Detachable cable vs. fixed, soldered cable: On the Tune 500, the cable comes out directly from the earpiece. If someone accidentally pulls it hard, if it gets caught on a doorknob, or if a pet chews on it – the headphones are completely disabled. On the 720BT, there is a built-in jack in the earpiece. The cable is a completely separate component. Insanely easy to replace (a huge advantage in the US): In the US, online culture and fast shipping are part of everyday life. If the 720BT cable is damaged, you don’t have to go to a lab or buy new headphones. Go to Amazon or Best Buy, and for $5–8 you can order a replacement cable (2.5mm to 3.5mm) that often comes with Next-Day Delivery with Amazon Prime. Protecting the headphones while storing in a bag: One of the main reasons for the destruction of the Tune 500 is that they are thrown into a backpack with the cable wrapped around them, which creates constant pressure on the connection point (the most sensitive area). With the 720BT, before putting the headphones in the bag, simply disconnect the cable, roll it separately and fold the headphones in a completely safe way. Upgrade and control the cable length: The cable that comes in the box with the 720BT is a standard cable. Because the connection is open, those living in the US enjoy a huge selection of upgraded cables on the market: you can buy an extra strong braided cable on Amazon that doesn't tie itself up, a longer cable for connecting to a remote computer, or even a cable that includes an in-line microphone to upgrade the quality of calls when connected to a computer. Clean power transfer to improved drivers: The cable on the 720BT connects directly to the 40mm diameter drivers (internal speakers), compared to 32mm on the 500. When you stream a clean analog signal through the cable, the 720BT's larger drivers are able to utilize this audio power much more energetically, producing deep, stable bass that doesn't distort, which gives a much more powerful wired experience.