Top positive review
Very happy with this headset
By Amazon Customer on Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2024
I previously gave a scathing review of this headset because I could not get the Bluetooth to pair, but it was 100% user error. Once I realized my mistake, pairing was a snap, like it has been with all of my recent Anker Soundcore ear buds. So far, the recognition by my PC has been consistent and reliable without even using the dongle, which I do not use. And the concurrent Bluetooth connections with my PC and phone have been problem-free. The audio quality is good; I have no problems hearing/understanding others on Microsoft Teams calls, which is my primary use case. I will mention that this is not Teams certified, so there is no integration between the headset and Teams. That just means that the mute function is not synchronized (i.e., the headset mutes independently of the mute function in the Teams app.) That is not really a big deal for me because my Microsoft Surface Studio Laptop does not reliably synchronize with Teams anyway, even with my "Teams Certified" headsets. I wish Microsoft would certify their hardware to work with their own software! That deserves its own review! I have only briefly heard the quality of the microphone pickup when testing on the Teams app and it seems decent; better than many other headsets that my coworkers are using. Though the quality of audio input is not near the level of my dedicated USB microphones (e.g., AKG Lyra or Samson G-Track Pro). I got this headset on a whim at a flash sale price of $35, at which price I feel it's an absolute steal. I would also consider it worth the regular full price, given the overall quality of the product and its reliable connections with my PC and phone.
Top critical review
14 people found this helpful
I'm so disappointed.. It unmutes by itself!
By Vicente D. on Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2022
I do home office permanently. I'm coming from a less expensive headset (JLab Go Work). I decided to buy this Anker H500 even though the price was high for a headset. but since I love/trust Anker products, I went for them. This is my third week using this Anker H500. Pros: +Earpads are very soft to your ears, but they also get hot sometimes. +Sound is excellent for calls and good for music. +Battery life is pretty decent (I charged when I got them and with a use for 2-4 hours per day and it is running at 70% battery level in its 3rd of usage) +I like the Transparency mode ( it is a kind of noise cancelling to avoid you from hearing the outside) +Can be used with or without its USB dongle +LED that tell others your state (in a call or not). This is so cool. +LED for mute state (is not that bright/big to your eyes, so it is not easy to see, need to move the mic) +Amazingly beautiful Hard case to store the headset and it accessories. +Mute dedicated button and volume controls. Cons: -Smart Mute Hate so much the Smart mute/unmute feature and unfortunately it can't be turned off. The Smart Mute option looked pretty amazing at first glance when I saw the Anker promotional video, however in the practice it gets triggered by any kind of movements of the headset and your head. In other words, it is too sensitive. What happens is that sometimes I'm talking and it mutes by itself or even worst, it unmutes by itself. This headset can easily get you in trouble with your boss/client when thinking you are talking while mic muted. You know what I mean. -Voice saying Mic Muted / Mic Unmuted There's a voice that tells you "Mic Muted/Mic Unmuted" for you to know the mute state when it changes. At the beginning it is ok, but later it is just so annoying because is sounds above other people's voice in the call, so you kind of lose for a second what they are saying. Anker!, there's already a small red led light in the mic that tells you if you are mute or not, I don't see a point on having a voice telling me when I mute the headset or not. This can't be turned off, unfortunately. -Computer Output device while using USB Dongle. The Computer's Output device remains as Anker Soundsync even when the headset is already turned OFF. You need to manually change the Output device every time. when you want to hear music in the laptop speakers in example. Fortunately, you can use the headset without the USB dongle, however it loses many of its features like transcript. -Mic noise cancelling is not as expected Coming from a JLAB Go Work that cost me 1/3 of what I paid for this Anker H500, I expected same or better mic noise cancelling. However, Anker H500 performs slightly below JLAB Go Work. I share the office with my wife, before we were capable of having calls right beside each other without issues. Now I need to move to another room. She still has her JLab's :(. -Can't hear my voice This headset doesn't have voice feedback through the headset. Hence sometimes you don't know if you are in mute or not and Need to always be checking the red small LED Light in the boom mic. Voice feedback is very nice to have. I'm really hoping Anker can do something like a firmware update, because having a headset that can unmute itself is too dangers especially at this price.
