Audio-Technica ATH-CC500BT2 Review

Publication date: 09 Jun 2025

GearOther

The Audio-Technica ATH-CC500BT2 is an open-ear Bluetooth headphone built for movement and awareness. Unlike in-ear or over-ear models, it doesn’t block out the world, which is exactly why I reach for it in my daily life. I’ve used it on city streets, during training sessions, and out on the trail. It does its job well and quietly.

I’ve recently gotten a new phone, and wanted Bluetooth headphones to pair with it. Instead of trying the traditional headphones sold with my phone model, I thought I would try these instead. I was curious about the technology and felt that it might be a safer option while on the trail. And I’m so glad I tried them! Not only do they deliver great sound, but they also provide me with peace of mind. I know that I can enjoy my music while still staying alert to the world around me. On trail, I know I’ll be able to hear any mountain bikers or animals, and in the city, I know what’s happening around me on the train or even as I just walk between meetings.

Editor

Elmar Teegelbeckers

Passionate hiker Elmar spends months of his time on the trail. He’s usually on the lookout for hidden gems in one of his favourite countries such as Slovenia, Switzerland and Japan. He founded hiking-trails.com in need for a community and detailed information about the trails. Before this, he worked for the Alpine asscociation in the Netherlands[ (NKBV) but lost his heart to the trails.

Not long ago, Elmar published the book (in Dutch) Hiking Trails – best long-distance trails in Europe. With this book, website and socials, he hopes to inspire and shape an inclusive community for hikers all over world. No matter your speed, experience or level, you can get out there to enjoy the trails and connect with the heartwarming hiking community. Life is so much better outside and he hopes to inspire hikers to take their first, or next, step on the trail.

You can reach Elmar at info@hiking-trails.com.

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Testing the ATH-CC500BT2

Most of the testing happened naturally, just through regular use. I wear these around town, while commuting or walking to meet friends. I also use them while running and some day-hiking. In all those settings, the same thing stands out: they let in ambient sound without compromising the listening experience too much.

That’s important, especially in the city. I don’t want to be cut off from traffic or miss what’s happening around me. On trails, it’s also helpful, I like to hear the wind, footsteps, mountain bikers, potential animals or someone approaching. These give me awareness of my surroundings while still letting me enjoy music or podcasts.

I’ve found that the fit has been consistent. Whether I’m running or just walking with a backpack, they stay in place. No bouncing, no shifting, and no adjusting mid-stride. That’s a small thing that makes a big difference over time.

person wearing open-ear bluetooth headphone

close up shot of the buttons on a open-ear bluetooth headphone from Audio Technica

The battery life has also been reliable. I charge them maybe once or twice a week, depending on how much I’m using them, and I haven’t had them die on me yet. Even after long sessions, they hold up. Sweat and light rain haven’t been an issue either. The IPX4 does enough for the kind of conditions I train in.

They’re also easy to use. Physical buttons mean I can adjust volume or skip tracks without looking or guessing. I’ve taken a few calls with them too, and people could hear me fine, even with background noise.

About Audio-Technica

Inspired by the sound of listening to vinyl records in the 1960s, Audio-Technica has been around for a long time, making some of the best-quality listening products. Founded in Tokyo and now residing in Machida, this Japanese company doesn’t only focus on headphones. They also produce turntables and microphones and do their own in-house manufacturing.

About the Audio-Technica ATH-CC500BT2

The Audio-Technica ATH-CC500BT2 uses an open-ear “earhook” design. That means it sits outside the ear and leaves the canal open. You don’t get noise isolation, but you stay connected to your surroundings. For my use, that’s a tradeoff I prefer.

The Bluetooth 5.1 keeps the connection stable, and multipoint pairing is a small bonus I didn’t know I wanted. Switching between devices is seamless, and I don’t have to go into settings every time. Charging is USB-C, which keeps things simple. Audio-Technica claims around 20 hours of battery life, and that checks out based on my experience.

The sound is solid. You’re not going to get deep bass or studio-level detail, but that’s not what these are built for. They deliver enough clarity and presence for music, podcasts, and the occasional call. That’s all I really ask for in the headphones I wear on the move.

Specifications

Audio-Technica ATH-CC500BT2
Sensitivity	100 dB
Charging time	2 hours
Operating temperature	5°C to 40°C
Battery life	Approximately 20 hours
Weight	32g

pro's

Open-ear design lets you stay aware of your surroundings

Stays secure during movement

Lightweight and comfortable over long periods

Physical controls are reliable and easy to use

Long battery life (up to 20 hours)

Sweat- and water-resistant (IPX4)

con's

No noise isolation or cancellation

Limited bass response compared to in-ear headphones

Slight sound leakage at higher volumes

Conclusion

The ATH-CC500BT2 has found a place in my routine without much effort. It’s not flashy, but it works, and it works well. For training, walking, or hiking when you want to stay aware of what’s around you, these make sense. If you’re looking for something lightweight, practical, and built for movement, this is worth a look. Especially if you’ve never tried open-ear audio before, this might be the one that convinces you it’s not a gimmick.

Audio-Technica ATH-CC500BT2 Review

About the Audio-Technica ATH-CC500BT2

Specifications

Conclusion

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