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AKG Y500 Wireless Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£130
Avg. price in US: ~$150
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wireless
Battery life: 33 hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

AKG Y500 Wireless review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

6.0

Good

5.3

Good

9.1

Exceptional

5.9
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
9.0
Audio latency
25.0%
1.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
5.3
Battery life
5.4
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
5.3
Battery life
18.0%
4.9
Weight
16.0%
10
Multipoint support
14.0%
10
Ambient sound mode
5.5
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
10
Multipoint support
16.0%
5.3
Battery life
14.0%
1.0
Companion app
4.5
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
4.9
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
5.3
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Verdict

The AKG Y500 Wireless is a portable on-ear headphone featuring 40mm drivers, a frequency response of 16Hz–22kHz, and Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity with AAC codec support. It offers a robust 33-hour battery life with a quick-charge capability that provides one hour of playback from a five-minute charge via micro-USB. Main characteristics include its foldable aluminum-accented design, multipoint connectivity for pairing two devices, and 'Ambient Aware' technology to hear surroundings. Pros include its clear, detailed 'Signature Sound,' automatic play/pause sensors when removed, and a lightweight 230g build with memory foam ear cups. Cons include a tight clamping force that may cause discomfort during long sessions, the lack of higher-quality codecs like aptX, and sometimes inconsistent performance of the auto-pause feature.

Technical Specifications of AKG Y500 Wireless

Overall score

6.0

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

4.9

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

6.5

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

?

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Connectivity

5.3

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

?

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Features

4.5

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

6.8

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

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Design

7.2

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

AKG

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

on-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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AKG Y500 Wireless vs the average headphone

Why is AKG Y500 Wireless better than the average headphone?

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15 dB/mW higher sensitivity
AKG Y500 Wireless has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (117 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
AKG Y500 Wireless has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (117 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.117 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
More flexible connectivity
AKG Y500 Wireless offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.
Importance: HIGH
AKG Y500 Wireless offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
On-device controls
AKG Y500 Wireless includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.
Importance: MEDIUM
AKG Y500 Wireless includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
AKG Y500 Wireless includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.
Importance: LOW
AKG Y500 Wireless includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
50% higher battery capacity
AKG Y500 Wireless has a higher battery capacity than the average headphone (900 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=720 mAh
AKG Y500 Wireless has a higher battery capacity than the average headphone (900 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.900 mAh vs 600 mAh
Foldable design
AKG Y500 Wireless has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.
Importance: LOW
AKG Y500 Wireless has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Rechargeable battery
AKG Y500 Wireless has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones rely on an internal rechargeable battery instead of replaceable disposable cells.
When it matters: When you expect regular wireless use and want charging convenience instead of buying and replacing disposable batteries.
Importance: MEDIUM
AKG Y500 Wireless has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
13.8% higher user score
AKG Y500 Wireless has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.10 vs 8.000).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
AKG Y500 Wireless has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.10 vs 8.000).9.1 vs 8
Foldable design
AKG Y500 Wireless has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
15 dB/mW higher sensitivity
AKG Y500 Wireless has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (117 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
14 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
AKG Y500 Wireless has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (117 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
AKG Y500 Wireless has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
50% higher battery capacity
AKG Y500 Wireless has a higher battery capacity than the average headphone (900 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
Rechargeable battery
AKG Y500 Wireless has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
More flexible connectivity
AKG Y500 Wireless offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
On-device controls
AKG Y500 Wireless includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
AKG Y500 Wireless includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Calls & Controls

Why is AKG Y500 Wireless worse than the average headphone?

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Tangle-prone cable
AKG Y500 Wireless uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
5.5% higher weight
AKG Y500 Wireless is heavier than the average headphone (230 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
18 dB lower max SPL
AKG Y500 Wireless has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (92 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
0.5 hours longer charging time
AKG Y500 Wireless has a higher charging time than the average headphone (2.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
0.5 hours longer charging time
AKG Y500 Wireless has a higher charging time than the average headphone (2.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=2 hours
AKG Y500 Wireless has a higher charging time than the average headphone (2.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.2.5 hours vs 2 hours
Tangle-prone cable
AKG Y500 Wireless uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.
Importance: LOW
AKG Y500 Wireless uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
18 dB lower max SPL
AKG Y500 Wireless has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (92 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
What it is: Maximum safe sound pressure level
When it matters: When high-volume headroom is part of your use case.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=116 dB
AKG Y500 Wireless has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (92 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.92 dB vs 110 dB
5.5% higher weight
AKG Y500 Wireless is heavier than the average headphone (230 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
AKG Y500 Wireless is heavier than the average headphone (230 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.230 g vs 218 g

Graphic comparison of AKG Y500 Wireless and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about AKG Y500 Wireless?