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Very happy with this headset
By Amazon Customer - Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2024
Verified Amazon Purchase
I previously gave a scathing review of this headset because I could not get the Bluetooth to pair, but it was 100% user error. Once I realized my mistake, pairing was a snap, like it has been with all of my recent Anker Soundcore ear buds. So far, the recognition by my PC has been consistent and reliable without even using the dongle, which I do not use. And the concurrent Bluetooth connections with my PC and phone have been problem-free. The audio quality is good; I have no problems hearing/understanding others on Microsoft Teams calls, which is my primary use case. I will mention that this is not Teams certified, so there is no integration between the headset and Teams. That just means that the mute function is not synchronized (i.e., the headset mutes independently of the mute function in the Teams app.) That is not really a big deal for me because my Microsoft Surface Studio Laptop does not reliably synchronize with Teams anyway, even with my "Teams Certified" headsets. I wish Microsoft would certify their hardware to work with their own software! That deserves its own review! I have only briefly heard the quality of the microphone pickup when testing on the Teams app and it seems decent; better than many other headsets that my coworkers are using. Though the quality of audio input is not near the level of my dedicated USB microphones (e.g., AKG Lyra or Samson G-Track Pro). I got this headset on a whim at a flash sale price of $35, at which price I feel it's an absolute steal. I would also consider it worth the regular full price, given the overall quality of the product and its reliable connections with my PC and phone.
I'm happy, and that's unusual
By Seth - Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2022
Verified Amazon Purchase
I have not had good luck with headsets since the pandemic. In fact it's a bit of an office joke, not that I mind being the brunt of the joke but at some point you have to do something about it Regardless, one of the key features is the mute on/off by positioning the mic. It's great! It switches most of the time between my phone and the computer zoom or goto meeting flawlessly. When it doesn't work it's typically the phone fault and a quick hit on the connect to Bluetooth button on the phone fixes it right up (Samsung S10) Battery life seem great, thats probably due to the stand charging it when it's not in use. I'd let some other headsets I tried die as I just wouldnt plug them in, the headset stand is a must! All of this, and I have not installed the specific software for the headset, just using the standard out of the box and plug it in driver's. No problems, and now a few others are getting this headset becayse if the guy who used to be the brunt of the not working mic jokes got this one and fixed it, others see that and are staying out of the ribbing. Typically I don't like what I get on Amazon especially Chinese made/brand products. This one is solid and a good buy
Good bluetooth headset for conferencing
By Aaron D. - Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2023
Verified Amazon Purchase
I got this headset while outfitting my home office to facilitate better vocal clarity on conference calls and to mitigate the sound from having 3 kids in the house after school. The noise cancellation is very good, and vocal clarity on calls is quite satisfactory. I can hear and be heard clearly and without sounding muffled or tinny. While the volume is very good and would satisfy many casual listeners, as a musician and low-level audiophile I find they lack some detail and offer better reproduction of higher pitched sounds than mid or low. It is worth noting that these are not designed or intended to be the best for media, so I can't complain too much there. The bluetooth range is excellent, I can go from one end of the house to the other and change floors without losing connectivity as well. There are two features that I particularly appreciate on this headset. The first is the microphone auto-muting if you rotate it away from your face. I find that much more intuitive and less cumbersome than navigating to the on screen button and clicking the mouse. The second feature that stands out to me is "transparent" mode, which simulates an open back headphone by use of an external microphone picking up ambient noise and playing back through the headphones. In circumstances where you need situational awareness, this is a welcome and helpful feature that I wish more playback minded headphones had as well. The only negatives that I have found is that the padding seems a little light for extended use and they can get quite hot after more than 20 minutes playing music to muffle other household noises. Other than that I would highly recommend them!
Great Headphones, but didn't work with program I use for voice recordings
By Kami - Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2024
Verified Amazon Purchase
If these headphones would have worked with the program I use for voice recordings (Audacity), I would have never returned these! When I used Audacity to voice record, it sounded like I was in a bathroom, and there was a lot of popping sounds in the recording. These issues were not a headphone issue, but a computer issue on my end that I don't know how to fix- so that is why I am returning them. I loved the quality of the headphone, the sound was great and the fit of the headphones were so comfortable. I'm so sad I am returning these! Anker- if you made a wired version of these I would buy them!
I'm so disappointed.. It unmutes by itself!
