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Pioneer HDJ 500 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£90
Avg. price in US: ~$130
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Pioneer HDJ 500 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.7

Good

5.0

Good

8.3

Excellent

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%
5.7
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%
5.7
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

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Verdict

The Pioneer HDJ-500 is a fully enclosed dynamic DJ headphone featuring 40mm dome-type drivers with a 19µm diaphragm and copper-clad aluminum wire (CCAW) voice coils, engineered to provide a punchy bass and clear mid-to-high frequency reproduction. These 45-ohm headphones offer a wide frequency range of 5 Hz to 28,000 Hz and a sensitivity of 105 dB, making them highly effective for monitoring in loud club environments. Key characteristics include a unique 60-degree swivelling right earpiece for single-ear monitoring, a lightweight 195g build, and interchangeable cables (a 1.2m coiled and a 1m straight cord). Main pros are its impressive sound-to-price ratio, effective noise isolation, and flexible monitoring options. However, notable cons include a non-foldable design that complicates storage, potential for ear fatigue during long sessions due to high bass presence, and reported fragile construction in some plastic components.

Technical Specifications of Pioneer HDJ 500

Overall score

5.7

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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.

Sound

5.3

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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

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

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

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

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Calls & Controls

3.5

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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

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

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

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

6.2

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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

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

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Features

4.1

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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

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

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Battery

1.0

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

7.3

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Pioneer

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

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Pioneer HDJ 500 vs the average headphone

Why is Pioneer HDJ 500 better than the average headphone?

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13 Hz lower bass extension
Pioneer HDJ 500 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 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
Pioneer HDJ 500 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Pioneer HDJ 500 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
Pioneer HDJ 500 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
8,000 Hz higher treble extension
Pioneer HDJ 500 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
Pioneer HDJ 500 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.28000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
1.5 lower clamp force
Pioneer HDJ 500 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.8 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
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
Pioneer HDJ 500 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.8 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.2.8 vs 4.3
Quick mic mute
Pioneer HDJ 500 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
Pioneer HDJ 500 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
Dj-focused design
Pioneer HDJ 500 is designed for DJ use, the average headphone is not. 1.9% of headphones are designed for DJ use.
Explicit DJ-oriented model or product line.
What it is: Designed and marketed for DJ cueing, mixing, and booth monitoring
When it matters: When you need headphones for cueing, beatmatching, and live DJ monitoring.
Importance: LOW
Pioneer HDJ 500 is designed for DJ use, the average headphone is not. 1.9% of headphones are designed for DJ use.
3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Pioneer HDJ 500 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
Pioneer HDJ 500 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
Boom microphone included
Pioneer HDJ 500 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.
Importance: LOW
Pioneer HDJ 500 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
1.5 lower clamp force
Pioneer HDJ 500 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.8 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
Dj-focused design
Pioneer HDJ 500 is designed for DJ use, the average headphone is not. 1.9% of headphones are designed for DJ use.
10.6% lower weight
Pioneer HDJ 500 is lighter than the average headphone (195 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
13 Hz lower bass extension
Pioneer HDJ 500 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
8,000 Hz higher treble extension
Pioneer HDJ 500 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Pioneer HDJ 500 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
20x higher input power handling
Pioneer HDJ 500 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (2,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Pioneer HDJ 500 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
Quick mic mute
Pioneer HDJ 500 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
Boom microphone included
Pioneer HDJ 500 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Calls & Controls

Why is Pioneer HDJ 500 worse than the average headphone?

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8 mm tighter earcup height
Pioneer HDJ 500 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (52 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
No travel bag
Pioneer HDJ 500 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
1 fewer microphones
Pioneer HDJ 500 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
7 older release date
Pioneer HDJ 500 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,010 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
November 2010
8 mm tighter earcup height
Pioneer HDJ 500 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (52 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Pioneer HDJ 500 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (52 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.52 mm vs 60 mm
1 fewer microphones
Pioneer HDJ 500 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 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
Pioneer HDJ 500 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
No travel bag
Pioneer HDJ 500 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
Pioneer HDJ 500 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
7 older release date
Pioneer HDJ 500 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,010 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
November 2010
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
Pioneer HDJ 500 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,010 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2010 vs 2017

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Pioneer HDJ 500 and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Pioneer HDJ 500?

