OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

Panasonic RB M500B Review | 93 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price: ~£70
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: 30 hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Panasonic RB M500B review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.9

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%

4.3

Technical Score

20.0%

7.7

User score

Poor
4.3

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%

4.6

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

5.9

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

4.8

Battery

4.0%

5.7

Calls & Controls

Poor
7.7

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%

8.2

User reviews

30.0%

6.6

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(257)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(257)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Very good
  • 3.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    3.1

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    1.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    4.8

    Battery life

  • 2.1
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    4.8

    Battery life

    18.0%

    2.8

    Weight

    16.0%

    1.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 3.8
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    1.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    4.8

    Battery life

    14.0%

    1.0

    Companion app

  • 3.8
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    2.8

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    4.8

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • panasonic-rb-m500b
  • panasonic-rb-m500b
  • panasonic-rb-m500b
  • panasonic-rb-m500b
  • panasonic-rb-m500b
  • panasonic-rb-m500b
panasonic-rb-m500b
panasonic-rb-m500b
panasonic-rb-m500b
panasonic-rb-m500b
panasonic-rb-m500b
panasonic-rb-m500b

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 Panasonic RB-M500B is an over-ear wireless headphone featuring 40mm Neodymium dynamic drivers and specialized XBS DEEP technology for enhanced low-frequency performance. Its standout feature is a 3-level adjustable 'Bass Reactor' that creates physical vibrations to simulate a live concert experience. Connectivity includes Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC and SBC codec support, as well as a 1.2m detachable 3.5mm cable for wired use. Key specifications include a frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz, 27Ω impedance, and a 30-hour battery life that supports quick charging via USB-C (15 minutes for 2 hours of playback). Major pros include a highly comfortable fit due to Side Pressure Dispersion Technology and exceptionally powerful, tactile bass that appeals to bass enthusiasts. However, notable cons include the lack of active noise cancellation (ANC), the absence of a carrying case in the box, and a bulky design that is not ideal for travel.

Technical Specifications of Panasonic RB M500B

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%

4.6

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

5.9

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

4.8

Battery

4.0%

5.7

Calls & Controls

4.3
Panasonic RB M500B has a technical score of 4.25 points, which is lower than that of 82.3% 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%

8.2

User reviews

30.0%

6.6

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(257)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(257)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

7.7
Panasonic RB M500B has a user score of 7.73 points, which is lower than that of 65.9% 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.
6.6
Panasonic RB M500B has a popularity of 6.6 points, which is higher than 60.4% 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%

4.9

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.5
Panasonic RB M500B has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.5 points, which is lower than 60.6% 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
Panasonic RB M500B 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
Panasonic RB M500B 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
Panasonic RB M500B 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
Panasonic RB M500B 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
Panasonic RB M500B 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
Panasonic RB M500B 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
Panasonic RB M500B 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
Panasonic RB M500B 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

?
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

wireless
Panasonic RB M500B supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 52.6% of headphones and equal to 47.4% of headphones.
supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
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

5.0
Panasonic RB M500B uses Bluetooth version 5.0, newer Bluetooth version than 70.9% of headphones and equal to 13% of headphones.
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

10 m
Panasonic RB M500B offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.6% of headphones and equal to 79.9% of headphones.
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

200 ms
Panasonic RB M500B has audio latency of 200 ms, higher audio latency than 72% of headphones and equal to 13.9% of headphones.
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

no
Panasonic RB M500B does not support multipoint. 65.1% of headphones support multipoint.
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
Panasonic RB M500B 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

no
Panasonic RB M500B does not work with a companion app. 44.4% of headphones support companion apps.
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
Panasonic RB M500B 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

30 hours
Panasonic RB M500B offers battery life of 30 hours, higher battery life than 46% of headphones and equal to 10.5% of headphones.
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

4 hours
Panasonic RB M500B needs 4 hours to charge, higher charging time than 90.5% of headphones and equal to 4.7% of headphones.
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

yes
Panasonic RB M500B supports quick charge. 31% of headphones support quick charge.
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

?
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

Panasonic
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

316 g
Panasonic RB M500B weighs 316 g, heavier than 84.5% 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

Panasonic RB M500B vs the average headphone

  • More flexible connectivity
    Panasonic RB M500B offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    supports both wireless and wired 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

    Panasonic RB M500B offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
  • On-device controls
    Panasonic RB M500B includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
    What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
    When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Panasonic RB M500B includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Panasonic RB M500B reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
    What it is: Reduces wind interference for clearer outdoor calls
    When it matters: When you take calls outdoors while walking, cycling, or commuting.

