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KEF M500 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£260
  • Avg. price in US: ~$300
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

KEF M500 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.2

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%

4.8

Technical Score

20.0%

6.6

User score

Good
4.8

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%

4.9

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

7.4

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

4.9

Calls & Controls

Poor
6.6

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%

7.2

User reviews

30.0%

5.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.6
(140)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(140)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Good
  • 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

  • 1.3
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    5.4

    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

  • 3.8
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.4

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • kef-m500
  • kef-m500
  • kef-m500
  • kef-m500
  • kef-m500
  • kef-m500
  • kef-m500
  • kef-m500
kef-m500
kef-m500
kef-m500
kef-m500
kef-m500
kef-m500
kef-m500
kef-m500

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 KEF M500 is a premium on-ear (supra-aural) headphone featuring 40mm neodymium drivers, a 20Hz–20kHz frequency response, 32-ohm impedance, and a sensitivity of 103dB. Its lightweight 208g aluminum frame utilizes a multi-directional 'Smart Hinge' for a portable, foldable design, while breathable memory foam ear pads ensure exceptional long-term comfort and a passive noise attenuation of up to 20dB. Main pros include its durable precision-engineered build, balanced hi-fi sound signature with tight bass and clear mids, and the inclusion of dual tangle-resistant flat cables (one with an MFi-certified inline remote). However, some users note cons such as sound leakage at higher volumes, a potentially loose fit that can slip during active movement, and on-ear pads that may run warm during extended use.

Technical Specifications of KEF M500

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%

4.9

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

7.4

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

4.9

Calls & Controls

4.8
KEF M500 has a technical score of 4.83 points, which is lower than that of 53.4% 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%

7.2

User reviews

30.0%

5.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.6
(140)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(140)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

6.6
KEF M500 has a user score of 6.56 points, which is lower than that of 85.9% 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.
5.1
KEF M500 has a popularity of 5.1 points, which is higher than 52.4% 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%

5.2

Overall score

40.0%

9.2

Price

6.4
KEF M500 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.4 points, which is lower than 65.9% 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
KEF M500 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
KEF M500 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
KEF M500 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

20 Hz
KEF M500 reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% 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
KEF M500 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
KEF M500 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

1
KEF M500 has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% of headphones.
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
KEF M500 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

?
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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
KEF M500 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
KEF M500 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

yes
KEF M500 supports voice assistants. 39.2% 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

KEF
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

208 g
KEF M500 weighs 208 g, lighter than 53% 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

KEF M500 vs the average headphone

  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    KEF M500 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

    KEF M500 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    KEF M500 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

    KEF M500 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Foldable design
    KEF M500 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

    KEF M500 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Quick mic mute
    KEF M500 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
    What it is: Ability to mute microphone during calls
    When it matters: When you need to silence the mic quickly during meetings or multiplayer games.

    Importance: LOW

    KEF M500 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • Foldable design
    KEF M500 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    KEF M500 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    KEF M500 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Quick mic mute
    KEF M500 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.

Total
Design
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    KEF M500 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 4 years older release date
    KEF M500 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    April 2013
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    KEF M500 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 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

    KEF M500 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 2.89x more expensive
    KEF M500 is more expensive than the average headphone (£260 vs £90).
    KEF M500 is more expensive than the average headphone (£260 vs £90).£260 vs £90
  • 22% lower user score
    KEF M500 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.56 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.
    KEF M500 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.56 vs 8.000).6.56 vs 8
  • 4 years older release date
    KEF M500 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    April 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

    KEF M500 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2013 vs 2017
  • 5.7% worse value for money
    KEF M500 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.37 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.
    KEF M500 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.37 vs 6.736).6.37 vs 6.74
Total
Overall
Sound
Features

Graphic comparison of KEF M500 and

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.6
140 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
140 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about KEF M500?

  • Sleek and sturdy design featuring a lightweight aluminum frame
  • Exceptional comfort with memory foam ear pads suitable for long listening sessions
  • Well-balanced, natural sound signature with impressive detail and clarity
  • Foldable design with a high-quality hardshell carrying case for portability
  • Includes two detachable flat cables, including one with an inline remote and microphone
  • Tight and controlled bass that provides richness without being overpowering

What customers dislike about KEF M500?

