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Audio-Technica ATH-CC500BT2 specifications and in-depth review

Audio-Technica ATH-CC500BT2

Manufacturer: Audio-Technica

The Audio-Technica ATH-CC500BT2 are open-ear wireless earbuds built around a neckband design with wingtips included for a more secure fit during everyday use. They support multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, allowing simultaneous pairing with two devices at once, and include on-device controls along with voice prompts for hands-free interaction. The headset can also serve as a call solution, backed by a noise-canceling microphone with a frequency range of 25 Hz to 22,000 Hz.

On the technical side, the ATH-CC500BT2 use Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC codec support and offer a maximum wireless range of 10 meters. Battery life is rated at 20 hours with a 2-hour charge time via USB Type-C, and fast charging is supported. The audio output covers a standard 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz frequency range at a sound pressure level of 100 dB/mW, while IPX4-rated sweat resistance adds durability for active use. Stereo playback is included, though the design does not incorporate active noise cancellation or passive noise isolation.

Pros
  • Supports multipoint connectivity, allowing simultaneous pairing with two devices
  • 20-hour battery life reduces the need for frequent recharging
  • Fast charging support helps minimize downtime
  • Noise-canceling microphone with a wide frequency range of 25 Hz to 22,000 Hz makes it practical for calls
  • USB Type-C charging port offers modern, reversible cable convenience
  • Mute function and on-device control panel add useful hands-free management during calls
Cons
  • No active noise cancellation or passive noise isolation, leaving users fully exposed to ambient sound
  • Open-ear design provides no sound isolation, which may affect audio focus in noisy environments
  • No wireless charging support
  • Bluetooth range is limited to 10 meters
  • AAC is the only advanced audio codec supported, with no LDAC, aptX, or other high-resolution options available
  • No travel bag included, offering no built-in storage or protection solution
Who is this for?

The ATH-CC500BT2 is well suited to users who need to stay aware of their surroundings while listening, making it a practical choice for office or work-from-home environments where ambient awareness matters. The neckband design with wingtips, combined with IPX4 sweat resistance, also makes it a reasonable fit for light physical activity such as commuting or casual workouts. Users who frequently switch between two devices will benefit from the built-in multipoint connectivity, and the noise-canceling microphone with wide frequency coverage makes it reliable for voice calls throughout the day.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who require noise isolation or active noise cancellation — such as those working in loud environments or frequent travelers — will find the open-ear design inadequate, as it provides no barrier against external sound. The 10-meter Bluetooth range and lack of advanced codecs like LDAC or aptX make it a poor match for audiophiles or users seeking high-resolution wireless audio. Additionally, those who rely on features like ambient sound mode, in-ear detection, or a find device function for a more seamless and connected listening experience will not find those capabilities here.

Design:

Fit Open-ear
Ingress Protection (IP) rating IPX4
water resistance Sweat resistant
weight 32 g
has no wires or cables ✕
are neckband earbuds ✓
wingtips included ✓
has RGB lighting ✕
has stereo speakers ✓
has UV light ✕
Has a display ✕

The Audio-Technica ATH-CC500BT2 use an open-ear fit and are built around a neckband form factor, with wingtips included to help keep them in place during use. They weigh 32 g and carry an IPX4 rating, making them sweat resistant for active wear. The earbuds feature stereo speakers but do not include true wireless operation, RGB lighting, a UV light, or an integrated display.

Sound quality:

has active noise cancellation (ANC) ✕
has passive noise reduction ✕
lowest frequency 20 Hz
highest frequency 20000 Hz
supports spatial audio ✕
has Dolby Atmos ✕
has Dirac Virtuo ✕
sound pressure level 100 dB/mW
has a neodymium magnet ✕

The ATH-CC500BT2 covers a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz and delivers a sound pressure level of 100 dB/mW. The design does not include active noise cancellation, passive noise reduction, spatial audio, Dolby Atmos, Dirac Virtuo, or a neodymium magnet.

Power:

Battery life 20 hours
charge time 2 hours
has wireless charging ✕
Has a solar power battery ✕
has a battery level indicator ✓
has a rechargeable battery ✓

The ATH-CC500BT2 is equipped with a rechargeable battery rated for 20 hours of battery life, with a full charge taking 2 hours. A battery level indicator is included so users can monitor remaining charge at a glance. The earbuds do not support wireless charging or solar power.

Connectivity:

has fast pairing ✕
Has USB Type-C ✓
Bluetooth version 5.3
has LDAC ✕
has LDHC ✕
has Bluetooth LE Audio ✕
has aptX Adaptive ✕
has aptX Low Latency ✕
has aptX HD ✕
has aptX ✕
has aptX Lossless ✕
has aptX Voice ✕
has Auracast ✕
maximum Bluetooth range 10 m
supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC ✕
Can be used wirelessly ✓
has AAC ✓

The ATH-CC500BT2 connects wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.3 with a maximum range of 10 meters and supports the AAC codec for audio transmission. It charges over USB Type-C but does not support fast pairing or NFC pairing. Advanced codec options — including LDAC, LDHC, aptX and all its variants, and Bluetooth LE Audio with Auracast — are not available on this model.

Features:

has ambient sound mode ✕
has in/on-ear detection ✕
has find device feature ✕
Supports fast charging ✓
multipoint count 2
can read notifications ✕
has a mute function ✓
can be used as a headset ✓
control panel placed on a device ✓
Has voice prompts ✓
travel bag is included ✕
Has an in-line control panel ✕
Has a temperature sensor ✕
Has a built-in camera remote control function ✕

The ATH-CC500BT2 supports multipoint connectivity with up to two devices simultaneously and can be used as a headset, with a mute function and voice prompts included for call and device management. Controls are handled via a panel placed on the device itself, while fast charging is also supported. The earbuds do not offer ambient sound mode, in-ear detection, a find device feature, notification readout, an in-line control panel, a temperature sensor, or a camera remote shutter, and no travel bag is included in the box.

Microphone:

has a noise-canceling microphone ✓
highest mic frequency 22000 Hz
lowest mic frequency 25 Hz

The ATH-CC500BT2 includes a noise-canceling microphone with a frequency range spanning from 25 Hz to 22,000 Hz, providing a wide capture range suited for voice calls and headset use.

Final Verdict

The Audio-Technica ATH-CC500BT2 is a practical open-ear neckband headset built around everyday usability rather than audiophile performance. Its 20-hour battery life combined with fast charging and dual-device multipoint connectivity make it a dependable option for users who spend long hours on calls or need to stay connected across multiple devices. While the absence of noise cancellation and the limited codec support narrow its appeal for more demanding listeners, the ATH-CC500BT2 delivers a focused, functional package for those who prioritize awareness, call quality, and all-day wearability over immersive audio isolation.

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