If you’ve ever wanted to listen to music or take calls without blocking your ears, Audio-Technica’s latest headphones might catch your interest. The ATH-CC500BT2 is the company’s second-generation cartilage conduction model—designed for people who want to stay aware of their surroundings while still enjoying their tunes or podcasts.
You’ve probably heard of bone conduction headphones, which send sound vibrations through the bones in your skull. Cartilage conduction works a little differently. Instead of bypassing your eardrum entirely, these headphones use the cartilage in your outer ear to transmit sound. This means you get the benefits of an open-ear design without the buzzing sensation some people experience with bone conduction models.
This setup makes a lot of sense for runners, cyclists, and office workers who want to stay aware of their environment. Unlike traditional earbuds, which seal off your ears, these let you hear music without shutting out the world—a plus for safety and comfort.
The ATH-CC500BT2 improves upon its predecessor with enhanced audio performance, featuring next-generation vibration drivers and Acoustic Pure Sound Stabilizers. These components help maintain audio clarity while minimizing the effects of external vibrations, a common challenge for non-traditional headphone designs.
For phone calls, the headphones integrate AI-powered noise reduction technology. Using intelliGo’s AI, the system isolates the speaker’s voice and reduces background noise, making conversations clearer during calls or virtual meetings.
The Audio-Technica Connect app lets you tweak sound settings, including:
Another key feature here is battery life. A full charge gives you 20 hours of playback, and if you’re in a rush, a 10-minute charge via USB-C will give you two extra hours of listening time.
The ATH-CC500BT2 also supports Multipoint Bluetooth, meaning you can connect it to two devices at once. If you’re listening to music on your laptop and get a call on your phone, it’ll automatically switch over—no need to mess with settings. It also works with Siri and Google Assistant, so you can control playback, answer calls, or check notifications hands-free.
Since these headphones don’t go in or over your ears, comfort is a major focus. A lightweight titanium frame and soft silicone materials help make them easy to wear for long hours—whether you’re at work, on a jog, or just relaxing. At just 32 grams, they’re incredibly light.
They’re also IPX4-rated, which means they can handle sweat, rain, and minor splashes. That makes them a solid pick for outdoor use, workouts, or even just getting caught in unexpected weather.
The ATH-CC500BT2 is set to launch on February 13 in the UK and EU, priced at £119 / €139. Pricing for other regions, including the US, hasn’t been confirmed yet, but at current exchange rates, it’s estimated to be around $147. You can also check out other Audio-Technica products on Amazon.
If you’re someone who doesn’t like the feeling of earbuds in your ears or needs to stay aware of your surroundings, these could be a good fit. While it won’t replace high-end noise-canceling earbuds or over-ear headphones, it does offer a unique approach to listening—one that prioritizes comfort, awareness, and ease of use.
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