Our Verdict
The Audio-Technica M40X deliver a reliable bass, mid, and treble response for neutral listening. They don't have much soundstage because of their closed-back design, but their well-balanced sound will still satisfy most listeners.
- Good audio reproduction.
- Sturdy build.
- Poor isolation.
- No buttons or audio controls.
Not ideal for commuting and loud noisy environments. Their passive isolation doesn't block much noise.
- Good audio reproduction.
- Sturdy build.
- Poor isolation.
- No buttons or audio controls.
Not designed for sports. They're a bit too bulky and unstable to stay put during intense exercises.
- Good audio reproduction.
- Sturdy build.
- Poor isolation.
- No buttons or audio controls.
Mediocre for office use. They won't block the chatter of a busy office and leak a bit too much for a quiet one.
- Good audio reproduction.
- Sturdy build.
- Poor isolation.
- No buttons or audio controls.
- Good audio reproduction.
- Sturdy build.
- Poor isolation.
- No buttons or audio controls.
Changelog
- Updated Jul 07, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
- Updated Feb 07, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.4.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.1.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.
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Popular Headphones Comparisons
See our recommendations for the best over-ear headphones, the best wired headphones, and the best audiophile headphones.
The Audio Technica ATH-M50x are very similar to the Audio Technica M40x, but they have a slight edge over them. They feel a bit sturdier and better-built than the M40x. Both headphones will give you great sound and are also great options for critical listening, but the M50x offer one of the best values on the market due to their great price-to-performance ratio.
The Sony MDR-7506 and the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x are closed-back headphones. The Sony are more consistent among various users and have a repariable design, while the Audio-Technica have a more comfortable and stable fit, and come with two different detachable audio cables.
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO are slightly better than the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x. The Beyerdynamic have a slightly more accurate overall sound signature, but they can be slightly too sharp and piercing. On the upside, they're noticeably more durable than the Audio-Technica, thanks to their full-metal frame and large ear cups. If your budget allows it, go for the Beyerdynamic unless you're sensitive to higher frequencies.
The Philips SHP9500 and Audio-Technica ATH-M40x are made for different applications. The Philips are more comfortable, breathable, open-back headphones. The sound profile doesn't have as much thump, but their audio is delivered more consistently between wears. On the other hand, the closed-back Philips leak less audio and do a better job of passively isolating you from background sound, although they still don't block out very much noise. They're also more stable.
Our How We Test Headphones article takes you behind the scenes in our lab. You'll learn how we choose and purchase products and dive into the details of our review philosophy, from testing and scoring to writing and editing.
You can also discover how we produce recommendations like this one so that you can find the best headphones (or earbuds!) for your needs.
Test Results
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