Impressive 33-hour battery life with convenient quick-charging capabilities (1 hour of playback from 5 minutes of charging)
Compact, foldable design with a premium build featuring aluminum highlights and metal headband arms
Balanced, clear, and detailed sound profile with punchy bass that performs particularly well in wired mode
Multipoint connectivity allows seamless pairing with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously
Intuitive physical button placement on ear cups makes controlling playback and volume easy by touch
Passive noise isolation is surprisingly effective for an on-ear design

What customers dislike about AKG Y500 Wireless?

Automatic play/pause sensors are frequently reported as unreliable, finicky, or having a noticeable delay
On-ear clamping force can be too tight for some users, leading to ear soreness during long listening sessions
The 'Ambient Aware' feature primarily lowers volume rather than using microphones to mix in outside sound effectively
Loud, non-adjustable beeps for power and feature activation can be startling or annoying
Lack of high-quality Bluetooth codec support (no aptX or LDAC) and reliance on micro-USB instead of USB-C
Fit can feel unstable or 'top-heavy' for some, causing the headphones to slip during movement

Expert reviews

stuff.tv

23/07/2019

AKG Y500 Wireless review - Stuff

The Stuff review gives the AKG Y500 Wireless headphones a 4 out of 5 score. The reviewer likes the new classy look that replaces the big, loud logos of older models. The headphones have clear and punchy sound with great treble and tight bass. They are very comfortable with memory-foam ear cushions and a padded headband. The best feature is the amazing 33-hour battery life, which...Read more

expertreviews.co.uk

21/08/2019

AKG Y500 review: Not the headphones you were looking for - Expert Reviews

The AKG Y500 is a lightweight, 230-gram pair of wireless on-ear Bluetooth headphones designed for travelers and commuters, offering a foldable design and an impressive 33-hour battery life. Priced at £129, its notable strengths include a highly portable build with rotating earcups, physical manual controls, a punchy mid-bass response, and a smart-pause feature that automatically...Read more

techhive.com

08/04/2019

AKG Y500 wireless headphone review - TechHive

The AKG Y500 Wireless headphones are ultra-compact, folding, on-ear headphones designed with an emphasis on portability and travel convenience. They feature 40mm drivers, multi-point connectivity to link two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, and an impressive battery life of up to 33 hours, complemented by a fast-charging feature. The physical design includes a sturdy metal and...Read more

whathifi.com

31/10/2018

AKG Y500 WirelessGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. review - What Hi-Fi?

AKG Y500 Wireless Review Summary The AKG Y500 Wireless headphones succeed the Y50BT model, introducing a more refined, adult sound presentation alongside a smarter and subtler design. These on-ear cans trade a bit of their predecessor's energetic flair for a spacious, clear, and highly organized audio delivery that features a bold low-end punch and excellent vocal clarity....Read more

telegraphindia.com

16/10/2019

The AKG Y500 headphones are a perfect gift for an audiophile Would you like a summary of the pros and cons mentioned across these specific reviews to...

Despite these strong features, the review highlights several drawbacks, notably the lack of active noise cancellation and subpar execution of the "Ambient Aware" mode, which struggles to filter environmental sounds cleanly in certain spaces, like rooms with whirling fans. Additionally, the product relies on an outdated microUSB charging connection rather than a modern USB-C port....Read more

technuovo.com

29/08/2019

AKG Y500 Wireless Headphones Review - TechNuovo

The AKG Y500 is a pair of compact, on-the-ear wireless Bluetooth headphones that deliver a rich and punchy sound performance for their price point. They feature an adjustable, well-padded headband with rotating ear cups covered in cushioned faux leather, making them highly portable and comfortable to wear. Key advantages include a robust advertised battery life of up to 33 hours, a...Read more

pocket-lint.com

11/09/2019

AKG Y500 Wireless review - Pocket-lint

The AKG Y500 Wireless is an affordable and attractive pair of on-ear headphones designed for users looking for a lightweight, portable alternative to bulky over-ears or tight in-ears. Retailing at £129 at launch, the headphones feature a sleek aesthetic with a cladded metal headband, subtle logos, and a folding design that tucks away easily into an included carry pouch. The build...Read more

podcastvsplayer.com

08/08/2020

AKG Y500 Wireless Headphones - Podcast vs PlayerWould you like a comparison of the sound quality scores from these specific reviewers?

