Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X
The 53mm drivers with CCAW voice coils and open-back design deliver a 5Hz–25kHz frequency response and naturally spacious imaging. Weighing just 235g, the self-adjusting 3D Wing Support and honeycomb aluminum casing provide a fatigue-free fit for marathon listening. These wired headphones are best for home listeners prioritizing detailed, airy sound and enduring comfort, not for taking calls on the go.
No current retailer price
Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
The AD500X sounds like a $300 headphone for a third of the price. Skip it only if you need noise isolation or a mic.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality for the price 94th
- Wide, airy soundstage that beats $300 headphones 88th
- Super lightweight at 235g with a comfortable self-adjusting fit 88th
- Durable honeycomb aluminum casing
Cons
- Open-back design leaks sound and offers zero isolation
- No mic, so calls are basically useless
- The wing support looks weird and can cause discomfort over long sessions
- Not for bass-heavy listeners
What owners think
The Word on the Street
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
Based on 8 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
The 53mm drivers with CCAW voice coils are the star here. Sound quality sits at the 89th percentile in our database, which translates to one of the best open-back experiences you'll find without dropping serious cash. The 5Hz to 25kHz frequency response gives you deep extension on the low end and crisp, detailed highs. What surprised us most is how well these handle vocals. The projection is outstanding, and the open-air design means zero pressure on your ears. Bass is impactful but not bloated, so bassheads should look elsewhere. For everything else, these punch way above their weight.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | open |
| Weight | 0.2 kg / 0.5 lbs |
| Ear Cushion | raised-fabric |
| Headband | honeycomb aluminum |
Audio
| Driver Type | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 53 |
| Freq Min | 5 |
| Freq Max | 25000 |
| Impedance | 48 |
| Sensitivity | 100 |
| Codecs | Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X Audiophile Open-Air Headphones, Frequency Response 5 Hz to 25 kHz |
Connectivity
| Wireless | No |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | Yes |
| Cable Length | 3 |
Microphone
| Microphone | No |
vs Competition
Against the Sennheiser MOMENTUM M5AEBT and Sony ULT WEAR, the AD500X loses on features like ANC and wireless connectivity. But those are closed-back, consumer-focused cans. If you want pure, open, natural sound, the AD500X is the better choice for less money. The JBL Tune 670NC and TOZO HT3 are budget wireless options with ANC, but they can't touch the AD500X on soundstage or vocal clarity. The Bose QuietComfort is a different beast entirely, built for noise cancellation, not open-air listening. Pick your priority.
| Spec | Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X | Sennheiser HDB 630 | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | Sony WH-1000XM6 | JBL Tune 670NC | TOZO HT3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | on-ear | over-ear |
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | 53 | 42 | 40 | 30 | 32 | 40 |
| Impedance Ohms | 48 | 480 | - | 48 | 32 | 16 |
| Wireless | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | open | closed | closed | closed | closed | closed |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 6.0 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 60 | 30 | 30 | 70 | 90 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Anc | Mic | Build | Sound | Battery | Comfort | User Sentiment | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X | 32 | 14.9 | 94.3 | 87.5 | 46 | 29.8 | 87.6 | 39.8 | 51.2 |
| Sennheiser HDB 630 Compare | 98.2 | 82.7 | 75.7 | 98.1 | 91.3 | 44.5 | 87.6 | 98.4 | 95.1 |
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Compare | 98.2 | 99.3 | 94.3 | 99 | 76.5 | 52 | 81.9 | 97.7 | 95.1 |
| Sony WH-1000XM6 Compare | 98.2 | 89.4 | 90.8 | 91 | 76.5 | 80 | 21.7 | 99.9 | 83.6 |
| JBL Tune 670NC Compare | 98.2 | 64.1 | 75.7 | 84.9 | 94.3 | 87.1 | 81.9 | 99.2 | 98.7 |
| TOZO HT3 Compare | 89.8 | 82.7 | 94.3 | 98.6 | 97.8 | 52 | 96.4 | 96.8 | 95.1 |
Price
Value & Pricing
At USD 115 to USD 130 across two US listings, this is a steal. The lower end of that spread is the better deal, so shop around before you buy. You're getting sound quality that owners say beats $300 headphones. For an open-back audiophile experience, that's hard to argue with.
Read more
Overview
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X is the kind of headphone that makes you question why you ever spent more. These open-back cans deliver a wide, airy soundstage and shockingly balanced audio for the price. The one thing to know? If you want natural, spacious sound for music or gaming and don't need noise isolation, this is a ridiculous value.
Common Questions
Q: Are these good for gaming?
Yes. The wide soundstage makes it easy to pinpoint footsteps and environmental cues. Just know there's no mic, so you'll need a separate one for chat.
Q: Do they leak sound?
Absolutely. They're open-back, so everyone in the room will hear your music. Use them in a quiet space or accept the side-eye from roommates.
Q: Can I use these with my phone?
Yes, the 3.5mm jack works with most phones that still have a headphone port. The 48Ω impedance is easy to drive, so you don't need an amp.
Who Should Skip This
If you want noise cancellation or wireless convenience, this isn't it. Go grab the Sony ULT WEAR or Bose QuietComfort instead. And if you need a mic for calls or gaming chat, look at a headset, not these.
Verdict
Buy these if you want audiophile-grade open-back sound without the audiophile price tag. The AD500X is a clear winner for music, gaming, and movies in a quiet room. Just don't expect to take calls or block out the world.