  • Poor isolation from external noise due to the on-ear design, making them unsuitable for noisy environments like airplanes
  • Bass response may feel 'anemic' or insufficient for dedicated bassheads
  • Inline remote buttons are noted as being very small and difficult to press
  • Can feel slightly loose or prone to sliding on the head with movement
  • Higher price point compared to some competitors with similar sound performance
  • On-ear pads can cause ears to feel warm after extended use

Expert reviews

C
cnet.com
15/08/2013
KEF M500 headphones review: Stellar design and comfort

The KEF M500 is a $300 on-ear headphone model that stands out for its exceptional build quality, sleek aluminum frame, and superb comfort. Reviewer David Carnoy highlights it as one of the most comfortable on-ear models he has ever tested, rivaling the Bose OE2i due to its breathable memory foam earpads and a multidirectional "Smart Hinge" that folds flat for mobile storage. It...Read more

W
whathifi.com
25/07/2013
KEF M500 review - What Hi-Fi?

The KEF M500 headphones mark a strong debut into the headphone market for the renowned speaker manufacturer, offering a luxurious and solid build quality featuring a precision-tooled, sandblasted aluminium frame. Designed for a comfortable fit, they feature a "Smart Hinge" that rotates on two axes and ear pads that provide effective passive noise isolation. The package includes two...Read more

P
pcmag.com
28/08/2013
KEF M500 Review - PCMag

The PCMag KEF M500 review gives the on-ear headphones an "Excellent" 4.0 out of 5 rating due to their solid balance of high-end comfort and rich, clean audio profile. Priced at a premium MSRP of $299.99, the headphones boast a variety of design and functional pros, including a durable and sleek aluminum structure with perforated, highly cushioned leather earcups that stay...Read more

D
dagogo.com
23/12/2014
KEF M500 Hi-Fi Headphones Review - Dagogo

The KEF M500 is a lightweight, on-ear headphone option designed for both indoor and portable outdoor use, featuring a sleek, hi-tech aluminum design with a clever folding mechanism for easy transport. Retailing at $299.99, it offers notable physical advantages including a highly comfortable fit achieved via memory foam ear cups, a secure headband that applies moderate pressure...Read more

H
hardwarezone.com.sg
04/10/2013
KEF M500 Headphones - A New Level of Comfort

The KEF M500 on-ear headphones stand out for their exceptional comfort, premium build quality, and high portability. Moving away from traditional ring-shaped ear-cups, KEF utilizes rectangular ear-pads with rounded edges to distribute force evenly and eliminate any tight clamping sensation. Designed for young professionals, they feature an elegant sandblasted aluminum chassis paired...Read more

D
darko.audio
05/09/2013
On the road: KEF M500 headphones and HRT microStreamer

John Darko’s review highlights a highly portable, budget-conscious audiophile setup for travel, featuring the HRT microStreamer DAC/headphone amplifier and the KEF M500 headphones. A major strength of the HRT microStreamer (US$199) is its ultra-compact form factor, which easily slips into a jeans pocket, alongside its superior crispness and dynamic agility compared to a standard...Read more

H
head-fi.org
11/06/2013
KEF M500 Hi-Fi On-Ear Headphones Review

The KEF M500 on-ear headphones are highly regarded for their refined, balanced sound signature, exceptional imaging, and wide soundstage for a closed-back design. Featuring a durable, lightweight aluminum frame and comfortable memory foam pads, they are lauded for their premium, functional design. Conversely, some users report a relaxed, less energetic sonic presentation that may...Read more

V
vaetr.com
14/04/2015
KEF M500 Headphone Review - Vaetr Design Are you looking for specific technical measurements like frequency response graphs, or just general user impr...

The KEF M500 headphone review by Stephen Shenefield outlines a product defined by its distinctively mellow tonal balance and elegant technical design, making it highly compatible with everyday music sources like iPhones and standard MP3 or CD files. A major pro highlighted in the review is the headphone's exceptional capability with articulate bass and punchy percussion, which...Read more

T
tonepublications.com
09/01/2014
KEF M500 Headphones - TONEAudio MAGAZINE

The KEF M500 is a stylish, ultra-durable pair of on-ear headphones crafted with an all-aluminum structure and smart-hinge technology, avoiding the cheap plastic shells found on competitors. Designed by the same in-house team behind KEF's acclaimed LS-50 and Blade speakers, these closed-back headphones deliver a balanced, "distinctly British" sound signature that favors exceptional...Read more

A
audioholics.com
09/02/2014
KEF M500 On-Ear Headphone Review

The KEF M500 on-ear headphones feature a durable, all-aluminum design with a "Smart Hinge" system, allowing for excellent portability and a comfortable fit due to lightweight construction and breathable memory foam pads. Included accessories are robust, offering two detachable flat cables and a hard-shell case. Acoustically, the 40mm drivers deliver a warm, balanced sound with clear...Read more

