Yamaha EPH C500 Review | 93 Data compared
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Yamaha EPH C500 Review | 93 Data compared

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

Yamaha EPH C500 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

5.2

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%

5.2

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
5.2

Technical Score

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 components:

52.0%

5.6

Sound

20.0%

4.0

Features

10.0%

7.2

Design

8.0%

4.6

Connectivity

6.0%

4.9

Battery

4.0%

3.8

Calls & Controls

Good
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 5.7
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    ?

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    4.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    4.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    4.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    ?

    Battery life

  • 5.7
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    ?

    Battery life

    18.0%

    ?

    Weight

    16.0%

    4.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    4.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 4.6
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    4.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    4.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    ?

    Battery life

    14.0%

    4.0

    Companion app

  • 8.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    ?

    Weight

    24.0%

    10

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    ?

    IP rating

    16.0%

    ?

    Battery life

    12.0%

    4.0

    Can be used as a headset

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £90

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Yamaha EPH-C500 is a professional-grade in-ear headphone featuring large 13.6mm dynamic drivers designed to deliver a natural, high-fidelity audio experience with a frequency response of 20Hz to 21,000Hz. These wired earphones operate with a low impedance of 16 ohms and a sound pressure level of 104dB, ensuring clear and powerful output even from low-power devices like MP3 players and smartphones. Main pros include its lightweight design (just 3g without the 48-inch gold-plated cable), exceptional clarity for acoustic music and vocals, and effective passive noise isolation provided by three sizes of interchangeable earbuds. However, notable cons include its status as a discontinued model, which may limit availability, and a lack of modern features like a detachable cable, inline remote controls, or a built-in microphone for mobile calls.

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Yamaha EPH C500

Technical Score

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 components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

5.2
Yamaha EPH C500 has a technical score of 5.24 points, which is lower than that of 86.2% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Yamaha EPH C500 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 73.4% 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%

5.2

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.7
Yamaha EPH C500 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.7 points, which is lower than 84% 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
Yamaha EPH C500 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% 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: HIGH

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: HIGH

13.6 mm
Yamaha EPH C500 uses a driver size of 13.6 mm, smaller driver size than 84.7% of headphones and equal to 0.3% 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
Yamaha EPH C500 uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and 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
Yamaha EPH C500 reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 47.3% of headphones.
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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: LOW

no
Yamaha EPH C500 does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% 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: LOW

No
Yamaha EPH C500 is not headset-ready, while 15.1% is. 84.9% 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

0
Yamaha EPH C500 has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% 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
Yamaha EPH C500 does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% 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

N/A
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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: LOW

wired
Yamaha EPH C500 supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
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: LOW

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: MEDIUM

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: LOW

no
Yamaha EPH C500 does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
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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

no
Yamaha EPH C500 does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
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
Yamaha EPH C500 does not support EQ customization. 23.2% 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
Yamaha EPH C500 does not work with a companion app. 21.6% 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: HIGH

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

no
Yamaha EPH C500 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% 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: LOW

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: LOW

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: LOW

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: LOW

no
Yamaha EPH C500 does not support quick charging. 33.1% 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: LOW

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
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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: LOW

Yamaha
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: LOW

in-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <150 g

11 g
Yamaha EPH C500 weighs 11 g, lighter than 94.3% of headphones and equal to 1% 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: LOW

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: LOW

N/A
Show more

Yamaha EPH C500 vs the average pair of headphones

  • 95% lower weight
    Yamaha EPH C500 is lighter than the average pair of headphones (11 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: HIGH

    Good value: <150 g

    Yamaha EPH C500 is lighter than the average pair of headphones (11 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.11 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Yamaha EPH C500 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.
    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: LOW

    Yamaha EPH C500 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.
  • Water resistance
    Yamaha EPH C500 is water resistant, the average pair of headphones is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
    What it is: Protection level against water exposure
    When it matters: When workouts, commuting, or outdoor use expose the headphones to moisture.

    Importance: LOW

    Yamaha EPH C500 is water resistant, the average pair of headphones is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • 2 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Yamaha EPH C500 has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (104 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

    Yamaha EPH C500 has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 95% lower weight
    Yamaha EPH C500 is lighter than the average pair of headphones (11 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Water resistance
    Yamaha EPH C500 is water resistant, the average pair of headphones is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • 2 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Yamaha EPH C500 has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Yamaha EPH C500 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.

Total
Design
Sound
Connectivity
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    Yamaha EPH C500 has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • Fixed cable
    Yamaha EPH C500 has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No travel bag
    Yamaha EPH C500 does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 26.4 mm smaller driver size
    Yamaha EPH C500 has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (13.6 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Yamaha EPH C500 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.
  • Not headset-ready
    Yamaha EPH C500 is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Yamaha EPH C500 has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Yamaha EPH C500 does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 26.4 mm smaller driver size
    Yamaha EPH C500 has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (13.6 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    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: HIGH

    Yamaha EPH C500 has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (13.6 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.13.6 mm vs 40 mm
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    Yamaha EPH C500 has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
    What it is: Earpads can be replaced when worn out
    When it matters: When you care about long-term maintenance and extending product life.

    Importance: LOW

    Yamaha EPH C500 has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • No voice assistant support
    Yamaha EPH C500 does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    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

    Yamaha EPH C500 does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Yamaha EPH C500 has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: LOW

    Yamaha EPH C500 has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Not headset-ready
    Yamaha EPH C500 is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    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: LOW

    Yamaha EPH C500 is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.Not supported vs supported
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Yamaha EPH C500 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.
    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

    Yamaha EPH C500 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
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Yamaha EPH C500 has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (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

    Yamaha EPH C500 has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 5.87x less popular
    Yamaha EPH C500 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1.00 vs 5.869).
    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.
    Yamaha EPH C500 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1.00 vs 5.869).1 vs 5.87
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Yamaha EPH C500 and other products in the Headphones category

Attribute category
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Yamaha EPH C500?

  • Natural and transparent Yamaha-style tuning works especially well with vocals.
  • Good passive isolation from the in-ear design.
  • Very lightweight build is comfortable for longer use.
  • The 13.6 mm dynamic driver gives a balanced and controlled presentation.
  • Includes a 6.3 mm adapter for hi-fi or instrument use.
  • Strong value for listeners wanting clean, high-fidelity sound without heavy coloration.

What customers dislike about Yamaha EPH C500?

  • The cable is fixed, which limits long-term repairability.
  • There is no inline microphone or volume control on this wired model.
  • Bass is present but not especially boosted, so bass-heavy listeners may want more impact.
  • Finding the perfect seal can take some trial and error with the tips.
  • Mostly plastic materials feel less premium than higher-end alternatives.

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