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ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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REVIEWS
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KEF M500 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£260Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

KEF M500 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

KEF M500
5.9/10

Overall score

Score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
Score components

80%

5.7

Technical score

20%

6.9

User score

â–¼Worse than 68% of headphones
6.9

Value for money

Value for money
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

â–¼Worse than 79%
5.7

Technical score

Technical score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
Score components

52%

6.1

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.6

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.4

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 64%
6.9

User score

User score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
Score components

70%

7.2

User ratings

30%

6.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 88%
  • kef-m500
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  • kef-m500
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones KEF M500

Technical score
Technical score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
Score components:

52%

6.1

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.6

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.4

Calls & Controls

5.7
User score
User score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
Score components

70%

7.2

User ratings

30%

6.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
6.9
Popularity
Popularity
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 52% of models
Popularity:
KEF M500 has a popularity score of 6.1 points, which is higher than that of 52.2% of products in this category.
6.1
Value for money
Value for money
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components:

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

6.9
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
20 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 47.3% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 1 microphones, more microphones than 26.9% of headphones and equal to 50.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
yes
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
KEF
Form factor
on-ear
Weight
208 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 208 g, lighter than 52.9% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

KEF M500 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • Quick mic mute
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Quick mic mute
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 16.6% lower user score
    User score
    6.9/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    KEF M500
    the average pair of headphones
    KEF M500 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.86 vs 8).
    6.86 vs 8
  • 2.89x more expensive
    KEF M500 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£260 vs £90).
    £260 vs £90
  • 5.7% worse value for money
    KEF M500 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.88 vs 7.3).
    6.88 vs 7.27
  • 16.6% lower user score
    User score
    6.9/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    KEF M500
    the average pair of headphones
    KEF M500 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.86 vs 8).
    6.86 vs 8
  • 2.89x more expensive
    KEF M500 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£260 vs £90).
    £260 vs £90
  • 5.7% worse value for money
    KEF M500 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.88 vs 7.3).
    6.88 vs 7.27
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Pursuit Perfect System
≈ estimated
06/10/2017
Hands-on review · design, sound and daily use
Verdict
The KEF M500 has a lovely build and good sound for most listeners, though it falls short for demanding ones.
9.0
lachlanlikesathing
≈ estimated
22/12/2013
Hands-on review · build, sound and comparison tests
Verdict
The KEF M500 is a very good portable headphone with excellent build and design, though a few sound traits hold it back.
Overview video
Shop video
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

cnet.com
15/08/2013
Hands-on review · Everyday on-ear
Verdict
The KEF M500 is a comfortable, sleekly built on-ear with balanced sound, though it is fairly pricey and lacks a wow factor.
whathifi.com
25/07/2013
Test-room review · Hi-fi on-ear
Verdict
The KEF M500 is a strong debut with rich, smooth sound and weighty bass, though rivals offer more subtlety, timing and dynamics.
pcmag.com
28/08/2013
Expert review · Bass-friendly sound
Verdict
The KEF M500 is a comfortable on-ear with clean, rich bass and a handy phone remote, worth its high price for listeners who want balance.
W
wired.com
06/03/2014
Summary of the review
Memory-Foam Headphones That Sound as Good as They Feel
audioholics.com
09/02/2014
Hands-on review · Long-session comfort
Verdict
The KEF M500 is a very comfortable, well-built on-ear with excellent isolation and clear sound, though its minimalist look and stiff slider may not suit everyone.
tonepublications.com
09/01/2014
Listening review · Commuter on-ears
Verdict
The KEF M500 is a balanced, British-sounding on-ear for commuters that rewards long listening, but it lacks the bass definition of a home reference.
vaetr.com
14/04/2015
Listening review · Mellow hi-fi on-ears
Verdict
The KEF M500 is a smooth, mellow pair that suits real-world music from ordinary sources, but it sounds flat with airy vocal recordings.
H
head-fi.org
11/06/2013
Summary of the review
KEF M500 Hi-Fi On-Ear Headphones Review
D
darko.audio
05/09/2013
Summary of the review
On the road: KEF M500 headphones and HRT microStreamer
hardwarezone.com.sg
04/10/2013
Listening test · Comfort-first on-ear
Verdict
The KEF M500 is the most comfortable on-ear the reviewer has tried and easy to carry, but thin treble and a narrow stage hold back the sound.
dagogo.com
23/12/2014
Long-term review · Portable on-ears
Verdict
The KEF M500 is a light, comfortable on-ear that isolates better than most of its kind, though without noise cancelling outside noise still gets through.
I
i-fidelity.net
03/01/2014
Summary of the review
KEF M500: Page 2 - i-fidelity.net
(Translated)Show original
connect.de
03/01/2014
Hands-on review · Premium on-ear
Verdict
The KEF M500 is a confident first on-ear with relaxed, detailed sound and memory-foam pads that stay comfortable over several hours.
lesnumeriques.com
06/06/2013
Test · Wired on-ear headphones
Verdict
The KEF M500 is a precise, neutral on-ear with a solid build and full kit, though its narrow soundstage and high price hold it back.
Q
qobuz.com
05/11/2013
Summary of the review
KEF M500 headphone review: A successful first step into the on-ear mafia!
(Translated)Show original
on-mag.fr
11/03/2015
Hands-on test · Audiophile on-ear
Verdict
The KEF M500 is a warm, lively on-ear with a neat finish that suits everyday listening, though its bass lacks depth and it shifts on the head when running.
cachem.fr
02/05/2013
Hands-on review · Hi-fi on-ear
Verdict
The KEF M500 is a clear, detailed hi-fi on-ear for home listening with an amplifier, though it slips off your head and needs high volume.
wearemobians.com
01/10/2013
Hi-fi review · Passive isolation
Verdict
The KEF M500 is a comfortable, detailed hi-fi on-ear that suits serious listeners, though its soundstage is a little narrow and it needs a loud enough source.
audiocasque.fr
17/12/2013
Full review · Supra-aural comfort
Verdict
The KEF M500 is one of the most comfortable on-ear headphones, with well-balanced sound that suits mobile use, though it is good rather than exceptional.
0
01net.com
N/A
Summary of the review
KEF M500 Review: A Portable Headphone That Respects the Sound
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

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 don't like 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

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.

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