The Audio Technica ATH-S200BT, which I reviewed a while back, is a awesome little set of headphones for just $80. However, a MajorHiFi reader recently asked what the difference is between the S200BT and another very popular headphone, the JBL E45BT. The E45BT is about $20 more expensive and they were wondering if they should spring for it. So today, I’m going to take a closer look and try to answer that very question with this JBL E45BT vs Audio Technica ATH-S200BT wireless headphones comparison review.

JBL E45BT vs Audio Technica ATH-S200BT Wireless Headphones Comparison Review

In the Box – JBL E45BT vs Audio Technica ATH-S200BT Wireless Headphones Comparison Review

Specifications – JBL E45BT vs Audio Technica ATH-S200BT Wireless Headphones Comparison Review

Design – JBL E45BT vs Audio Technica ATH-S200BT Wireless Headphones Comparison Review

Headband

The headbands of both the JBL E45BT and the Audio Technica ATH-S200BT are light, relatively flexible, and quite durable (especially at their low price points). The most noticable difference between the two is that the E45BT is coated with cloth canvas for the entire length of the headband whereas the S200BT has no coating along the sides. However it does have a small patch of cushion coated with pleather along the top. Extending the headband out, the E45BT headband appears to be made of metal. On the other hand, the S200BT is plastic, but has a strip of metal reinforcing it. Because of these differences, I’d say the S200BT is better for sports (because it is easier to clean). The E45BT is better for wearing out and about for commuting because it has a more fashionable look.

Earcups

The Audio Technica ATH-S200BT has larger earcups than the JBL E45BT. As a result, it is a bit heavier and a bit bulkier as well. The S200BT sits in a more traditional yolk attached to the headband and rocks in it fairly freely. On the other hand, the E45BT rocks modestly in a small axis inside the earcup. Both headphones have the same controls for controlling volume, playback, and phone calls. Additionally however, the E45BT has a port for plugging in an audio cable in case the battery dies or listening to devices that don’t support Bluetooth. The S200BT does not have such a port.

Earpads

Both the JBL E45BT and the Audio Technica ATH-S200BT have very similar earpads. They have a similar amount of padding with the same thickness and softness. The biggest difference is, because the S200BT has larger earcups, its padding is is wider and has more space for folks with bigger ears.

Wireless Connection

Both the JBL E45BT and the Audio Technica ATH-S200BT support Bluetooth 4.1. They both have strong connections that stay intact for over 30 feet. The S200BT has a super impressive battery life of 40 hours. The E45BT has a battery life of 16 hours.

Sound – JBL E45BT vs Audio Technica ATH-S200BT Wireless Headphones Comparison Review

The JBL E45BT and the Audio Technica ATH-S200BT have quite similar sound signatures, both featuring pumping bass and boosted highs. The E45BT however takes this V shape to the extreme, so its lows are even louder than the S200BT and the midrange is more scooped. On the other hand, the S200BT has more of the midrange intact. As a result, the E45BT sounds better for genres like hip-hop and pop because their subby bass synths and kick drums are more dramatic and powerful.  Conversely, the S200BT sounds better for genres and instruments that want more in the midrange like rockin’ electric guitars, thick synthesizers, and strings.

Overview – JBL E45BT vs Audio Technica ATH-S200BT Wireless Headphones Comparison Review

Overall, the JBL E45BT has stronger and better looking materials. However, the ATH-S200BT is better for certain listening scenarios such as exercising. Additionally, they are both better for different genres. The E45BT being better for hip-hop and pop and the S200BT being better for rock, indie, and acoustic music.

Both the JBL E45BT and the Audio Technica ATH-S200BT are available for the best price here:

JBL E45BT at Audio 46
JBL E45BT on Amazon

Audio Technica ATH-S200BT at Audio 46
Audio Technica ATH-S200BT on Amazon

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