceptable but not detailed or refined
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 Tune 770NC | Sony WF-C500 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 226 g | 5.5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 44 hrs (ANC on), 70 hrs (ANC off) | 10 hrs (20 hrs total with case) |
| Charging | USB-C, 5-min quick charge for 3 hrs | USB-C |
| Drivers | 40 mm | 5.8mm driver |
| Features | Adaptive Noise Cancelling, Ambient Aware mode, JBL Pure Bass Sound, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Smart Ambient with TalkThru, JBL Headphones app with EQ | DSEE digital sound enhancement, 360 Reality Audio, Sony Headphones Connect app, Fast Pair for Android |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IPX4 |
Want to compare a third product?
Add another product for a 3-way comparison.
Related Comparisons
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.
Explore more in headphones, see all JBL products or all Sony products. View full details for the JBL Tune 770NC or the Sony WF-C500.