W
wired.com
06/03/2014
Memory-Foam Headphones That Sound as Good as They Feel

The WIRED review by Tim Moynihan highlights the KEF M500 on-ear headphones as a premium, highly durable personal audio solution that justifies its $300 price tag. Shifting away from cheap, disposable earbuds, the reviewer praises the device's premium build quality, which is primarily constructed from a supreme, lightweight aluminum alloy. The physical design is optimized for travel...Read more

I
i-fidelity.net
03/01/2014
KEF M500: Page 2 - i-fidelity.net

The i-fidelity.net review of the KEF M500 headphones highlights their exceptional industrial design and structural precision, comparing their aesthetic appeal to the work of the iconic designer Dieter Rams. The reviewer notes several prominent pros, particularly the premium aluminum frame that holds the oval ear cups, making the unit feel like a robust, high-quality piece of...Read more

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L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
23/11/2019
KEF M500 Review: Great On-Ear Headphones at a Great Price

Overview and Specifications The KEF M500 is a premium pair of wired, on-ear headphones that trades modern wireless features for exceptional audio and build quality. It features two 40 mm neodymium drivers delivering a 20 Hz – 20 kHz frequency range, 103 dB sensitivity, and 32 Ω impedance. The package is highly generous, including a semi-hard travel case, a flight adapter, a 6.3 mm...Read more

(Translated)Show original
A
avguide.ch
12/09/2013
Test of eight really good headphones", "Review of eight truly great headphones

The KEF M500 is a closed-back, dynamic on-ear headphone with a 32-ohm impedance designed for both mobile and home use. The reviewer praises the product as a "haptic masterpiece," specifically highlighting the pros of its exceptional material quality, which features form-milled, sandblasted aluminum components and soft faux-leather padding. Additional design strengths include a...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
lite-magazin.de
10/11/2013
KEF M500 – On-Ear Audio Master in the Finest Threads", "KEF M500 – On-Ear Master of Sound in Finest Attire

The KEF M500 is a lightweight, on-ear headphone constructed from a durable aluminum frame that offers an exceptionally balanced, highly detailed, and agile audio performance. Designed for premium mobile use, this 208-gram model features breathable memory-foam ear cushions wrapped in soft black leather, ensuring high levels of long-term wearing comfort. The integrated "Smart-Hinge"...Read more

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C
connect.de
03/01/2014
KEF M500 review - Headphones - connect

The KEF M 500 marks a highly successful debut into the headphone industry for the renowned audio brand KEF, delivering a premium on-ear listening experience for €300. Tested by reviewer Marco Breddin, these closed-back, dynamic headphones sport a minimalist Bauhaus design constructed from lightweight, high-quality aluminum. Weighing in at 211 grams, the design maximizes user comfort...Read more

(Translated)Show original
0
01net.com
N/A
KEF M500 Review: A Portable Headphone That Respects the Sound

The KEF M500Go review by 01net.com highlights it as a highly portable, robust, and elegant supra-aural (on-ear) headphone featuring a premium aluminum headband. Weighing 210 grams, it stands out for its structural durability and flexible design, including folding earcups that easily store away into an included transport case. Performance-wise, the review praises the M500 for...Read more

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A
audiocasque.fr
17/12/2013
KEF M500: Full Review - A Quality On-Ear Headphone

The KEF M500 is a lightweight, aluminum on-ear headphone manufactured by a British brand renowned for its high-end speakers. Priced at €299, it stands out as one of the most comfortable on-ear models available, featuring memory foam ear cushions that prevent overheating and provide effective passive noise isolation. It features a sleek, modern design that folds flat or down for...Read more

(Translated)Show original
W
wearemobians.com
01/10/2013
KEF M500 Hi-Fi Headphones Review: A Superb Success", "KEF M500 Hi-Fi Headphones: A Brilliant Triumph

The KEF M500 hi-fi headphones are a highly successful debut in the portable audio market, boasting a premium, elegant design crafted from anodized aluminum alloy and soft black leather. Co-designed by Porsche Design, this sleek, award-winning model weighs a lightweight 208 grams and incorporates KEF's proprietary "Smart Hinge" system for multidirectional earcup rotation. Audiophiles...Read more

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C
cachem.fr
02/05/2013
Review - KEF M500 Headphones - Cachem", "KEF M500 Headphones Review - Cachem