The Podcast vs Player review highlights the AKG Y500 Wireless Headphones as an attractive, award-winning on-ear headset that delivers exceptional, clean audio quality with punchy bass and deep acoustics. Retailing at £129, the headphones boast a premium build made of lightweight aluminum and sturdy plastic, featuring a generous 33-hour battery life that charges fully in 2.5 hours....Read more

unwiredforsound.com

24/11/2020

AKG Y500 Review: Wireless On-Ear Headphones With ANC - Unwired For Sound

Despite these solid performance marks, the AKG Y500 has several notable design and technical drawbacks. Because of their on-ear form factor, they press directly against the ears and can become uncomfortable during extended listening sessions, while their unstable fit means they shift around too much to be safely used at the gym. Furthermore, because they lack an over-ear seal, the...Read more

hifichoice.com

13/07/2020

AKG Y500 - Headphones - Hi-Fi Choice

The Hi-Fi Choice review spotlights the AKG Y500 as a stylish, budget-friendly, and durable on-ear headphone offering a spacious soundstage with punchy bass and detailed, genre-spanning audio. Key features contributing to its high value include long battery life, fast charging, and a stable wireless connection that can be switched to a wired, higher-fidelity option. Hi-Fi Choice...Read more

avforums.com

28/08/2019

AKG Y500 Noise Cancelling Headphone Review - AVForums

The AVForums review recommends the AKG Y500 wireless headphones for their compact design, robust build, and excellent real-world features, including versatile wired and wireless playback. Highlights include a solid, decent sound profile well-suited for video, alongside Ambient Aware technology that successfully balances external noise with environmental awareness. Conversely, the...Read more

hifitest.de

16/07/2026

AKG Y500 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones Specifications", "Technical Data for AKG Y500 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

The AKG Y500 Wireless on-ear headphones provide a highly practical and versatile listening experience, defined by their combination of robust hardware features and versatile functionality. A major standout feature highlighted in the specifications is the impressive 33-hour battery and talk time, which charges fully in just 2.5 hours via an included micro-USB cable. These...Read more

handyhase.de

20/04/2019

AKG Y500 Review: Wireless Over-Ear Headphones That Impress

The AKG Y500 is a pair of high-quality, wireless over-ear headphones that retail for around €150 and provide an impressive balance of design and performance. The headphones feature a sleek, timeless design reinforced with internal metal components, aluminum sliders that adjust to 10 different head sizes, and memory foam earcups that offer excellent long-term comfort without causing...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

28/10/2019

AKG Y500 review", "AKG Y500 headphones review

The AKG Y500 portable Bluetooth on-ear headphones are highlighted as a sturdy and highly portable option featuring a robust material mix of aluminum and plastic with a convenient, foldable design. A major standout feature is the exceptional battery performance, yielding up to 40 hours of continuous playback during testing—surpassing the manufacturer's 33-hour specification. It also...Read more

geektest.fr

11/04/2019

AKG Y500 Bluetooth Headphones Review

of the AKG Y500 The GeekTest review highlights the AKG Y500 as a highly polished, modern, and elegant pair of wireless on-ear (supra-aural) headphones available in four color ways: black, blue, pink, and green. Weighing in at a featherlight 230 grams, the headset offers high user comfort owing to its memory foam padding and soft-touch headband. It features Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity...Read more

clubic.com

22/04/2019

AKG Y500 Review: All the AKG sound in an elegant on-ear headphone

AKG Y500 Review Summary The AKG Y500 is a mid-range, on-ear (supra-aural) Bluetooth 4.2 headphone priced around €149 that delivers an exceptionally well-balanced, high-quality audio experience. Its 40mm drivers reproduce punchy, non-muddy bass, highly legible vocals, and clean, non-piercing treble that holds up well even at high volumes. Standout positive features include...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

30/01/2020

AKG Y500 Review: An On-Ear Bluetooth Headset with Top-Tier Battery Life

The AKG Y500 is a wireless on-ear Bluetooth headset that stands out for its sleek design, featuring four metallic color options, aluminum earcups, and a matte headband. The review highlights several functional strengths, including an impressive 38-hour battery life, intuitive controls, a presence sensor that handles automatic play/pause, multipoint connectivity, and an "Ambient...Read more

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