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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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RHA S500 Universal Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£35Form factor:in-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

RHA S500 Universal Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

RHA S500 Universal
5.7/10

Overall score

Score
5.7/ 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 78% of models
Score components

80%

5.3

Technical score

20%

7.2

User score

â–¼Worse than 78% of headphones
7.0

Value for money

Value for money
7.0/ 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 73% of models
Score components

70%

5.7

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 73%
5.3

Technical score

Technical score
5.3/ 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 82% of models
Score components

52%

5.5

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.6

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 82%
7.2

User score

User score
7.2/ 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 82% of models
Score components

70%

7.2

User ratings

30%

7.2

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 82%
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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 RHA S500 Universal

Technical score
Technical score
5.3/ 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 82% of models
Score components:

52%

5.5

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.6

Calls & Controls

5.3
User score
User score
7.2/ 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 82% of models
Score components

70%

7.2

User ratings

30%

7.2

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.2
Popularity
Popularity
7.2/ 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 66% of models
Popularity:
RHA S500 Universal has a popularity score of 7.2 points, which is higher than that of 66.5% of products in this category.
7.2
Value for money
Value for money
7.0/ 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 73% of models
Score components:

70%

5.7

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.0
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
6 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 6 mm, smaller driver size than 98.9% of headphones and equal to 0.4% 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
16 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 16 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 54.1% of headphones and equal to 4.2% 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
yes
This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone. 86.5% 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
RHA
Form factor
in-ear
Weight
14 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 14 g, lighter than 89.7% of headphones and equal to 1.3% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
N/A
Show more

RHA S500 Universal vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 93.6% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (14 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    14 g vs 218 g
  • 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.
  • Wind noise reduction
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Boom microphone included
    This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone, the average pair of headphones does not. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 2.57x cheaper
    RHA S500 Universal is cheaper than the average pair of headphones (£35 vs £90).
    £35 vs £90
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 2.57x cheaper
    RHA S500 Universal is cheaper than the average pair of headphones (£35 vs £90).
    £35 vs £90
  • 93.6% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (14 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    14 g vs 218 g
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 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.
  • Wind noise reduction
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Boom microphone included
    This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone, the average pair of headphones does not. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 34 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (6 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    6 mm vs 40 mm
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 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.
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 11.1% lower user score
    User score
    7.2/ 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
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    RHA S500 Universal
    the average pair of headphones
    RHA S500 Universal has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.2 vs 8).
    7.2 vs 8
  • 3.9% worse value for money
    RHA S500 Universal has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (7 vs 7.3).
    7 vs 7.27
  • 10 dB lower max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a lower max SPL than the average pair of headphones (100 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    100 dB vs 110 dB
  • 11.1% lower user score
    User score
    7.2/ 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
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    RHA S500 Universal
    the average pair of headphones
    RHA S500 Universal has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.2 vs 8).
    7.2 vs 8
  • 3.9% worse value for money
    RHA S500 Universal has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (7 vs 7.3).
    7 vs 7.27
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 34 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (6 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    6 mm vs 40 mm
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 10 dB lower max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a lower max SPL than the average pair of headphones (100 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    100 dB vs 110 dB
  • 95% lower input power handling
    This pair of headphones has a lower max input power than the average pair of headphones (5 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    5 mW vs 100 mW
  • 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

9.0
the Honest Audiophile
≈ estimated
06/01/2020
Revisit · long-term opinion on two budget in-ears
Verdict
RHA S500 Universal is still recommended for its comfort, open presentation and imaging, even years after first use.
8.0
Dhananjay Bhosale
✓ explicit
14/02/2016
Hands-on review · sound, build and comfort
Verdict
RHA S500 Universal offers clear vocals and a wide soundstage, though weak bass limits it on modest devices.
Not graded yet

