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The 5 Best Audio-Technica Headphones of 2024 Reviews

Updated
Best Audio-Technica Headphones

This brand has a big lineup, with more than 50 different models. We've currently tested 20 pairs of Audio-Technica headphones. Although they make great studio headphones, they also have decent models for more casual use.

Updates

Best Audio-Technica Headphones


  1. Best Audio-Technica Headphones

    The best Audio-Technica headphones with a closed-back design that we've tested are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. These well-built wired over-ears have a very neutral default sound profile, making them suitable for listening to a variety of genres and types of content. A little extra emphasis in the high-bass adds warmth to your mix, while vocals and lead instruments remain clear and detailed. They also have a comfortable fit, so you can enjoy long listening sessions without feeling much fatigue.

    However, because of their closed-back design, they don't create a wide or spacious-seeming passive soundstage. They don't have active noise cancelling (ANC) and have sub-par noise isolation, so you'll hear background noise if you listen to audio in a noisier setting, like an office or during your commute. However, they leak less audio than most open-back headphones, so you're less likely to bother people nearby when you turn up the volume.

    See our review

  2. Best Mid-Range Audio-Technica Headphones

    If you're looking for cheaper headphones, check out the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x. These wired over-ears are similar to the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, although the smaller price tag comes with a few drawbacks. They leak more audio, making them less suitable for shared spaces like offices, and have a boomier, punchier bass response that you might find a bit overwhelming or muddy. That said, their well-balanced mid-range keeps vocals and instruments present and clear in the mix, and overall, they have a versatile sound.

    Like the previous pick, they have a closed-back design, so their passive soundstage seems small, and their sound seems to come from inside your head instead of speakers in the room around you. Also, even though they're decently well-built, the hinges feel a little flimsy compared to the ATH-M50x. The ear cup padding is also stiff, but they're comfortable and don't clamp onto your head very hard.

    See our review

  3. Best Budget Audio-Technica Headphones

    The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x are the best budget Audio-Technica headphones that we've tested. Again, these cheaper headphones come with some downsides compared to pricier models. They're less comfortable than the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x and have a less neutral sound profile. Still, overall, they have a well-balanced, versatile sound. There's a bit of overemphasis in the mid-bass that adds body to your audio, and the very flat mid-range response means vocals and lead instruments sound present and clear. However, their treble is recessed, so instruments and lead vocals are veiled, while sibilants like S and T seem dull.

    They're decently comfortable and don't clamp onto your head too hard, so you can listen to music for hours without experiencing much fatigue. They come with a 1/8" to 1/4" adapter, meaning you can plug them into an amp or mixer right out of the box. Like the previous picks, they leak quite a bit of audio and don't block out much noise, making them less suitable for casual use when you're out and about. However, if you're looking for budget-friendly Audio-Technica headphones for music, they're worth considering.

    See our review

  4. Best Wireless Audio-Technica Headphones

    If you prefer wireless headphones, consider the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Wireless. These over-ears are the second generation of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT and offer versatile performance. They have a fairly neutral sound profile out of the box, although instruments and lead vocals lack detail compared to the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. However, unlike those headphones, these have a companion app with a graphic EQ and presets, meaning you can customize their sound to your liking.

    Thanks to their over 61 hours of continuous playback time, you don't have to worry about recharging them throughout your workweek. They support multi-device pairing, meaning you can stay connected to your smartphone and laptop simultaneously. Their 'Low Latency Mode' can help reduce audio lag while watching videos or playing mobile games. Unlike their predecessor, they don't support aptX codec for better sound quality, which is disappointing if you want wireless headphones for music. Their sound delivery is also sensitive to the headphones' fit, seal, and positioning on your head.

    See our review

  5. Best Open-Back Audio-Technica Headphones

    If you're looking for the best sound quality for listening to music, the best Audio-Technica headphones with an open-back design we've tested are the Audio-Technica ATH-R70x. While these headphones are more expensive than the top pick and not as versatile, they offer some advantages for music lovers. Unlike closed-back options, their design helps them create a spacious, out-of-head passive soundstage, which makes your listening experience more immersive. They're lighter and have a more comfortable fit than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x for most people.

    Because of their open design, they struggle to reproduce the thump and rumble of low-bass, so you might prefer closed-back headphones if you listen to a lot of bass-heavy music like EDM. That said, your audio sounds full-bodied, and instruments and vocals are clear and present in the mix. Sibilants like cymbals are dull, but overall, they have a warm sound profile well-suited for genres like rock, jazz, and folk. However, they don't block out ambient sound and leak audio by design, so they aren't suitable for listening in noisy places. They're also less well-built than some cheaper options from this brand.

