Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X Open-Air Headphones - Lightweight Comfort

In this review of the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X the bottom line is simple: these open-air headphones are best for listeners who prize a natural, spacious sound and long-term wearing comfort over passive isolation. The newly designed 53 mm drivers with CCAW voice coils deliver a clear, open presentation with surprising bass impact and excellent vocal projection, while the open-air design eliminates that sealed, pressure-like feeling on the ears. For desk listening, gaming where positional cues matter, or long sessions without fatigue, these headphones are an easy recommendation.

Key Features

• 53 mm drivers with CCAW voice coils: produce a remarkably natural tonal balance with clear mids and impactful low end for immersive listening.
• Open-air design: prevents pressure on the ears, creating a wide, airy soundstage that helps with instrument separation and positional detail.
• Lightweight honeycomb aluminum casing: keeps the headphones feeling nearly weightless while maintaining structural strength for daily use.
• Self-adjusting 3D Wing Support: automatically conforms to head shape to reduce clamping and improve comfort during extended sessions.
• Flexible raised-fabric earpads: offer soft contact and durability so the pads remain comfortable over long listening periods.
• OFC single-sided cable and gold-plated connector: ensures good conductivity and a low-tangle setup with an included 1/4 in adapter for desktop gear.

Who It's For

The ATH-AD500X suits audiophiles and critical listeners who want an open, spacious presentation for music and games and prefer a non-isolating experience. The lightweight construction and self-adjusting wing support make these headphones ideal for long sessions at a desk, streaming, or casual home listening where comfort and soundstage matter more than blocking outside noise.

Those who need strong noise isolation for commuting, or who frequently use headphones in noisy public places, should look elsewhere; the open-air architecture intentionally leaks sound and does not provide passive noise cancellation.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent sound quality with clear mids and an open soundstage that helps with instrument separation.
• Very comfortable for long wear thanks to the lightweight frame and self-adjusting 3D wing support.
• Durable-feeling materials like honeycomb aluminum casing and raised-fabric earpads for extended use.
• Practical wired connectivity with an OFC cable and included 1/4 in adapter for versatile desktop use.

Cons

• Open-air design provides little to no passive noise isolation, so these are not ideal for noisy environments.
• Some users report slight slipperiness on certain head shapes when making fast movements.

Specifications

Driver size	53 mm
Voice coil	CCAW
Design	Open-air, over-ear
Casing and frame	Honeycomb aluminum casing with magnesium frame
Cable	OFC single-sided cable with elastic TPE sheath
Connector	Gold-plated 1/8 in (3.5 mm) with 1/4 in (6.3 mm) adapter
Connectivity	Wired

Our Verdict

The ATH-AD500X is a strong choice for home listeners and gamers who value a wide, natural soundstage and exceptional comfort over isolation. With large 53 mm drivers, lightweight construction, and durable materials, these headphones deliver great sound quality and long-wear comfort at a sensible price, making them good value for anyone wanting airy, detailed playback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these headphones block outside noise?
The open-air design intentionally provides minimal passive isolation, so they do not block much outside noise and will leak sound.

Can I use them with a headphone amplifier?
Yes, the wired connection and included 1/4 in adapter make them suitable for use with desktop headphone amps and audio interfaces.

Are they comfortable for long sessions?
Yes, the lightweight honeycomb casing, self-adjusting wing support, and raised-fabric earpads make them comfortable for hours of use.