The KEF M500 is a lightweight, 210-gram on-ear hi-fi headphone crafted from high-quality aluminum and leather, featuring memory foam ear cushions that provide excellent comfort for long listening sessions, even for users wearing glasses. It delivers a neutral audio signature that performs exceptionally well with detailed vocals, classical music, opera, and rock when connected to a...Read more

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O
on-mag.fr
11/03/2015
KEF M500 headphones review: A safe bet with an elegant design", "KEF M500 review: Reliable performance and elegant design

The ON-mag review highlights the KEF M500 as an elegant, chic, and reliable on-ear headphone priced at 300 €. Built by the British audio specialist KEF, the headphones stand out for their pristine craftsmanship, featuring a satin-finished aluminum chassis, a generously padded headband, and leather-wrapped ear cups. Designed with portability and everyday functionality in mind, the...Read more

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Q
qobuz.com
05/11/2013
KEF M500 headphone review: A successful first step into the on-ear mafia!

The Qobuz review of the KEF M500 highlights the legendary British speaker manufacturer's successful first foray into the competitive on-ear (supra-aural) headphone market. The review strongly praises the premium build and elegant design, featuring a robust yet incredibly lightweight aluminum frame and soft memory foam earpads that deliver outstanding, long-lasting comfort without...Read more

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L
lesnumeriques.com
06/06/2013
KEF M500 Review - Les Numériques

The KEF M500 is a high-end, closed-back supra-aural (on-ear) headphone that represents the manufacturer's successful first entry into the portable hi-fi market, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 rating. The audio quality stands out as exceptionally precise, faithful, and neutral. Thanks to the excellent acoustic seal created by its memory foam earpads, the headphone delivers a full,...Read more

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A
audioreview.it
13/08/2014
AudioReview 349 Summary: A mega test to understand how faithful headphones are

This webpage does not contain an actual product review, but rather provides the table of contents (Sommario) for issue number 349 of the Italian magazine AudioReview, published in January 2014. Because it lists the articles and tests included in that specific magazine edition rather than reviewing a single item, there are no specific product pros and cons or direct performance...Read more

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A
audioreview.it
13/07/2014
8 headphones compared on AudioReview

In this AudioReview 349 review, author Rocco Patriarca organizes a listening test involving seven teenagers (aged 13 to 16) to evaluate eight different headphone models across six acoustic criteria, comfort, and aesthetics. The Focal Spirit One emerged as the overall winner with a top score of 8.8, heavily praised for its class-leading bass power (9.9) and high-quality stereo...Read more

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L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
23/11/2019
KEF M500 Review: Great On-Ear Headphones at a Great Price

The KEF M500 is a premium pair of wired on-ear headphones that delivers exceptional build quality, sound performance, and generic comfort despite debuting in 2013. Constructed almost entirely out of aluminum and soft, well-padded faux leather, the robust design feels highly durable and incorporates zero plastic parts in its joints. In terms of audio performance, the headphones...Read more

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D
diskidee.be
15/02/2016
Kef M400 and M500 headphones reviewed

The KEF M400 and M500 are compact, lightweight, "over-ear" headphones designed to deliver neutral, high-fidelity sound without artificial bass coloring. Both models feature 40mm neodymium drivers, a 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response, and memory foam ear pads that naturally seal out background noise. While technically very similar, the M400 is slightly more compact, lighter (175g vs...Read more

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G
gadgetgear.nl
06/03/2016
KEF M500 headphones review", "KEF M500 headphones test

The GadgetGear review awards the KEF M500 on-ear headphones 4.5 out of 5 stars, highlighting exceptional physical comfort, a neutral, fatigue-free sound signature, and a robust, premium industrial design. While the package is praised for its high-quality materials and included accessories, the review notes that the fit can be too loose for active, on-the-go use and mentions the high...Read more

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E
elektrozine.be
22/01/2016
KEF M500 Review

The review on Elektrozine.be highlights the KEF M500Go as a premium, beautifully designed on-ear headphone that leans heavily on its high-fidelity lineage. On the positive side, it boasts a sublime, lightweight aluminum design coupled with a convenient "Smart Hinge" system that allows both sides to fold cleanly into a protective travel case. Acoustically, the M500 delivers...Read more

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F
fwdmagazine.be
20/05/2013
KEF M500 Review

The FWD Magazine review highly praises the KEF M500 as an exceptional debut in the premium mobile headphone market, awarding it a maximum five-star rating. The pros highlight its premium, minimalist design constructed from a solid piece of aluminum and real leather, which exudes luxury and durability. Comfort is a major standout; despite being an on-ear model, the soft padding and...Read more

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