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Yamaha YH E500A Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£130
  • Avg. price in US: ~$180
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: 38 hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Yamaha YH E500A review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

8.0

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%

8.0

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Excellent
8.0

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%

9.3

Sound

20.0%

6.7

Features

10.0%

7.1

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

5.4

Battery

4.0%

7.6

Calls & Controls

Excellent
?

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

  • 9.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    9.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    9.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    6.2

    Battery life

  • 6.9
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    6.2

    Battery life

    18.0%

    5.6

    Weight

    16.0%

    1.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    10

    Ambient sound mode

  • 7.8
    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%

    6.2

    Battery life

    14.0%

    10

    Companion app

  • 7.6
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.6

    Weight

    24.0%

    10

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    7.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    6.2

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £130

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 pair of closed-back, on-ear wireless headphones featuring 40mm dynamic drivers and a frequency response of 20 Hz – 20 kHz. Key characteristics include Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), Ambient Sound mode, and proprietary Listening Care technology, which optimizes audio for full-range sound at lower volumes to protect hearing health. The unit supports Bluetooth 5.0 with high-quality SBC, AAC, Qualcomm aptX, and aptX HD codecs, while offering an impressive battery life of approximately 38 hours with ANC enabled. Notable pros include its lightweight 200g design, long-lasting battery, and the ability to use a 3.5mm wired connection even when powered off. However, some users have reported cons such as a very short 30cm charging cable, high clamping force that may lead to discomfort during long sessions, and ANC performance that struggles with wind noise.

Technical Specifications of Yamaha YH E500A

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

8.0
Yamaha YH E500A has a technical score of 7.99 points, which is higher than that of 93.7% 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 YH E500A 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%

8.0

Overall score

40.0%

9.8

Price

8.5
Yamaha YH E500A has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.5 points, which is higher than 93.2% 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

yes
Yamaha YH E500A supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% 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

40 mm
Yamaha YH E500A uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% 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 YH E500A 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 YH E500A 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 YH E500A 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 YH E500A 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 YH E500A 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 YH E500A 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

?
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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

wireless
Yamaha YH E500A 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

5.0
Yamaha YH E500A uses Bluetooth version 5.0, newer Bluetooth version than 70.9% of headphones and equal to 13% of headphones.
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

10 m
Yamaha YH E500A offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.6% of headphones and equal to 79.9% of headphones.
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 YH E500A 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 YH E500A 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

yes
Yamaha YH E500A supports EQ customization. 76.8% 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

yes
Yamaha YH E500A works with a companion app. 55.7% 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

yes
Yamaha YH E500A supports voice assistants. 39.2% 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

38 hours
Yamaha YH E500A offers battery life of 38 hours, higher battery life than 61.4% of headphones and equal to 0.8% of headphones.
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 YH E500A 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

3.5 hours
Yamaha YH E500A needs 3.5 hours to charge, higher charging time than 87.6% of headphones and equal to 2.8% of headphones.
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 YH E500A 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

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

200 g
Yamaha YH E500A 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

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

?
Show more

Yamaha YH E500A vs the average headphone

  • Active noise cancellation
    Yamaha YH E500A supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
    What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
    When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

    Importance: HIGH

    Yamaha YH E500A supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • EQ customization
    Yamaha YH E500A supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
    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

    Yamaha YH E500A supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
  • Spatial audio support
    Yamaha YH E500A supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
    What it is: Supports immersive surround sound playback
    When it matters: When movies, games, and immersive mixes are part of your listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Yamaha YH E500A supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Yamaha YH E500A 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 YH E500A offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    Yamaha YH E500A 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 YH E500A offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Yamaha YH E500A includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
    What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
    When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Yamaha YH E500A includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 6 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Yamaha YH E500A has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (108 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 YH E500A has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Wind noise reduction
    Yamaha YH E500A reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
    What it is: Reduces wind interference for clearer outdoor calls
    When it matters: When you take calls outdoors while walking, cycling, or commuting.

    Importance: LOW

    Yamaha YH E500A reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Water resistance
    Yamaha YH E500A is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • Better IP rating
    Yamaha YH E500A has a better IP rating than the average headphone (IPX5 vs none). The average headphones have an IP rating of none.
  • Active noise cancellation
    Yamaha YH E500A supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Spatial audio support
    Yamaha YH E500A supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 6 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Yamaha YH E500A has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • USB-C charging
    Yamaha YH E500A uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • 8 hours longer ANC battery life
    Yamaha YH E500A 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.
  • 8 hours longer battery life
    Yamaha YH E500A has a higher battery life than the average headphone (38 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Yamaha YH E500A has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Yamaha YH E500A offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • Clear call microphone
    Yamaha YH E500A offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Yamaha YH E500A includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Yamaha YH E500A reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • EQ customization
    Yamaha YH E500A supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.

Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Battery
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
Features
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Yamaha YH E500A has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 1.5 hours longer charging time
    Yamaha YH E500A has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
  • 1.5 hours longer charging time
    Yamaha YH E500A has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    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

    Yamaha YH E500A has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.3.5 hours vs 2 hours
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Yamaha YH E500A 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 YH E500A 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 YH E500A 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 YH E500A is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
Total
Overall
Sound
Battery

Graphic comparison of Yamaha YH E500A and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Yamaha YH E500A?

  • High-quality, well-balanced sound with punchy bass and clear treble
  • Effective Listening Care technology that maintains tonal balance at low volumes
  • Impressive battery life of up to 38 hours
  • Sturdy build quality with a sleek and stunning design
  • Lightweight and portable, making them suitable for commuting
  • Reliable Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity with aptX-HD support

What customers dislike about Yamaha YH E500A?

  • Commonly reported as having a tight, uncomfortable fit for larger heads
  • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is perceived as weak compared to competitors
  • Poor microphone performance during phone calls, often picking up too much ambient noise
  • Companion app is described as basic or having limited utility
  • Controls on the earcups can feel slightly loose or less premium
  • Cannot be used while charging

Expert reviews

Z
zifmstereo.co.zw
27/04/2021
Yamaha YH-E500 Wireless Headphones Review

The Yamaha YH-E500 on-ear wireless headphones are highlighted as versatile, travel-friendly devices featuring Bluetooth 5 with aptX-HD for stable, high-quality audio. Key proprietary technology includes Listening Care for full-range sound at lower volumes, along with Active Noise-Cancelling (ANC), Ambient Sound mode, and app integration. Facebook· Pros noted in the review include an...Read more

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