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Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£140
  • Avg. price in US: ~$180
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.6

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

4.6

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.6

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

5.3

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

6.5

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

2.9

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

User score

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 components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 2.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 0.9
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    3.4

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 2.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 4.2
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    3.4

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    9.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • audio-technicaath-pro500mk2
audio-technicaath-pro500mk2

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £140

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Audio Technica ATH-PRO500MK2 is a professional closed-back dynamic DJ headphone featuring large 53mm drivers and an expansive frequency response of 10 Hz to 30,000 Hz. With an impedance of 38 ohms and a sensitivity of 106 dB/mW, these headphones are designed for easy driving and high-power output, supporting a maximum input power of 1,600 mW. Key characteristics include a rugged elastomer frame, swiveling earpieces (50°/90°) for one-ear monitoring, and a foldable design for portability. Main pros include its powerful, punchy bass performance, clear high-frequency reproduction, and the inclusion of two detachable cables (coiled and straight). However, common cons include a high clamping force and relatively thin earpads that can lead to discomfort during long listening sessions, particularly for users with larger heads or ears.

Technical Specifications of Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

4.6
Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 has a technical score of 4.63 points, which is lower than that of 65% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

4.6

Overall score

40.0%

9.8

Price

6.2
Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.2 points, which is lower than 74.9% of products in this category.
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

no
Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
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

53 mm
Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 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
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

1
Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
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

10 Hz
Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.3% of headphones and equal to 12.5% of headphones.
Show more
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

no
Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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

yes
Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
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

N/A
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

no
Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
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
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

wired
Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
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
Show more
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

no
Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
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

no
Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
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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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

290 g
Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 weighs 290 g, heavier than 77.7% of headphones and equal to 1.2% of headphones.
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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Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 vs the average headphone

  • 13 mm larger driver size
    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 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 PRO500mk2 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
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 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 PRO500mk2 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 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 PRO500mk2 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 10,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (30,000 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 PRO500mk2 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.30000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 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

    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Foldable design
    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 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

    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Dj-focused design
    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 is designed for DJ use, the average headphone is not. 1.9% of headphones are designed for DJ use.
    Explicit DJ-oriented model or product line.
    What it is: Designed and marketed for DJ cueing, mixing, and booth monitoring
    When it matters: When you need headphones for cueing, beatmatching, and live DJ monitoring.

    Importance: LOW

    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 is designed for DJ use, the average headphone is not. 1.9% of headphones are designed for DJ use.
  • 16x higher input power handling
    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,600 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    What it is: Maximum input power the drivers can safely handle
    When it matters: When you pair the headphones with stronger sources or dedicated gear.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=300 mW

    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,600 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.1600 mW vs 100 mW
  • Foldable design
    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Dj-focused design
    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 is designed for DJ use, the average headphone is not. 1.9% of headphones are designed for DJ use.
  • 7 mm more spacious earcup width
    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (50 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • 13 mm larger driver size
    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (53 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 10,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 16x higher input power handling
    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,600 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Total
Design
Sound
Connectivity
  • 33% higher weight
    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 is heavier than the average headphone (290 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • No voice assistant support
    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 4 years older release date
    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    January 2013
  • No voice assistant support
    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 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 PRO500mk2 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 33% higher weight
    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 is heavier than the average headphone (290 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

    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 is heavier than the average headphone (290 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.290 g vs 218 g
  • 4.65x less popular
    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 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 PRO500mk2 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 9.1% worse value for money
    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.17 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 PRO500mk2 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.17 vs 6.736).6.17 vs 6.74
  • 4 years older release date
    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    January 2013
    What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
    When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2020

    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2013 vs 2017
  • 55.6% more expensive
    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 is more expensive than the average headphone (£140 vs £90).
    Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 is more expensive than the average headphone (£140 vs £90).£140 vs £90
Total
Overall
Design
Features

Graphic comparison of Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2 and

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2?

  • Powerful, tight, and punchy bass performance well-suited for electronic music and DJing.
  • Highly balanced sound signature relative to its emphasis on the low-end, offering clear mids and crisp highs.
  • Extremely rugged, sturdy, and durable build quality using high-grade materials.
  • Convenient detachable cable system that includes both a coiled and a straight cable.
  • Highly efficient 38-ohm impedance that pairs easily with portable devices without needing an amplifier.
  • Excellent passive noise isolation that effectively seals audio in loud environments.
  • Highly functional design features including 50 to 90-degree swiveling earcups and a foldable frame for compact portability.

What customers dislike about Audio-Technica ATH PRO500mk2?

  • High clamping force out of the box which can cause discomfort during initial long listening sessions.
  • Smaller earcup size that leans closer to an on-ear (supra-aural) fit rather than a true over-ear fit, causing ears to warm up.
  • Noticeable discomfort and pain when worn concurrently with glasses.
  • Slightly narrow, shallow soundstage typical of compact, closed-back monitoring headphones.
  • The screw-on locking mechanism for the cable can become overly tight and difficult to unscrew manually.

Video reviews

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