Our Verdict
Mediocre for mixed usage. These headphones are best used for critical listening as they don't block enough noise for commuting, and they're a bit too bulky for sports. They leak a little at high volumes, so they won't be the ideal headphones for the office either. However, they deliver in the sound department and are a decent option for both casual and critical listeners.
- Good audio reproduction.
- Sturdy and durable build.
- Comfortable fit.
- Poor noise isolation.
- Slightly bulky design.
- Bass delivery varies significantly across users. Sensitive to glasses.
Good for neutral listening. The SHR 440 deliver a decently balanced sound that caters well to instruments and vocals. The Bass is punchy without being overwhelming, and instruments are not too distant or too forward on most tracks they reproduced. However, there is a pretty noticeable spike in the treble range that may make certain tracks and frequencies sound a bit too sharp. They also do not have the best Soundstage due to their closed back design.
Sub-par for commuting. Their passive isolation doesn't block much noise, they have no controls, and they're not the most portable headphones.
Poor for sports. They're a bit too bulky and unstable to use while doing sports. They're also not particularly breathable headphones, so your ears will get quite hot when exercising with these headphones on.
Mediocre for office use. They won't block the chatter of a busy office and leak a bit at higher volumes. However, they shouldn't be too distracting at average volume levels.
Changelog
- 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 Aug 29, 2017: Review published.
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Popular Headphones Comparisons
See our recommendations for the best over-ear headphones, the best headphones for studio, the best headphones under $100.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x and the Shure SRH 400 are both closed-back, open-ear headphones with similar performances for critical listening. The Shure are more comfortable and have a slightly more even sound profile, but they lack a bit in the low-bass. The Audio-Technica, on the other hand, have an overemphasized bass, particularly in the high-bass range, which can make them sound muddier.
The Beyerdynamic DT 1770 PRO are better headphones than the Shure SRH440 thanks to better build quality and better and more consistent bass delivery. However, they are way more expensive, and the Shure are very comfortable headphones that offer great value for their price tag. They are all plastic, but if you’re looking for budget critical listening headphones, the Shure are a great pick for sound quality. On the other hand, the metallic frame of the Beyerdynamic feels more high-end, and they isolate a bit more noise than the Shure.
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