    Importance: LOW

    Panasonic RB M500B reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • USB-C charging
    Panasonic RB M500B uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
    What it is: Uses USB-C connector for charging or data
    When it matters: When you want to charge with the same cable family used by your phone, tablet, laptop, or other daily devices.

    Importance: LOW

    Panasonic RB M500B uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Panasonic RB M500B has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones rely on an internal rechargeable battery instead of replaceable disposable cells.
    When it matters: When you expect regular wireless use and want charging convenience instead of buying and replacing disposable batteries.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Panasonic RB M500B has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • 10x higher input power handling
    Panasonic RB M500B has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 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

    Panasonic RB M500B has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.1000 mW vs 100 mW
  • 10x higher input power handling
    Panasonic RB M500B has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
  • USB-C charging
    Panasonic RB M500B uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Panasonic RB M500B has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Panasonic RB M500B offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • On-device controls
    Panasonic RB M500B includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Panasonic RB M500B reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.

Total
Sound
Battery
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • 45% higher weight
    Panasonic RB M500B is heavier than the average headphone (316 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • No travel bag
    Panasonic RB M500B does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Panasonic RB M500B has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Panasonic RB M500B has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    Panasonic RB M500B has a higher charging time than the average headphone (4 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
  • 72.5 ms higher audio latency
    Panasonic RB M500B has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (200 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    Panasonic RB M500B has a higher charging time than the average headphone (4 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    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

    Panasonic RB M500B has a higher charging time than the average headphone (4 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.4 hours vs 2 hours
  • 45% higher weight
    Panasonic RB M500B is heavier than the average headphone (316 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

    Panasonic RB M500B is heavier than the average headphone (316 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.316 g vs 218 g
  • 72.5 ms higher audio latency
    Panasonic RB M500B has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (200 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
    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

    Panasonic RB M500B has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (200 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.200 ms vs 127.5 ms
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Panasonic RB M500B 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

    Panasonic RB M500B 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
  • No travel bag
    Panasonic RB M500B 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

    Panasonic RB M500B does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Panasonic RB M500B has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 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

    Panasonic RB M500B has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 4.2% worse value for money
    Panasonic RB M500B has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.46 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.
    Panasonic RB M500B has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.46 vs 6.736).6.46 vs 6.74
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Battery
Connectivity

Graphic comparison of Panasonic RB M500B and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
257 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
257 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Panasonic RB M500B?

  • Powerful, 'skull-rattling' bass performance through the Bass Reactor vibration system
  • Exceptional battery life, typically offering up to 30 hours of wireless playback
  • High comfort levels with soft, plush ear cushions suitable for long listening sessions
  • Quick-charge feature provides 2 hours of playback from just a 15-minute charge
  • Solid connectivity with stable Bluetooth 5.0 and an included 3.5mm cable for wired use

What customers dislike about Panasonic RB M500B?

  • Lack of Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), relying only on passive isolation
  • Bulky, non-collapsible design makes them less ideal for frequent travel
  • Onboard controls and buttons can be small, flat, and difficult to distinguish by touch
  • Poor companion app performance, with some users reporting it fails to detect the device
  • Built-in microphone quality is sometimes described as quiet or muffled during calls

Expert reviews

A
androidheadlines.com
14/05/2021
Panasonic Mighty Bass RB-M500B Review – Less Mighty, More Mediocre

The Panasonic Mighty Bass RB-M500B wireless headphones, originally priced at $149.99 but often found under $100, are a comfortable and featherlight option specifically engineered for extreme bass lovers. Their biggest strengths include an ultra-low, deep bass response that thumps powerfully without heavily distorting overall audio clarity, an impressive battery life of up to 30...Read more

Video reviews

Best alternatives

skullcandy-hesh-540
Skullcandy Hesh 540

Headphones

8.3
earfun-wave-pro
EarFun Wave Pro

Headphones

8.3
anker-soundcore-life-q30
Anker Soundcore Life Q30

Headphones

8.3
havit-h655bt-pro
Havit H655bt Pro

Headphones

8.2
1more-sonoflow-pro
1more Sonoflow Pro

Headphones

8.6
oneodio-a10-anc-bluetooth
OneOdio A10 ANC Bluetooth

Headphones

7.7
qcy-h3-pro
QCY H3 Pro

Headphones

8.9
soundpeats-space-pro
Soundpeats Space Pro

Headphones

8.5
oneodio-focus-a6
OneOdio Focus A6

Headphones

8.4
baseus-bowie-30-max
Baseus Bowie 30 Max

Headphones

8.4
ugreen-hitune-max5
Ugreen Hitune MAX5

Headphones

8.4
fiil-key-max
Fiil Key Max

Headphones

7.4

Compare Panasonic RB M500B with

VS
VS

Compare