Audio-Technica brand has a big lineup, with more than 50 different models, and we've currently tested 20 pairs of their headphones. Although they make great studio headphones, they also have decent models for more casual use.
Updates
- 01/15/2024 Audio-Technica ATH-M20x updated
- 12/05/2023 Audio-Technica ATH-M50x updated
- 01/23/2023 Audio-Technica ATH-R70x reviewed
- 09/16/2021 Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Wireless reviewed
- 04/17/2019 Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT Wireless reviewed
Best Audio-Technica Headphones
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Best Audio-Technica Headphones
Neutral Sound7.9Commute/Travel4.7Sports/Fitness5.3Office5.4Wireless Gaming4.4Wired Gaming6.4Phone Calls2.0Type Over-earEnclosure Closed-BackWireless NoTransducer DynamicNoise Cancelling NoMic NoThe best Audio-Technica headphones we've tested are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. These closed-back over-ears are a popular choice amongst casual users and audiophiles alike, thanks to their robust design and pleasing sound. Their very neutral sound is suitable for listening to a variety of genres and types of content. Extra emphasis in the high-bass adds warmth to your mix, while vocals and lead instruments remain clear and detailed. They're also well-built and have a comfortable fit, so you can enjoy long listening sessions without feeling much fatigue.
However, because of their design, they don't interact with your outer ear much, and the soundstage feels closed off. Like most headphones designed for monitoring audio, they don't have active noise cancelling (ANC) either, and they have poor noise isolation, so you'll hear what's going on around you if you're in a noisier setting, like an office or during your commute. However, they don't leak much audio, so you're less likely to bother people nearby when you turn up the volume.
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Best Mid-Range Audio-Technica Headphones
Neutral Sound7.5Commute/Travel4.6Sports/Fitness5.3Office5.2Wireless Gaming4.2Wired Gaming6.3Phone Calls2.0Type Over-earEnclosure Closed-BackWireless NoTransducer DynamicNoise Cancelling NoMic NoIf 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. 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 sound seems to come from inside your head instead of the speakers in the room around you, which is normal for closed-back headphones. Also, even though they're decently well-built, the hinges feel a little flimsy compared to the M50x. The ear cup padding is also stiff, but they're comfortable and don't clamp onto your head very hard.
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Best Budget Audio-Technica Headphones
Neutral Sound7.5Commute/Travel4.5Sports/Fitness5.0Office5.1Wireless Gaming4.1Wired Gaming6.1Phone Calls1.9Type Over-earEnclosure Closed-BackWireless NoTransducer DynamicNoise Cancelling NoMic NoThe 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 with thinner padding than the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x. Still, overall, for bedroom producers on a budget, 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 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 wallet-friendly Audio-Technica headphones for music, they're worth considering.
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Best Wireless Audio-Technica Headphones
Neutral Sound7.7Commute/Travel6.8Sports/Fitness7.0Office7.0Wireless Gaming6.1Wired Gaming7.7Phone Calls6.9Type Over-earEnclosure Closed-BackWireless YesTransducer DynamicNoise Cancelling NoMic YesIf 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. Their name is a nod to the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, though thanks to the in-app graphic EQ and presets, you can customize the sound more than their wired-only namesake.
With 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 wireless predecessor, they don't support aptX codec, but they support LDAC instead for high-quality wireless audio. You can always plug in their cable for virtually latency-free listening.
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Best Open-Back Audio-Technica Headphones
Neutral Sound8.2Commute/Travel3.7Sports/Fitness5.3Office4.5Wireless Gaming4.5Wired Gaming6.6Phone Calls1.5Type Over-earEnclosure Open-BackWireless NoTransducer DynamicNoise Cancelling NoMic NoIf 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, so instruments and vocals are clear and present in the mix. Sibilants like cymbals are dull, but overall, they have a warm sound profile that is 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.
Compared To Other Brands
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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 headphones specifically designed to deliver accurate audio reproduction. Audiophiles, studio producers, and musicians can enjoy models like the ATH-M50x, which has 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.
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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 focuses primarily on casual-use products compared to strictly wired audiophile headphones. Their over-ear headphones tend to be more expensive than Audio-Technica's and are often better for purposes like commuting, traveling, and work. They even make niche headphones with open-fits and for aviation. 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
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, 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 vs Beyerdynamic
Beyerdynamic is known for its professional line of headphones, many of which are closed-backs and compete with the higher-tier Audio-Technica closed-backs. Beyerdynamic headphones tend to be built a bit better than Audio-Technica headphones, but they often also cost more. Each brand offers different interpretations of what a 'neutral' audiophile sound is, and Beyerdynamic tends to have comparatively very bright treble, while Audio-Technica often adds more low-end punch.
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.
- ATH-CKS = True wireless earbuds.
- ATH-SQ = True wireless earbuds.
- ATH-TWX = Flagship true wireless earbuds.
Recent Updates
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Aug 15, 2024: A comparison to Beyerdynamic headphones and the model lines for Audio-Technica's true wireless have been added. There are no changes to the picks.
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May 21, 2024: We've updated this article's text to ensure it's up-to-date and accurate. Our recommendations haven't changed, though.
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Jan 22, 2024: We've checked that the products represent the best recommendations and are in stock.
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Sep 26, 2023: We've checked our picks for availability and accuracy. However, we haven't changed our recommendations.
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May 30, 2023: We've made minor changes to the text for improved clarity. However, there hasn't been a change in our recommendations.
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.