How do Audio-Technica’s cartilage conduction headphones compare to bone conduction?
Audio-Technica has revealed the second generation of its world-first caritlage conduction headphones.
You may have heard of bone conduction headphones before, but do you know about cartilage conduction ones? Well, Audio-Technica has launched its new ATH-CC500BT2 cartilage conduction headphones, which build upon the success of their first-generation model.
These headphones feature a cutting-edge design that allows sound to travel through the cartilage around your ears rather than blocking your ear canal. They work by vibrations from the headphones travelling through the cartilage, which then causes the wall of the ear canal to vibrate. These vibrations generate sound waves that reach the end of their journey at the cochlea. All this makes them comfortable, while still providing clear sound, perfect for activities like commuting, working from home, or exercising.
Bone conduction headphones work by transmitting sound vibrations directly through the bones in your skull to the cochlea, bypassing the ear canal entirely. In contrast to cartilage conduction headphones, bone conduction headphones rely on the skull’s bones to carry sound. This can sometimes result in less stereo separation and lower comfort for long listening sessions.
The most compelling feature of these headphones is their long battery life. They offer up to 20 hours of continuous playback, a major advantage over competitors in the bone conduction category, which tend to offer shorter battery lives. A quick 10-minute charge provides an additional two hours of use, making them convenient for busy users on the go. While the headphones do not feature active noise cancelling (ANC), they are equipped with AI-powered noise reduction for clearer calls, ensuring that background noise is minimised, especially in outdoor or noisy environments.
In addition to exceptional sound quality, the ATH-CC500BT2 headphones offer multiple sound settings for personalisation through the Audio-Technica Connect app. Users can choose from modes like Clear Voice Mode for clearer dialogue, BGM Mode for a relaxed listening experience, or Limit Sound Leakage Mode for use in public spaces. For mental well-being, the app also provides Soundscape functions, offering nature sounds to enhance focus, relaxation, or meditation.
The design itself has been optimised for comfort. The ear hangers and neckband are made from lightweight, flexible titanium and soft silicone, making them ideal for long-term wear. They are also water-resistant with an IPX4 rating, which means they can handle sweat and rain, perfect for workouts or outdoor activities.
Another useful feature is Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, which allows users to connect two devices at once, easily switching between music, podcasts, or calls without needing to disconnect and reconnect. The headphones are also compatible with voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant for hands-free control, and they use a USB-C charging port for easy recharging.
The Audio-Technica ATH-CC500BT2 headphones are priced at £119 in the UK and €139 across Europe, which is approximately $145 to $150. However, the company has not confirmed if or when they will be available in the US.