    See our review

Compared To Other Brands


  • Diverse headphone lineup.
    Audio-Technica's lineup is suited for a variety of different kinds of listeners. While they offer professional closed and open-back models for audiophiles or DJs, they also have headphones and earbuds well-suited for mixed usage and everyday life.
  • Well-balanced sound reproduction.
    Audio-Technica offers some headphones specifically designed for delivering accurate audio reproduction. Audiophiles, studio producers, and musicians can enjoy models like the ATH-M50x with a well-balanced sound.
  • Affordable.
    Audio-Technica produces headphones that have a good price-to-performance ratio. They're usually a more affordable option for audiophiles, especially if you want something to wear while DJing or for studio use.
  • Weak noise isolation.
    Although Audio-Technica has a series of active noise cancelling headphones, those we've tested don't reduce noise as well as other similarly priced, competing models.
  • Less premium build quality.
    Audio-Technica offers higher-end models that feel more premium, but most we've tested have a plasticky and slightly cheap feel.
  • Overlapping models.
    Audio-Technica's lineup has several similarly designed headphones with small differences that don't affect the headphones' performance much, so it can be confusing to choose between models.

Audio-Technica vs Bose

Bose's over-ear headphones tend to be more expensive than Audio-Technica's and are often better for purposes like commuting, traveling, and work. The best Bose headphones usually have strong ANC performance and wireless design. As you might expect from pricier headphones, they feel sturdier too. However, some cheaper Audio-Technica models are just as good for listening to music at home.

Audio-Technica vs Sony

Best Sony sells a variety of different types of headphones, including both casual-use and audiophile over-ear headphones. They offer a wide range of versatile headphones with noise cancelling, customization features, and wireless designs in many cases. At the same time, audiophiles might prefer Audio-Technica for their wired design and more neutral sound. Look at our best Sony headphones article to check out Sony's lineup.

Audio-Technica vs Sennheiser

Sennheiser makes a wide range of headphones, including audiophile models, from pricey premium models to budget-friendly options. However, some of the best Sennheiser headphones focus on open-back headphones across price ranges, while Audio-Technica might be your brand if you want closed-back audiophile headphones.

Audio-Technica vs Anker

At first, Anker and Audio-Technica may seem mismatched, but both companies produce casual-use wireless headphones with features like noise cancelling and multi-device pairing. Some of the best Anker earbuds and headphones have high-powered ANC systems and robust customization features. However, they tend to sound less neutral and flat. If you care about a balanced sound, then you'll want to consider Audio-Technica's lineup, which are more geared towards the discerning audiophile, whether casual or professional.

Audio-Technica offers a variety of headphones for casual and professional use at affordable prices. This brand focuses on sound reproduction, especially on headphones from their popular ATH-M line, which produce very good audio quality at a comparatively low price. While their headphones range in build quality, and their noise cancelling models don't do the greatest job of reducing background noise, they offer many different options with great audio fidelity, making them a reputable and frequently recommended brand.

Lineup

Audio-Technica has a wide-ranging lineup of headphones, with many different types for different purposes. The first few characters after 'ATH-' in a product's name usually indicate its features, style, or intended use.

Studio Headphones

  • ATH-M = Closed-back monitor headphones.
  • ATH-R = Open-back reference headphones.

Audiophile Headphones

  • ATH-AD = Open-back wired headphones.
  • ATH-A = 'Art Monitor' series closed-back wired headphones.
  • ATH-AW = Closed headphones with wooden earcups (wired).
  • ATH-W = Closed headphones with wooden earcups (wireless).
  • ATH-AP = 'High-Resolution Audio' closed-back wired headphones.

DJ Headphones

  • ATH-Pro = Monitor headphones for DJs.

Other

  • ATH-ANC = 'QuietPoint' headphones with active noise cancelling (ANC).
  • ATH-AVC = 'Sonic Pro' marketed for movies as well as music.
  • ATH-G = Gaming headsets.
  • ATH-BP = Broadcast headphones.

In-Ears And Earbuds

  • ATH-C = In-ears and earbuds.
  • ATH-E = Professional in-ear monitors.

Recent Updates

  1. Jan 22, 2024: We've checked that the products represent the best recommendations and are in stock.

  2. Sep 26, 2023: We've checked our picks for availability and accuracy. However, we haven't changed our recommendations.

  3. May 30, 2023: We've made minor changes to the text for improved clarity. However, there hasn't been a change in our recommendations.

  4. Jan 27, 2023: Reorganized article to make it easier to find what you're looking for. Added the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x as the 'Best Mid-Range' pick and the Audio-Technica ATH-R70x as the 'Best Open-Back Audio-Technica Headphones'.

  5. Apr 06, 2022: Verified that picks represent the best recommendations in their categories and that the products are available.

Conclusion

Audio-Technica is a well-known brand that offers headphones at more affordable price points. While they produce sound rivaling higher-end models, they tend to have less than stellar builds. Their noise cancelling series also falls short compared to other brands with similar features. However, these headphones are exceedingly well-balanced and offer a good price-to-performance ratio.

Test Results