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Alienware Pro Wireless vs Audio-Technica Ad500x: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Alienware Pro Wireless comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Alienware Pro Wireless - Outstanding overall at around $125.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Alienware Pro Wireless leads on 6 of 7 measures.

  • Alienware Pro Wireless
  • Audio-Technica Ad500x
HearWiki score
86
66
Sound
8.7
7.2
Noise cancelling
8.1
-
Battery
9.1
-
Calls
8.7
-
Value
8.6
7.4
Price (USD)
$120
$120

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The Alienware Pro Wireless is 11 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Alienware Pro Wireless adds USB-C and Transparency mode. For 11 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Pro Wireless202411 yr newer
  • Ad500x2013
What differsPro WirelessAd500x

Everyday features

USB-C
Yes
No
Transparency mode
Yes
No

Specifications

Pro WirelessAd500x
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$120
$120
HearWiki score
86
66
Released
2024
2013
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
50 mm driver
53 mm dynamic
Driver type
-
dynamic
Driver size
50 mm
53 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 40 kHz
5 Hz - 25 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
-
100 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
-
118.3
Bluetooth
5.3
-
Codecs
SBC
-
Multipoint pairing
No
No
Battery life
70 h
-
Battery life (ANC on)
35 h
-
Quick charge
15 min → 6 h
-
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
ANC type
-
none
Transparency mode
Yes
No
Companion app
-
No
Custom EQ
-
No
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
-
none
Weight
310 g
235 g
Water resistance
-
none
USB-C
Yes
No
Pad material
leatherette
-
Clamp force
365 g
-
Microphones
2
-
Call noise reduction
Yes
-
Call NR technology
AI ENC
-

What reviewers said

Alienware Pro Wireless

Its leatherette pads and moderate 310g weight aim for comfort during long sessions, while the 2.4GHz wireless option and USB-C charging add versatility for desk and on-the-go use. Sound quality is generally strong, but the microphone performance and a single SBC codec limit keep it from being a flawless all-rounder.

  • Pro:Excellent battery life, especially with ANC off
  • Pro:Comfortable leatherette ear pads for long wear
  • Pro:Active noise cancellation and transparency mode included
  • Con:Microphone quality is underwhelming for the price
  • Con:Only SBC codec support limits high-res wireless audio
  • Con:No multipoint connection for seamless device switching

Audio-Technica Ad500x

The Audio-Technica Ad500x is an open-back, over-ear headphone designed for home listening, featuring large 53 mm dynamic drivers that deliver clear, detailed sound with a notably wide soundstage and strong treble response. Its lightweight build, self-adjusting 3D wing support, and breathable honeycomb aluminum housing provide a comfortable, pressure-free fit for extended sessions. Priced around $120, it offers strong value for those prioritizing soundstage and vocal clarity in a wired, passive setup.

  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable with self-adjusting wing support
  • Pro:Wide, spacious open-back soundstage
  • Pro:Clear and detailed high-frequency reproduction
  • Con:No built-in controls or cable remote
  • Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
  • Con:Requires a separate amp for best performance due to 48-ohm impedance

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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