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

majorhifi.com
02/09/2018
Listening review · Budget in-ear
Verdict
The RHA S500 is a fast-sounding in-ear that suits pop and hip-hop, though its upper treble can turn harsh at higher volumes.
M
macsources.com
17/04/2020
Summary of the review
RHA S500 Wired Earphones REVIEW
hifiplus.com
31/03/2016
Hands-on test · iPhone in-ear
Verdict
The RHA S500i is a clear, open-sounding in-ear with taut bass that suits accuracy-minded listeners, though it needs careful fitting to seal well.
H
headphoneslab.com
01/04/2020
Summary of the review
RHA S500 Ultra-compact Aluminium In-Ear Headphones Review
tonepublications.com
10/01/2018
Listening review · Budget in-ear
Verdict
The RHA S500 is a well-built in-ear with a clear, undistorted sound that reaches well beyond its price, though it lacks active noise cancelling.
kopfhoerer.de
28/03/2016
Hands-on test · Apple-focused in-ears
Verdict
The RHA S500i is a well-built in-ear with solid bass, clear mids and good isolation, and a step up from Apple's standard earphones.
modernhifi.de
13/10/2015
Hands-on test · Smartphone in-ears
Verdict
The RHA S500i is a neutral, roomy-sounding in-ear that suits people who want clear voices and instruments rather than heavy bass.
techtest.org
02/12/2016
Hands-on test · Budget in-ear
Verdict
The RHA S500 is a well-built in-ear that suits electronic music with its punchy bass, but its thin midrange makes vocals less full.
audisseus.de
16/04/2016
Hands-on test · Everyday in-ear
Verdict
The RHA S500i is a comfortable, light in-ear with clean, balanced sound and useful phone controls, suiting everyday listeners more than bass fans.
majorhifi.com
02/09/2018
Listening review · Budget in-ear
Verdict
The RHA S500 is a fast-sounding in-ear that suits pop and hip-hop, though its upper treble can turn harsh at higher volumes.
lesnumeriques.com
17/03/2016
Lab test · Budget in-ear
Verdict
The RHA S500i is a neat, comfortable in-ear with clear voices, but its bright tone and heavy bass give a strongly colored sound.
on-mag.fr
18/11/2016
Hands-on test · Compact in-ear
Verdict
The RHA S500 is a tiny, comfortable in-ear with deep, dynamic bass and precise voices, though its treble lacks some richness.
O
on-mag.fr
18/11/2016
Summary of the review
RHA S500(i) headphones review
(Translated)Show original
H
head-fi.org
29/09/2015
Summary of the review
RHA S500i Ultra-Compact In-Ear Headphone - Reviews
(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 RHA S500 Universal

  • Excellent build quality using lightweight, aircraft-grade aluminum housings.
  • Very compact and ergonomic design that fits well in small ears.
  • Generous accessory bundle including seven pairs of ear tips and a carrying pouch.
  • Clear and detailed sound signature with a notable 3-year warranty.
  • Balanced audio performance with punchy bass that doesn't overwhelm the mix.
  • Good passive noise isolation due to the deep-fitting micro-driver design.

What customers don't like about RHA S500 Universal

  • High frequencies can be overly bright or sibilant, causing listener fatigue.
  • Cable can produce microphonics (noise from rubbing against clothing).
  • Soundstage is often described as narrow, lacking instrumental depth.
  • Midrange may lack warmth and sound slightly 'dry' to some listeners.
  • Inline remote lacks volume controls on the 'Universal' version.

Verdict

The RHA S500 Universal is an ultra-compact in-ear headphone featuring custom 140.1 micro-dynamic drivers housed in durable, lightweight 6063 grade aluminium. Its technical specifications include a wide frequency response of 16Hz–22,000Hz, a 16 Ohm impedance, and 100dB sensitivity, delivering a vibrant sound signature with a notable mid-bass impact and crisp highs. Main characteristics include its featherweight 14g design, a dual-material 1.35m cable with a reinforced braided section, and a universal one-button remote/microphone compatible with both Android and iOS voice assistants. Key pros include exceptional build quality for its price, an industry-leading 3-year warranty, and a generous accessory pack with seven pairs of silicone ear tips. However, potential cons include a treble-forward signature that can become sibilant or piercing at high volumes and a lack of on-cable volume controls.

Compare RHA S500 Universal with other products in the Headphones category

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