The Audio-Technica ANC7b are decent headphones that perform moderately well. They have an above-average sound quality and can block noise fairly well. Unfortunately, they can't handle the level of ambient noise in a train or plane. They leak a lot and will disturb people around you at high volumes.
Our Verdict
They would do reasonably well as everyday casual headphones, but their leakage could be a concern for some listeners.
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Decent audio reproduction.
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Moderate comfortable and stable design.
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Leaks a lot of sound.
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Limited audio controls.
They have an average audio reproduction, but their closed design is not ideal for neutral listening. They also have a poor soundstage performance.
These headphones are decent for commuting. Their noise cancelling feature reduces a fair amount of ambient noise, and they're moderately comfortable.
They're mediocre for sports. They're relatively lightweight. However, they're a bit cumbersome and unstable for strenuous exercises.
They're average for office use. They will block the chatter of a busy office, but they leak and will be audible at moderate volumes.
These headphones aren't meant for wireless gaming.
- 6.2 Mixed Usage
- 6.5 Neutral Sound
- 6.4 Commute/Travel
- 6.0 Sports/Fitness
- 6.3 Office
- 5.1 Wireless Gaming
- 6.7 Wired Gaming
- 6.4 Phone Call
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.1.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.
- Updated Feb 16, 2018: Converted to Test Bench 1.2.
- Updated Sep 28, 2017: The microphone has been tested with our new methodology, as explained here
- Updated Aug 10, 2017: Converted to Test Bench 1.1.
- Updated Mar 01, 2017: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated May 18, 2016: Review published.
- Updated May 16, 2016: Our testers have started testing this product.
Test Results
The Audio-Technica ANC7b look very similar to the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7b SVIS, with minor differences in color scheme and choice of materials in their build quality. Like the SVIS model, they don't stand out and have a very common style that may work for some. They have a two-tone black and silver color palette. The matching headband is also black, with silver accents on the metal frame.
The Audio-Technica ANC7b deliver a slightly more comfortable fit than the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7b SVIS. The padding used for the ear cups is much softer than the SVIS model and is fairly comfortable. They don't feel too rigid once on your head and don't apply too much pressure around your ears. However, the headband does not extend far enough for larger heads. The over-ear cups don't encompass the ear entirely, which can get uncomfortable during long listening sessions.
The Audio-Technica ANC7b have a limited button layout. The functionalities offered by this control scheme is minimal. Only a noise cancelling switch and a call/music button are provided. It's simple to use but not very efficient, and you don't have any volume or track-skipping control, which is slightly disappointing.
The Audio-Technica ANC7b are decently portable. They don't fold into a more compact format but have swiveling ear cups that lay flat to take up less space. They're medium-sized headphones that will fit in your bag but may be too big for a purse.
The Audio-Technica ANC7b come with a durable hardshell case that can protect your headphones from damage. The case is only slightly larger than the headphones. It's easy to use and stores all the provided headphone gear.
These headphones have an average build quality and aren't much different from the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7b SVIS. They have a mostly plastic build with a thin metal frame that reinforces the headband. They can handle a couple of drops. However, their build quality does not feel as durable as some other over-ear models. The plastic joints feel especially susceptible to physical stress and the cable provided isn't thick enough and could get damaged easily.
These headphones are moderately stable. They stay in place during casual listening sessions and have a detachable cable that will disconnect if it gets hooked on something. Unfortunately, they aren't sports headphones and will quickly fall off your head while running or jumping. The headband is relatively thin and the ear cups are large, which makes them sway a lot during any physical activity.
- Audio-Technica ANC7b headphones
- Audio cable
- Airline adapter
- Carrying case
- 1/8" to 1/4" adapter
They have decent performance. In the bass range, there's an average of 10dB of isolation, which extends below 100Hz. The amount of isolation provided in the mid and treble regions are also average, maxing out at around -18dB and -30dB respectively.
They have poor performance. The majority of the leakage is happening between 400Hz-5kHz, which is rather broad. The overall level of the leakage is quite high, making the content of your audio audible to people around you.
These headphones use 1 AAA battery that lasts for about 49.2 hours of continuous audio playback. They can't be used without the battery, and don't have an auto-off timer. But thanks to the great battery life you won't have to change the AAA battery throughout the day, which is good for long flights or road trips.
They don't have a compatible app.
