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Pioneer HDJ 500T Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£110
Avg. price in US: ~$130
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

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

5.0

Good

5.0

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%
5.7
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

No image

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Best prices in UK

N/A~ £110

Best rankings

Verdict

The Pioneer HDJ-500T is a versatile, fully enclosed dynamic headphone designed for both professional DJ monitoring and everyday mobile use. It features 40mm dome-type drivers with a copper-clad aluminium wire (CCAW) voice coil, delivering a broad frequency range of 5 Hz to 28,000 Hz, an impedance of 45 ohms, and a sensitivity of 105 dB. A key characteristic is the right earpiece's 60-degree rotating arm and a flexible headband that facilitates easy one-ear monitoring. Main pros include its lightweight 195g build, detachable cable system with both a 3m coiled cord and a specialized 1.2m straight cord featuring an in-line microphone and remote for smartphone calls, and powerful low-to-mid range sound reproduction. However, notable cons include its non-foldable design, making it less compact for travel, and a predominantly plastic construction that may feel less premium compared to higher-end models.

Technical Specifications of Pioneer HDJ 500T

Overall score

5.0

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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

4.6

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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

N/A

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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

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

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 500T vs the average headphone

Why is Pioneer HDJ 500T better than the average headphone?

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13 Hz lower bass extension
Pioneer HDJ 500T 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 500T 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 500T 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 500T 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
Pioneer HDJ 500T 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
Pioneer HDJ 500T includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
8,000 Hz higher treble extension
Pioneer HDJ 500T 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 500T 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 500T 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 500T 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
Dj-focused design
Pioneer HDJ 500T 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 500T is designed for DJ use, the average headphone is not. 1.9% of headphones are designed for DJ use.
0.8 m more useful cable length
Pioneer HDJ 500T offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.
Importance: LOW
Pioneer HDJ 500T offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.2 m vs 1.2 m
3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Pioneer HDJ 500T 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 500T 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
1.5 lower clamp force
Pioneer HDJ 500T 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 500T is designed for DJ use, the average headphone is not. 1.9% of headphones are designed for DJ use.
0.8 m more useful cable length
Pioneer HDJ 500T offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
10.6% lower weight
Pioneer HDJ 500T 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 500T 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 500T 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 500T 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 500T 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.
28 dB higher max SPL
Pioneer HDJ 500T has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (138 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Pioneer HDJ 500T 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
Pioneer HDJ 500T includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Boom microphone included
Pioneer HDJ 500T includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Calls & Controls

Why is Pioneer HDJ 500T worse than the average headphone?

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8 mm tighter earcup height
Pioneer HDJ 500T 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 500T does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
6 years older release date
Pioneer HDJ 500T was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
April 2011
8 mm tighter earcup height
Pioneer HDJ 500T 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 500T 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
4.65x less popular
Pioneer HDJ 500T is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
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.
Pioneer HDJ 500T is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
No travel bag
Pioneer HDJ 500T 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 500T does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
6 years older release date
Pioneer HDJ 500T was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
April 2011
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 500T was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2011 vs 2017
3.6% worse value for money
Pioneer HDJ 500T has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.50 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.
Pioneer HDJ 500T has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.50 vs 6.736).6.5 vs 6.74

Graphic comparison of Pioneer HDJ 500T and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Pioneer HDJ 500T?

Punchy bass response optimized for beatmatching and DJ monitoring
Stylish and professional 'Pioneer DJ' aesthetic
Comes with both 3m coiled and 1m straight detachable cables
60-degree rotating right ear cup for flexible one-ear monitoring
Lightweight design with comfortable urethane leather padding
Excellent value for money as an entry-level DJ headphone
Inline microphone included (specifically on the 500T model) for mobile use

What customers dislike about Pioneer HDJ 500T?

Known durability issues, particularly with the plastic headband cracking over time
Non-foldable design makes them bulky for travel and storage
On-ear fit can become uncomfortable and cause ear fatigue after an hour of use
Recessed mid-range and grainier highs compared to more expensive reference models
Limited sound isolation due to the on-ear pad size
No carrying bag or pouch typically included in the box

Expert reviews

head-fi.org

17/12/2010

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

The Pioneer HDJ-500K is identified as a stylish, budget-friendly option for DJs, offering a punchy, bass-heavy sound profile suitable for dance music, along with a 60-degree swiveling earcup for single-ear monitoring. Positive aspects include a modern aesthetic, detachable cables, and a wide soundstage, though the construction is described as heavily plasticky, flimsy, and prone to...Read more

djbooth.net

10/12/2010

Pioneer HDJ-500 Headphones Review - DJBooth

The Pioneer HDJ-500 is an entry-level DJ headphone that balances affordability with high-quality materials, such as a magnesium alloy core and authentic leather padding. A standout design feature is the 60-degree rotating right earpiece, which allows DJs to monitor audio comfortably in a "one-ear-on" configuration without the headset slipping. Sound-wise, the 40mm drivers deliver a...Read more

on-mag.fr

02/08/2012

Pioneer HDJ-500: DJ and streetwear headphones

The Pioneer HDJ-500Go review on ON-mag.fr evaluates this €100 closed-back, on-ear headphone as a robust, lifestyle-friendly entry in Pioneer’s DJ lineup. Designed for both professional booth monitoring and everyday streetwear, the headset features 40 mm dynamic drivers capable of handling high power inputs up to 2,000 mW. Architecturally, its pros include a highly functional and...Read more

tonecontrol.nl

Unknown

Pioneer DJ HDJ-500-T with microphone on ToneControl

The Pioneer DJ HDJ-500 T is highlighted as a versatile, entry-level, fully-closed dynamic headphone set engineered for home-based DJs who require dual-purpose functionality for daily travel and leisure listening. A major strength of this model is its custom sound profiling; it uses a newly designed 40 mm driver unit coupled with a tight ear pad enclosure and a thick 19-micrometer...Read more

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