Punchy and deep bass response ideal for DJing and electronic music
Excellent value for money as an entry-level professional option
Lightweight and generally comfortable for short-to-medium sessions
Includes both coiled and straight detachable cables with a locking mechanism
60-degree swiveling right earpiece allows for convenient one-ear monitoring
Stylish and sleek aesthetic design

What customers dislike about Pioneer HDJ 500?

Prone to durability issues, particularly the plastic headband which often cracks or snaps
Can cause ear fatigue and discomfort during long sessions due to the on-ear (supra-aural) design
Fixed, non-foldable frame makes them bulky and difficult to store for travel
Passive noise isolation is limited as the pads do not fully over the ears
Does not include a carrying case or protective bag in the standard package
Treble can lack clarity and may sound slightly muffled compared to higher-end models

Expert reviews

head-fi.org

17/12/2010

Pioneer HDJ-500K DJ Headphones (Black) - Head-Fi

The Pioneer HDJ-500K headphones are noted on Head-Fi for providing punchy, tight bass, comfortable wear, and versatile, locking cables suitable for budget-conscious DJs. While they offer clear highs, the sound is heavily colored with a U-shaped response, featuring recessed, grainy mids and occasional treble sibilance, alongside poor portability due to their non-folding, bulky...Read more

ra.co

09/03/2011

Pioneer HDJ-500 Review", "Pioneer HDJ-500 DJ Headphones Review

The Resident Advisor review evaluates the Pioneer HDJ-500Go entry-level DJ headphones, highlighting their functionality and exceptional value for a product priced under $100. The reviewer notes several key pros, including its low-impedance (45Ω) design that delivers a powerful, club-like sound with a strong emphasis on bass, mimicking a professional venue's sound system....Read more

djbooth.net

10/12/2010

Pioneer HDJ-500 Headphones Review - DJBooth

The DJBooth Review highlights the Pioneer HDJ-500Go as an impressive, entry-level option for performing and beginner DJs that delivers punchy, club-ready performance at a sub-$100 price point. Built with a lightweight magnesium alloy core wrapped in hard plastic, the design features memory-foam urethane padding wrapped in real authentic leather, providing lasting comfort for...Read more

bonedo.de

29/11/2012

Pioneer HDJ-500W Review

The Pioneer HDJ-500W is a stylish, on-ear, closed-back DJ headphone designed primarily for beginners and intermediate users looking for a blend of club functionality and lifestyle aesthetics. It features an eye-catching, matte white design accented by silver aluminum rings and white synthetic leather ear pads, providing excellent visual appeal and high wearing comfort. In terms of...Read more

casque-dj.com

N/A

Pioneer DJ HDJ-700 Review and Test: The best DJ headphones?", "Pioneer DJ HDJ-700 Review: The best DJ headphones? (Includes HDJ-500 comparison)

The review from Casque-DJ.com highlights the Pioneer DJ HDJ-700 as a high-quality, entry-level headphone that excels for beginner and intermediate DJs alike. Built with a robust combination of matte plastics and aluminium accents, this closed-back, supra-aural headset features 40mm drivers and a highly flexible inner aluminium headband that provides a secure fit without causing...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

04/08/2011

Pioneer HDJ-500T: best price - Les Numériques

The Pioneer HDJ-500T is a closed-back, on-ear (supra-aural) DJ and monitoring headphone that weighs 195 grams and features a detachable 3-meter cable. It achieved a mediocre 3 out of 5 rating from the editorial team due to a mix of design and performance issues. While the device offers strong sound isolation, smartphone compatibility, and durable, sweat-resistant ear pads, it...Read more

on-mag.fr

02/08/2012

Pioneer HDJ-500 review: DJ and streetwear headphones

The Pioneer HDJ-500Go is an entry-level closed-back, on-ear headphone marketed for both professional DJs and everyday streetwear use, priced at approximately €100. Structurally, it features a functional, robust design with reinforced headband sliders and a right earcup mounted on a swiveling pivot mechanism, allowing DJs to transition effortlessly into single-ear monitoring while...Read more

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