The Audio-Technica ATH-M60x are good critical listening on-ear headphones and are the biggest departure from the typical over-ear designs of the ATH-M series. They're decently comfortable, breathable, and less cumbersome once on your head, although they're not the most portable on-ears since they don't fold. They have a well-balanced sound that's better than the lower end entries of the ATH-M lineup, but they don't quite sound as good as the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x or as neutral as the Audio-Technica ATH-M70x.
Our Verdict
Average for mixed usage. They have a decently sturdy and durable on-ear design, a comfortable fit for most, and a good sound quality that packs just the right amount a lot of bass. They're also wired, which makes them an okay option for watching videos, although they're limited by the range of their audio cable. Unfortunately, they won't be as convenient for everyday casual use and aren't as feature-packed as some of the other headphones we've tested around their price range. They won't be ideal for commuting or traveling, and they're a bit too unstable for sports. On the upside, they're well-balanced and good sounding for critical listening.
- Good sound quality.
- Comfortable and well-made on-ear design.
- No buttons or control options.
- Poor noise isolation.
Good for neutral listening. The Audio-Technica ATH-M60x aren't quite as good as the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x but still deliver a well-balanced sound that packs just the right amount of bass for most music genres. They're also balanced enough that instruments and vocals don't sound too sharp or harsh, but they could be a bit thin and forward in the mix. Overall, they're some of the better sounding on-ear headphones we've measured and do well within the ATH-M lineup. However, the smaller ear cup size does mean a slightly worse soundstage.
Below-average for commuting. They only block noise passively, which won't be enough for the noisy environments involved in commuting. They're also a bit bulky to carry around, despite their smaller on-ear design, and have no control scheme to change tracks or volume levels on the go.
Below-average for sports. They have a decently comfortable on-ear fit and are a bit smaller and more breathable than the rest of the ATH-M series, but they're a bit too unstable for sports and physical activities. They also come with a thick audio cable with no control scheme to change tracks while working out.
Sub-par for office use. The Audio Technica ATH-M60x don't leak too much but will be audible to the people around you at higher volumes. Unfortunately, they also don't block enough noise to use in noisy environments to be a suitable option for a lively work environment.
These headphones aren't suitable for wireless gaming.
Sub-par for gaming. The Audio-Technica ATH-M60x have a good sound and a low latency wired connection but aren't as convenient or as customizable as most wireless gaming headsets. Also, they don't have a microphone. However, if you don't need voice chat, they could be a decent option for consoles and PCs.
These headphones aren't suitable for phone calls.
Changelog
- Updated Feb 28, 2024: This review was updated to compare Comfort with the Sennheiser HD 25.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.1.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.
- Updated Aug 10, 2018: Review published.
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Popular Headphones Comparisons
The Audio-Technica ATH-M60x are the first on-ear headphones in the ATH-M lineup. They have a well-balanced sound for critical listening, although they won't sound quite as good as the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. They have a decently well-made and compact on-ear design, and a cool looking build quality that some will prefer over the slightly bland look of the older ATH-M models. They're also decently comfortable for on-ears, and are built well enough to withstand most uses. Unfortunately, they won't be the ideal option for sports or outdoor use since they're not the most stable, are wired, and don't block a lot of noise. They also don't fold into a more compact format, which would have made them a lot more portable when combined with their on-ear design. See our recommendations for the best on-ear headphones, the best wired headphones, and the best noise cancelling headphones.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are aimed at different useages than the Audio-Technica ATH-M60x. The M50x have a slightly more durable build quality and a more comfortable over-ear fit. However, the M60x are a bit more compact with a modern on-ear fit that some will prefer when compared to the M50x. They're also a bit more lightweight and better sounding than most on-ear designs.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M70x are better headphones than the on-ear Audio-Technica ATH-M60x. The ATH-M70x are noticeably more comfortable and are also better built. Their sound profile follows our target curve more accurately but might be too sharp for some. They’ll also be more versatile, as their over-ear design will block out more high-frequency noise. If you feel like over-ears are too bulky and hard to carry around, the on-ear M60x might be a better option for you.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M60x are better sounding on-ears than the Bowers & Wilkins P5 Series 2. The Bowers & Wilkins have a much better build quality that not only feels more durable but also looks a lot more premium than the Audio Technica. The Bowers & Wilkins' design is also a bit more compact and easier to use with mobile devices since they come with an in-line remote. On the other hand, the Audio-Technica have a better-balanced sound and a more comfortable on-ear fit. They also come with three audio cables which make them a bit more suitable for a recording studio.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M60x are better headphones than the Marshall Major 2/Major II. The Audio-Technica have a better-balanced sound quality than the Marshall. They're also better built and look more premium and durable than the Marshall, and come with three sturdy and durable audio cables. On the upside, the Marshall have a limited in-line remote that gives you some control over your audio. They're also a lot more compact to carry around, being lighter, smaller, and more foldable than the Audio-Technica.
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