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Audio-Technica ATH AD500x Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£130
Avg. price in US: ~$110
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Audio-Technica ATH AD500x review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.4

Poor

3.4

Poor

?

0.2
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
1.1
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
4.8
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
0.2
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
2.5
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
4.8
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

N/A~ £130

Best rankings

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.

Technical Specifications of Audio-Technica ATH AD500x

Overall score

3.4

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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

3.2

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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

1.1

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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

N/A

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

N/A

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

N/A

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Connectivity

6.2

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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

N/A

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

N/A

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

N/A

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

N/A

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Features

2.7

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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

N/A

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

N/A

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

1.0

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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

N/A

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

N/A

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

N/A

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

N/A

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Design

6.0

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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

Audio-Technica

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

over-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

open-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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Audio-Technica ATH AD500x vs the average headphone

Why is Audio-Technica ATH AD500x better than the average headphone?

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13 mm larger driver size
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (53 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
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
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (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
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
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
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (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
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: MEDIUM
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
2.7 lower clamp force
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (1.6 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
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
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (1.6 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.1.6 vs 4.3
5,000 Hz higher treble extension
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.25000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
Open-back design
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.
Importance: MEDIUM
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
1.8 m more useful cable length
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.
Importance: LOW
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.3 m vs 1.2 m
17 dB higher max SPL
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (127 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
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (127 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.127 dB vs 110 dB
2.7 lower clamp force
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (1.6 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
1.8 m more useful cable length
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
Open-back design
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
13 mm larger driver size
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (53 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
13 Hz lower bass extension
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
5,000 Hz higher treble extension
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
17 dB higher max SPL
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (127 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Why is Audio-Technica ATH AD500x worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
No travel bag
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
7.8% higher weight
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x is heavier than the average headphone (235 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
No passive noise reduction
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
Not headset-ready
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
5 years older release date
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
November 2012
No passive noise reduction
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.
Importance: MEDIUM
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
No voice assistant support
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
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
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Not headset-ready
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
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
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
26.3% worse value for money
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.34 vs 6.736).
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.
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.34 vs 6.736).5.34 vs 6.74
1 fewer microphones
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 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
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
4.65x less popular
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
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.
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
No travel bag
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.
Importance: LOW
Audio-Technica ATH AD500x does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.

Calls & Controls

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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 dislike 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

Video reviews

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