By Vicente D. - Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2022
Verified Amazon Purchase
I do home office permanently. I'm coming from a less expensive headset (JLab Go Work). I decided to buy this Anker H500 even though the price was high for a headset. but since I love/trust Anker products, I went for them. This is my third week using this Anker H500. Pros: +Earpads are very soft to your ears, but they also get hot sometimes. +Sound is excellent for calls and good for music. +Battery life is pretty decent (I charged when I got them and with a use for 2-4 hours per day and it is running at 70% battery level in its 3rd of usage) +I like the Transparency mode ( it is a kind of noise cancelling to avoid you from hearing the outside) +Can be used with or without its USB dongle +LED that tell others your state (in a call or not). This is so cool. +LED for mute state (is not that bright/big to your eyes, so it is not easy to see, need to move the mic) +Amazingly beautiful Hard case to store the headset and it accessories. +Mute dedicated button and volume controls. Cons: -Smart Mute Hate so much the Smart mute/unmute feature and unfortunately it can't be turned off. The Smart Mute option looked pretty amazing at first glance when I saw the Anker promotional video, however in the practice it gets triggered by any kind of movements of the headset and your head. In other words, it is too sensitive. What happens is that sometimes I'm talking and it mutes by itself or even worst, it unmutes by itself. This headset can easily get you in trouble with your boss/client when thinking you are talking while mic muted. You know what I mean. -Voice saying Mic Muted / Mic Unmuted There's a voice that tells you "Mic Muted/Mic Unmuted" for you to know the mute state when it changes. At the beginning it is ok, but later it is just so annoying because is sounds above other people's voice in the call, so you kind of lose for a second what they are saying. Anker!, there's already a small red led light in the mic that tells you if you are mute or not, I don't see a point on having a voice telling me when I mute the headset or not. This can't be turned off, unfortunately. -Computer Output device while using USB Dongle. The Computer's Output device remains as Anker Soundsync even when the headset is already turned OFF. You need to manually change the Output device every time. when you want to hear music in the laptop speakers in example. Fortunately, you can use the headset without the USB dongle, however it loses many of its features like transcript. -Mic noise cancelling is not as expected Coming from a JLAB Go Work that cost me 1/3 of what I paid for this Anker H500, I expected same or better mic noise cancelling. However, Anker H500 performs slightly below JLAB Go Work. I share the office with my wife, before we were capable of having calls right beside each other without issues. Now I need to move to another room. She still has her JLab's :(. -Can't hear my voice This headset doesn't have voice feedback through the headset. Hence sometimes you don't know if you are in mute or not and Need to always be checking the red small LED Light in the boom mic. Voice feedback is very nice to have. I'm really hoping Anker can do something like a firmware update, because having a headset that can unmute itself is too dangers especially at this price.
Just Why?
By The Ott's - Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2024
Verified Amazon Purchase
I really like Anker products. I have there chargers and cords for years all over my house and it is what I give to my parents. Everyone one in my house has a pair of Anker ear buds and 2 Anker speakers. We have a Euffy vacuum. So when I needed a new headset for my work issued laptop, Anker was my first choice. Bought in April 2024 these have been a disappointment ever since I got them and they are only getting worse. First, they have "transparency" mode on by default. transparency mode according to the literature, is so you can hear noises around you while you are working. isn't the point of 2 cup headphones block out the noise so you can hear what you are doing? For me with transparency mode on it is just white noise being dumped into my ears. Second you can turn off transparency mode on a case by case basis by pressing a button on the headset. this stops the white noise until a noise is made by my device. Get an email notification, that is a new case so transparency mode dumps white noise before, during, and after the soft notification noise. Someone pings you on an IM client, blast of white noise with the alert. Scrolling thru a website, each ad and video is it's own case so blast of white noise each time. Third, you need an app to turn off Transparency mode full time. I called support and they said that to default transparency mode off you need to download an app on your phone or PC. Not thrilled with this, why can't it just be a hold down on the button of like 7 or 10 seconds? So, in April 2024 a few days after I purchased the headset, I download the app on my phone and turn off transparency mode. GREAT the headset is now working how I would expect it to. Fast forward to early September 2024, the headset mid-morning disconnects from all my devices and and I had to manually reconnect it back. AND... Transparency mode is back on. Reconnect to my phone just to connect to the app, turn transparency mode off. Disconnect from my phone, manually, still connected to my laptop and I get blasted white noise with every alert. Hit the transparency button, all white noise, hit it again, white noise only when sound plays. Call support again. Apparently I have to have the app on the device I am using now to keep transparency mode off completely. Also despite these being Bluetooth, you have to use a USB dongle that came with them to use the app on a PC. So this is a work PC, I don't have an open USB port, and I can't download the app anyway. Now I have a headset that I want to throw across the room with every IM ping and Email notification. Thanks for doing this change after the return window closed. 2 start because it connects to everything, the range is great, and when the white noise isn't blasting into my ears the sound is good. Maybe folks won't have a problem with needing an app on every device and a UBS port dedicated to a Bluetooth device to use this headset to the fullest extent. Maybe mine is defective but support did not seem to think so. I do not recommend.
Best Headset I’ve Ever Owned!
