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.
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
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?
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
- USB-C
- Yes
- No
- Transparency mode
- Yes
- No
Everyday features
Specifications
- 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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