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Audio-Technica ATH AD500x Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£130Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Audio-Technica ATH AD500x Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Audio-Technica ATH AD500x
4.9/10

Overall score

Score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components

80%

4.9

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 98% of headphones
6.4

Value for money

Value for money
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components

70%

4.9

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

â–¼Worse than 93%
4.9

Technical score

Technical score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components

52%

5.2

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

6.6

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 93%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

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Where to buy
    N/A~ £130
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Audio-Technica ATH AD500x

Technical score
Technical score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components:

52%

5.2

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

6.6

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

4.9
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 73.4% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components:

70%

4.9

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

6.4
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
53 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 53 mm, larger driver size than 94.8% of headphones and equal to 1.6% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
5 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 5 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 10.8% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
no
This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while 15.1% is. 84.9% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
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Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
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Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Audio-Technica
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
235 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 235 g, heavier than 55.5% of headphones and equal to 0.9% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
1.6
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 1.6, lower clamp force than 97.4% of headphones.
Show more

Audio-Technica ATH AD500x vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 13 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (53 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    53 mm vs 40 mm
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 2.7 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (1.6 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    1.6 vs 4.3
  • 26 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (70 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    70 mm vs 44 mm
  • 5,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 1.8 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    3 m vs 1.2 m
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 2.7 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (1.6 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    1.6 vs 4.3
  • 26 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (70 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    70 mm vs 44 mm
  • 1.8 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    3 m vs 1.2 m
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 13 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (53 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    53 mm vs 40 mm
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 5,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 17 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (127 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    127 dB vs 110 dB
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 13.6% worse value for money
    Audio-Technica ATH AD500x has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.4 vs 7.3).
    6.4 vs 7.27
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 5.87x less popular
    Audio-Technica ATH AD500x is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 13.6% worse value for money
    Audio-Technica ATH AD500x has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.4 vs 7.3).
    6.4 vs 7.27
  • 5.87x less popular
    Audio-Technica ATH AD500x is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No travel bag
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 7.8% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (235 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    235 g vs 218 g
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 4 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2012 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    November 2012
    2012 vs 2016

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Audio-Technica ATH AD500x

  • Wide and airy 3D soundstage due to the open-back design
  • Excellent positional audio and imaging, making them great for FPS gaming
  • Highly comfortable and lightweight build for long listening sessions
  • Clear midrange reproduction that enhances vocal and acoustic tracks
  • Non-fatiguing treble that avoids sharp spikes or harshness
  • Easy to drive from standard devices without needing a powerful amplifier

What customers don't like about Audio-Technica ATH AD500x

  • Anemic or weak bass response that lacks low-end sub-bass extension
  • The 3D wing headband mechanism can feel loose and slide down on smaller heads
  • Non-detachable, long cable that is difficult to replace and prone to kinking
  • Significant sound leakage and zero noise isolation due to the open-back nature
  • Build materials and plastics can feel somewhat cheap and fragile
  • Some users report a congested mid-bass or slight veil in certain high frequencies

Verdict

The Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X is an entry-level audiophile open-back headphone featuring large 53mm dynamic drivers with CCAW voice coils, offering a wide frequency response of 5Hz–25,000Hz, a sensitivity of 100dB/mW, and a 48-ohm impedance that makes it easy to drive without an external amplifier. Characterized by its lightweight 235g honeycomb aluminum casing and unique self-adjusting 3D Wing Support system, it provides a natural, airy soundstage with clear vocal projection and high wearing comfort for long sessions. Main pros include its expansive imaging ideal for gaming and acoustic music, a weightless fit, and excellent value for its price point; however, cons include a non-detachable 3-meter cable that is prone to tangling, significant sound leakage due to the open-back design, and a lack of deep sub-bass impact compared to closed-back alternatives.

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