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JVC HA RX500 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£25
  • Avg. price in US: ~$30
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

JVC HA RX500 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.7

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%

4.9

Technical Score

20.0%

9.0

User score

Good
4.9

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%

5.1

Sound

20.0%

4.7

Features

10.0%

6.1

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

2.6

Calls & Controls

Poor
9.0

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%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(814)
amazon
5.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(814)
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Exceptional
  • 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

  • 2.7
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    5.8

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    10

    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

  • 2.8
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.8

    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

  • jvc-ha-rx500
  • jvc-ha-rx500
  • jvc-ha-rx500
  • jvc-ha-rx500
  • jvc-ha-rx500
  • jvc-ha-rx500
  • jvc-ha-rx500
jvc-ha-rx500
jvc-ha-rx500
jvc-ha-rx500
jvc-ha-rx500
jvc-ha-rx500
jvc-ha-rx500
jvc-ha-rx500

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The JVC HA-RX500 is a full-size, closed-back headphone designed for high-quality sound reproduction featuring large 40mm neodymium driver units and a wide frequency response of 10Hz to 22,000Hz. Its primary characteristics include an 'Ear Direct' structure with inclined drivers for more direct sound transmission and a 'Twist Action' mechanism for enhanced comfort during long listening sessions. Main pros include a lightweight 194g build, an extra-long 3.5m cord with a gold-plated plug, and the inclusion of a 6.3mm adapter, making it highly versatile for home audio use. However, some cons include a bulky design that is not foldable, making it less portable for commuting, and some users note that the all-plastic construction and padding may lack long-term durability compared to premium models.

Technical Specifications of JVC HA RX500

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%

5.1

Sound

20.0%

4.7

Features

10.0%

6.1

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

2.6

Calls & Controls

4.9
JVC HA RX500 has a technical score of 4.89 points, which is lower than that of 51.3% 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%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(814)
amazon
5.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(814)
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

9.0
JVC HA RX500 has a user score of 9.02 points, which is higher than that of 86.9% of products in this category.
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.
10
JVC HA RX500 has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 71.9% 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%

5.7

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.0
JVC HA RX500 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7 points, which is higher than 61.2% 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
JVC HA RX500 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

40 mm
JVC HA RX500 uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% 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
JVC HA RX500 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
JVC HA RX500 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

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

no
JVC HA RX500 is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% 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

?
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
Show more
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
JVC HA RX500 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

yes
JVC HA RX500 supports ambient sound mode. 23.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
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
JVC HA RX500 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
JVC HA RX500 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
Show more
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

JVC
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

194 g
JVC HA RX500 weighs 194 g, lighter than 58.3% of headphones and equal to 0.1% 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

?
Show more

JVC HA RX500 vs the average headphone

  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    JVC HA RX500 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

    JVC HA RX500 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
    JVC HA RX500 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

    JVC HA RX500 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
  • Sidetone support
    JVC HA RX500 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
    What it is: Lets users hear their own voice during calls
    When it matters: When long calls matter and you do not want to sound unnaturally loud in your own ears while speaking.

    Importance: LOW

    JVC HA RX500 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • 2.3 m more useful cable length
    JVC HA RX500 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3.5 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

    JVC HA RX500 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3.5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.3.5 m vs 1.2 m
  • 3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    JVC HA RX500 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 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

    JVC HA RX500 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 3.6x cheaper
    JVC HA RX500 is cheaper than the average headphone (£25 vs £90).
    JVC HA RX500 is cheaper than the average headphone (£25 vs £90).£25 vs £90
  • 12x higher input power handling
    JVC HA RX500 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,200 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

    JVC HA RX500 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,200 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.1200 mW vs 100 mW
  • 12.8% higher user score
    JVC HA RX500 has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.02 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.
    JVC HA RX500 has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.02 vs 8.000).9.02 vs 8
  • 2.3 m more useful cable length
    JVC HA RX500 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3.5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
  • 11% lower weight
    JVC HA RX500 is lighter than the average headphone (194 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    JVC HA RX500 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    JVC HA RX500 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 12x higher input power handling
    JVC HA RX500 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,200 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    JVC HA RX500 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.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    JVC HA RX500 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Sidetone support
    JVC HA RX500 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.

Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    JVC HA RX500 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No travel bag
    JVC HA RX500 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • Not headset-ready
    JVC HA RX500 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • No voice assistant support
    JVC HA RX500 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • No voice assistant support
    JVC HA RX500 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

    JVC HA RX500 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    JVC HA RX500 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

    JVC HA RX500 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Not headset-ready
    JVC HA RX500 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

    JVC HA RX500 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • No travel bag
    JVC HA RX500 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

    JVC HA RX500 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
Total
Design
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of JVC HA RX500 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
814 Reviews
amazon
5.0
1 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
814 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
1 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about JVC HA RX500?

  • Exceptional value for money, frequently cited as punchy and high-quality for its low price point
  • Comfortable for long sessions thanks to cushioned ear cups, a padded headband, and a twist-action structure
  • Extra-long 3.5m cable provides great flexibility for home use, such as watching TV or gaming from a distance
  • Lightweight design makes them easy to wear without significant head pressure or fatigue
  • Good sound isolation and minimal leakage, effectively blocking out ambient noise
  • Impressive bass and overall clear audio reproduction for various genres like metal, rock, and jazz

What customers dislike about JVC HA RX500?

  • Build quality feels somewhat 'cheap' due to the primarily plastic construction
  • Durability issues noted over time, specifically with ear padding peeling or the plastic frame cracking
  • High-end frequencies can sound slightly 'dull' or lacking in detail compared to higher-priced models
  • Bulky, non-foldable design and excessive cable length make them inconvenient for portable or commuting use
  • Ears can feel warm or 'sweaty' after several hours of continuous wear

Expert reviews

H
headfonia.com
21/06/2017
Wayback Wednesday: Victor/JVC HA-FX500

The Headfonia "Wayback Wednesday" review of the Victor/JVC HA-FX500 highlights the pioneering wood-coned earphone as a historic, brand-saving milestone that offers a remarkably wide soundstage and dry, textured bass. While praised for its unique sonic character, the IEM suffers from sharp, high-frequency treble spikes that cause listening fatigue and presents significant durability...Read more

L
leclaireur.fnac.com
04/01/2019
JVC HA-RX500 Review: Great Value for This Wired Headphone", "JVC HA-RX500 Lab Test: A Good Budget Wired Headphone

The Labo Fnac review of the JVC HA-RX500Go awards these wired, closed-back, over-ear headphones a 3 out of 5-star rating, concluding that they offer good value for money at an affordable starting price of €24.90. The expert testing highlights an exceptional sound leakage prevention score of 10 out of 10, meaning users can listen to music without disturbing those nearby. It also...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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