By Ely - Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2022
Verified Amazon Purchase
I work from home, I hate being tied down to my desk with a cord because I don’t want to sit down all day sometimes and my desk has the ability to let me stand up. I also have to answer the door for other things while I’m home and this head set allows me to do that! It is amazing. You can Bluetooth more than one device at the same time. I can go to the mail box and still be connected to my computer with this headset. People on the other end can hear me clearly and don’t hear my background. The battery could use some upgrades but it has never died on me in a day, I’m always able to use it for more than 24 hours. The charging stand is very convenient. The headset it self is very comfortable to wear and does not give my ears that sore feeling after using them for long periods of time like other headsets. If you work from home you need these, it will make your life easier. Especially if you have kids there with you.
Great headset, but with some issues
By Bee - Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2021
Verified Amazon Purchase
It does everything well except for the following I have issues with. *I wish the headband was a little bit wider. Because the earpiece is heavier relative to the band, it will slide forward or back if you're on a long enough call. Like moving forward to adjust yourself in your seat, you'll also have to readjust the headset. * You can NOT use the AnkerWork software with the headphones paired via Bluetooth. You have to use the dongle that comes in the box. They do not tell you this until you try to make it work. I have not been able to use the trial or pay for the transcribing option, I'm met with an error. * I am having constant issues with the headphones connecting to the supplied USB dongle. I have to turn off/on the headphones to get it to connect with no promise of it remaining connected for my next Teams call. The software indicates there's a firmware update for the USB dongle, but it fails to install. I was able to update the headset firmware through the iPhone App. To conclude, I really like the headphones and they work flawlessly connected directly to my laptop and iPhone via Bluetooth. The background cancellation has also worked really well drowning out my sometimes screaming kids from the other room. However, I'm bummed not being able to utilize one of the biggest selling points for me, the transcribing feature because of connectivity issues with the dongle as well as not being able to update the firmware for the dongle. With some downtime, I'll be reaching out to Anker support to see if they can help resolve my issue. UPDATE 1/7/22: There was an ankerwork software update as well as a firmware update for the USB and the headphones. I'm seeing that every once in a while, I'm having to remove the USB and plug it back into my docking station to get the headphones working again. If I have it connected to Bluetooth to my cell phone and the laptop with the USB (so I can use the transcribe service) it doesn't not bounce back and forth between devices and I have to manually disconnect or disable Bluetooth on my cell phone to get the headphones working on my laptop again. When both cell and laptop are connected via Bluetooth only, it works perfectly, but then I'm not able to use the transcribe service. Quite annoying. The background noise cancellation is excellent, but the other connectivity issues are a huge pain. I hope they're able to resolve with more firmware updates.
Pretty good headset overall with a few minor issues
By Kevin Talbot - Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2022
Verified Amazon Purchase
First the good - long battery life, like days worth if you have a few one hour meetings per day. Sound quality is very good for meetings and videos. I wouldn't use them for headphones for music, but for conferencing and video for work they are great. The tone control options are nice also. Now for the needs work: They don't integrate with MS Teams so Teams doesn't know when they are muted. This is not a huge deal but my previous headset did this automatically and it was nice to visually see when you are muted. Second is the noise cancellation. It works, but when it's on (Normal), you can't hear yourself talk even when you select the "sidetone" to hear yourself. If I select Tranparent mode instead of Normal which allows outside sound to come in including your own voice, there is a constant low background hiss which you can make louder or softer. Somtimes I go normal to get rid of the hiss and sometimes I go back to transparent because I like to hear myself talk ;). Overall 4 stars. Update after using it for 10 months. I have bluetooth connectivity issues fairly frequently now. It still works but sometimes won't connect the audio, requiring a power off/on to fix or the audio becomes staticy due to bluetooth connection failure, also requiring power off/on. Battery is still holding charge which is good, but the connectivity issues are annoying. Reducing to 3 stars.
Great headset but lacking build quality
By JR - Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2023
Verified Amazon Purchase
Pros: This headset has great sound and the mic is clear. Battery life is great and typically lasts me 2-3 days of 80-90% calls during a 9 hour day. The Bluetooth range is very solid and can walk around the house without much problem 25-40 feet through walls. Cons: the headband is a bit too large and the weight of the headphone ear cups causes them to slip off. As shown in the pictures, the small plastic piece covering the headband broke off in 3 of the 4 places. I travel with the headphones in the case to and from the office and treat them well. Not sure what caused the break but possibly getting squeezed while in the case while in my backpack? Update: Anker reached out and sent me a new headset. Great customer support. Bumped by one star for this.
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