Yamaha Yer 500 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£35
  • Avg. price in US: ~$30
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: ?
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

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

4.5

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%

4.5

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.5

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%

4.1

Sound

20.0%

3.3

Features

10.0%

4.7

Design

8.0%

6.4

Connectivity

6.0%

7.5

Battery

4.0%

7.8

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

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

  • 7.3
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    9.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    1.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    9.0

    Battery life

  • 5.0
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    9.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    5.6

    Weight

    16.0%

    1.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    10

    Ambient sound mode

  • 7.0
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    1.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    9.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    1.0

    Companion app

  • 7.2
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.6

    Weight

    24.0%

    9.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    9.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

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yamaha-yer-500

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £35

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 YH-E500A is a wireless on-ear headphone featuring 40mm dynamic drivers and a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz. It is equipped with feedforward active noise cancellation, ambient sound mode, and Yamaha's proprietary Listening Care technology, which optimises audio for balanced sound at lower volumes to protect hearing. Connectivity is handled via Bluetooth 5.0 with support for high-quality codecs including Qualcomm aptX HD and AAC, while a 3.5mm line input allows for wired use. Main pros include a robust 38-hour battery life with ANC enabled, a lightweight 200g design for portability, and customisation via the Yamaha Headphones Controller app. However, users have noted cons such as a lack of a folding mechanism, no high-resolution audio support, and potential durability concerns regarding the headband and speaker mounts over extended use.

Technical Specifications of Yamaha Yer 500

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%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

4.5
Yamaha Yer 500 has a technical score of 4.53 points, which is lower than that of 70.3% 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%

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 Yer 500 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% 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%

4.5

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.2
Yamaha Yer 500 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.2 points, which is lower than 74.9% 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 Yer 500 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

13.6 mm
Yamaha Yer 500 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 Yer 500 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
Yamaha Yer 500 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

yes
Yamaha Yer 500 supports a noise-canceling microphone. 54.5% 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
Yamaha Yer 500 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
Yamaha Yer 500 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
Yamaha Yer 500 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
Yamaha Yer 500 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

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

?
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

?
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
Yamaha Yer 500 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

yes
Yamaha Yer 500 supports ambient sound mode. 23.2% 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 Yer 500 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
Yamaha Yer 500 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

no
Yamaha Yer 500 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: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

?
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

38 hours
Yamaha Yer 500 offers battery life with ANC of 38 hours, higher battery life with ANC than 60.2% of headphones and equal to 0.8% of headphones.
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

?
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

no
Yamaha Yer 500 does not support quick charging. 69.1% 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: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

?
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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

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: HIGH

in-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

200 g
Yamaha Yer 500 weighs 200 g, lighter than 54.5% of headphones and equal to 1.7% 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

semi-open
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

N/A
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Yamaha Yer 500 vs the average headphone

  • More flexible connectivity
    Yamaha Yer 500 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

    Yamaha Yer 500 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    Yamaha Yer 500 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
    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

    Yamaha Yer 500 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Yamaha Yer 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

    Yamaha Yer 500 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • USB-C charging
    Yamaha Yer 500 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

    Yamaha Yer 500 uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Quick mic mute
    Yamaha Yer 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

    Yamaha Yer 500 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • 8 hours longer ANC battery life
    Yamaha Yer 500 has a higher battery life with ANC than the average headphone (38 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    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

    Yamaha Yer 500 has a higher battery life with ANC than the average headphone (38 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.38 hours vs 30 hours
  • Rechargeable battery
    Yamaha Yer 500 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

    Yamaha Yer 500 has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • 2.57x cheaper
    Yamaha Yer 500 is cheaper than the average headphone (£35 vs £90).
    Yamaha Yer 500 is cheaper than the average headphone (£35 vs £90).£35 vs £90
  • 2 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Yamaha Yer 500 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • USB-C charging
    Yamaha Yer 500 uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • 8 hours longer ANC battery life
    Yamaha Yer 500 has a higher battery life with ANC than the average headphone (38 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Yamaha Yer 500 has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Yamaha Yer 500 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Yamaha Yer 500 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Clear call microphone
    Yamaha Yer 500 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • Quick mic mute
    Yamaha Yer 500 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • Fixed cable
    Yamaha Yer 500 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No travel bag
    Yamaha Yer 500 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 26.4 mm smaller driver size
    Yamaha Yer 500 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (13.6 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Yamaha Yer 500 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • No voice assistant support
    Yamaha Yer 500 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 26.4 mm smaller driver size
    Yamaha Yer 500 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (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: MEDIUM

    Yamaha Yer 500 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (13.6 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.13.6 mm vs 40 mm
  • No voice assistant support
    Yamaha Yer 500 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone 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 Yer 500 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Yamaha Yer 500 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone 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: MEDIUM

    Yamaha Yer 500 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Yamaha Yer 500 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

    Yamaha Yer 500 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
  • 4.65x less popular
    Yamaha Yer 500 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.
    Yamaha Yer 500 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • No travel bag
    Yamaha Yer 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

    Yamaha Yer 500 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 9.1% worse value for money
    Yamaha Yer 500 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.17 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.
    Yamaha Yer 500 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.17 vs 6.736).6.17 vs 6.74

Graphic comparison of Yamaha Yer 500 and

Attribute category
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Yamaha Yer 500?

  • High-quality, balanced audio performance with clean details and punchy bass
  • Excellent battery life of up to 38 hours on a single charge
  • Features 'Listening Care' technology to protect hearing by optimising sound at lower volumes
  • Equipped with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Ambient Sound modes for versatility
  • Includes a detachable, tangle-free cable and a travel bag
  • Sturdy build quality with a premium feel

What customers dislike about Yamaha Yer 500?

  • Several users reported the fit is very tight and can become painfully uncomfortable during long sessions
  • The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is noted by some reviewers as less effective than competitors, particularly with wind noise
  • Companion mobile app is described as 'useless' or having very limited features
  • Cannot be used while charging
  • Bluetooth connectivity issues, including difficulty pairing for some users
  • Does not feature a folding design for compact storage

Expert reviews

Z
zifmstereo.co.zw
27/04/2021

The Yamaha YH-E500 wireless on-ear headphones deliver impressive, balanced audio with punchy bass, featuring effective Active Noise-Cancelling (ANC) and an Ambient Sound mode for safety. These headphones are highlighted for their long battery life and capability to produce distortion-free sound, making them ideal for daily use. Key cons include the on-ear design, which may not offer...Read more

K
kopfhoerer.de
20/03/2024

The Yamaha YH-WL500 is an innovative set of semi-open, over-ear wireless headphones developed in collaboration with Line 6 specifically to serve musicians who need zero-latency tracking. Its unique dual-connection concept splits audio transmission into two pathways: a standard Bluetooth 4.2 link handles background music or playbacks from a smartphone, while a dedicated 2.4 GHz...Read more

S
starsystemf.com
14/04/2026

The Yamaha YH-L500A is a versatile, lightweight (265g) over-ear Bluetooth headphone geared toward audiophiles that offers multi-device connectivity via Bluetooth multipoint and a 3.5mm wired backup. The reviewer praised its classic, discreet matte black design, comfortable fit for long listening sessions, and impressive 30-hour battery life that fully recharges in just two hours....Read more

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