Sony MDR-NC500D Noise Cancelling Headphones Review

If you are looking to find a little peace and quiet in loud, noisy environments such as planes, trains, buses, at the office or in the dorm, then you may benefit from a pair of noise cancelling headphones.  Sony’s innovative MDR-NC500D headphones are the latest offering in the highly competitive noise cancelling market and promise to deliver exceptional sound quality while blocking most ambient noise.

Overall rating:

Available from Amazon at 40% off

Product Features

The Sony MDR-NC500D noise cancelling headphones are capable of blocking up to 99% of ambient noise thanks to artificial intelligence (AI) software that actively analyzes ambient sounds in the environment to automatically select the optimal noise cancelling mode.  For those times when you do need to listen to your surroundings (announcements, flight attendants, etc), there is also a built-in monitoring function, which allows you to hear any external sound without removing the headphones.

They also feature a digital equalizer to deliver high quality music reproduction at all frequencies.  In addition, the MDR-NC500D noise cancelling headphones sport an attractive, lightweight design that ensures maximum comfort and an internal Lithium-ion battery that provides up to 16 hours of use.  This can be extended to 28 hours of use with the addition of normal AA batteries.

Check out the prices of the Sony MDR-NC500D on Amazon. It’s currently on sale.

The Good:

• Superior noise cancellation
• Superior sound reproduction
• Internal rechargeable Lithium-ion battery
• Monitor function
• Lightweight design
• Premium travel case
• In-flight plug adapter

The Bad:

• Headphones cannot be used unless noise canceling is enabled
• Tight fit may be uncomfortable to some users
• Battery life not as high as some competitors
• Expensive

The Bottom Line:

The Sony MDR-NC500D noise cancelling headphones are designed for anyone that is serious about escaping from the noise of everyday life, especially individuals who are frequent travelers or who work or live in a loud, noisy environment.

It’s also worth noting that when it comes to deciding on which noise cancelling headphones are right for you, the saying “you get what you pay for” is especially true.  Noise cancelling technology is not cheap, and if you want to find a pair of high quality headphones that block out almost all ambient noise, while still delivering exceptional music reproduction, then it is going to cost you.

Fortunately, high end noise cancelling headphones like Sony’s MDR-NC500D are built to last, and if you consider that you will be able to enjoy them for years to come, the high investment upfront is much easier to swallow.

Lets see what other current owners think of the Sony MDR-NC500D:

T. Joel