Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X

Audiophile sound at a budget price, but the fit is a coin flip. If they stay on your head, they're a steal. If not, you'll be reaching for rubber bands.

The 53mm drivers with CCAW voice coils are the real deal. Sound quality sits in the 86th percentile, and that's not marketing fluff. The open-back design gives you a wide, natural soundstage that makes music feel like it's happening around you rather than inside your head. What surprised us most is how much bass these things push out. Open-backs usually sound thin, but the AD500X manages deep, impactful low end without muddying the mids. The 5Hz-25kHz frequency range is generous, and at 48Ω with 100dB sensitivity, they're easy to drive from just about anything. No amp required, which is a nice bonus at this price.

Against the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 or Sony WH-1000XM6, the AD500X loses on features, comfort, and connectivity. Those are wireless, noise-cancelling, and built for daily use. But they also cost way more. The Soundcore Life Q20 and JBL Tune 670NC are closer in price, but they're closed-back and tuned for bass-heavy consumer sound, not the natural, open presentation the Audio-Technica delivers. If you want pure sound quality on a budget and don't need ANC or wireless, the AD500X beats them all. If you need something for commuting or office use, look elsewhere.

At $119, the sound quality alone makes these worth it. You'd have to spend significantly more to get this level of audio fidelity from most other brands. But value only works if you can actually wear them comfortably. If the fit works for your head, this is one of the best audio deals out there. If it doesn't, no amount of savings fixes a headphone that slides off your ears.

The Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X is a weird one. You're getting genuinely impressive open-back sound for around $119, which is basically unheard of at this price. But the fit is so divisive that it might not matter how good they sound if they won't stay on your head. The one thing to know: these are audiophile-grade drivers strapped to a headband that feels like it was designed by someone who's never met a human skull.

If you need headphones for commuting, office use, or anything involving other people nearby, skip these. The sound leakage is real, and there's no mic for calls. Go grab a closed-back pair like the Soundcore Life Q20 or JBL Tune 670NC instead. If you have a larger head or need a secure fit for movement, these aren't it either. The non-adjustable design is a dealbreaker for a lot of people.

The ATH-AD500X is a niche product that absolutely nails its niche. If you want open-back audiophile sound without spending audiophile money, and you have a head shape that works with the 3D Wing Support, buy these immediately. If you need something for travel, calls, or shared spaces, this isn't your headphone. The sound is fantastic, but the fit is a dealbreaker for too many people to give this a blanket recommendation.