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Best Audio-Technica headphones
Few audio companies are as respected as Audio-Technica. When it comes to studio headphones, audio engineers and enthusiasts alike are bound to praise the Japanese company. The fandom is well-earned, too, as Audio-Technica puts performance and dependability first time and time again with its premium audio products, drawing professionals to the brand like a band of cats to tuna.
- This article was re-written on November 25, 2025.
- This article was updated on February 19, 2025, to ensure the timeliness of the information within.
- This article was updated on July 30, 2024, to add a section on the ATH-TWX7 earbuds.
- This article was published on June 21, 2022.
The short answer:
If you don’t have the patience to read this entire article, the picks are listed in this section below. Each widget has a link to the full review if it exists yet, so you can make more detailed comparisons on your own.
The best for most:
The best budget studio booth headphones:
The best gaming headset:
The best budget headphones:
Though there’s no shortage of high-end headphones offered by Audio-Technica, most people searching for this list are looking for something more affordable. If you’d like to compare the high-end options, you’d be better off looking up individual reviews of products that are still in rotation.
The long answer:
Below we hash out the finer points of the best Audio-Technica headphones. We’ve spent countless hours with most of these headphones, and tested them in the lab to verify our positions on them before making any rash recommendations. Be sure to read the reviews before making a purchase to ensure you don’t wind up with buyer’s remorse.
Why is the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 the best Audio-Technica headphones?
If you’re familiar with the audio community, then you’ve heard of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2. The wireless version of the headphones is one of the most recognizable studio cans around. When you stream over Bluetooth, you get your choice of the SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs for high-quality audio on any operating system. If you’re looking for a pair of consumer cans with markedly exaggerated highs and lows, the ATH-M50xBT2 isn’t it.
The synthetic ear cup material may not be the most comfortable, seeing as it heats up fairly quickly. Still, it isolates the listener from external noise well enough for professional studio use. You can rotate the swivel ear cups and even flip them up, letting you hear your surroundings when live mixing. If you need something rugged and reliable that works anywhere, get this headset.
Get studio sound on a budget with the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
There’s no point in fixing what isn’t broken, and Audio-Technica embraced that sentiment when it released the ATH-M40x. This pair of headphones retains the same 45mm drivers found in the original version and offers very respectable sound for such a low price. For $99, there’s not a ton of competition here outside of the Sony MDR-7506. Unfortunately, the headphone jack is disappearing from phones, so this may be an at-home-only type deal if you don’t have a dongle, DAP, or portable DAC/amp.
Because these headphones are very durable, they’re extremely well-suited for a recording booth. The closed-backs mean that you won’t have to worry about sound leakage while your performers are recording, and they should be able to lose themselves in the passthrough content pretty easily.
The Audio-Technica ATH-GL3 is best for gaming
If you are looking for an entry-level gaming headset, the Audio-Technica ATH-GL3 delivers. The combination of high-quality sound, a detachable microphone, and easily accessible controls add a level of convenience that every gamer will appreciate.
Want to jump from your PS5 to a Zoom call without juggling headsets? No problem. The ATH-GL3 comes with two types of 3.5mm cables, making it compatible with a wide range of devices. You can control volume and mute functions directly on the ear cup, and the cable and ear pads are easily replaceable, offering a future-proof solution for avid gamers. The ATH-GL3’s lightweight plastic design makes it comfy for short gaming sessions, but be aware of its limitations. The headband lacks cushioning, and heat can build up due to its closed-back design. Still, for many, these are small sacrifices for superior noise isolation and audio quality.
The ATH-GL3 really shines in its sound performance. Whether you’re strategizing in “Halo” or dodging blows in “Elden Ring,” the audio is spot-on. The closed-back design locks you into the game world, ensuring you don’t miss a beat—or a footstep. Although it doesn’t offer built-in software for EQ adjustments, the sound is balanced enough that you might not even miss it.
The best bang for your buck is the Audio-Technica ATH-M20XBT
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20XBT is for the frugal audiophile that can’t tolerate IEMs. It’s an ideal choice if you need a dependable, no-nonsense Bluetooth headset that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket. With USB-C fast charging, you can get 3 hours of use with just a 10-minute charge. These headphones are mostly plastic, matte black, and lightweight at just 216 grams — but they’re rugged and can withstand the daily grind of commuting or extended use. The large battery ensures that you’ll not only rarely run out of juice but also extend the operating lifespan of the headphones. And while they don’t fold, their durability more than makes up for a slightly cumbersome form factor.
The ATH-M20XBT does have its limitations. The ear pads can be too tight for some, but they are easily replaceable with a broad array of options. They also block out a fair amount of high-frequency noise, making them apt for relatively quiet environments. The sound quality is respectable for its price range, though it may lack sub-bass and high-frequency finesse. But hey, at around $100, you’re getting way more than what you’re paying for.
The best Audio-Technica headphones: Notable mentions
- Audio-Technica ATH-AD900x ($189 at Amazon): Beneath each grill on these open-back headphones is a huge 53mm dynamic driver and CCAW voice coils for clear audio reproduction with a wide soundstage.
- Audio-Technica ATH-ANC900BT ($179 at Amazon): These ANC headphones can combat lower rumbles and include touch controls for music playback and wireless calls. The flat-folding design also makes them excellent travel companions.
- Audio-Technica ATH-CLR100iSBK ($14 at Amazon): Despite their compact size, these wired earbuds have relatively large 8.5mm drivers that pump out clear sound. What’s more, the company includes an integrated one-button mic and remote module for hands-free calling and basic playback controls. For less than $20, it’s a solid deal for people who just want a basic headset.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M30x ($79 at Amazon): This pair of wired headphones compromises build quality but delivers a similar sound to the beloved M40x. If you don’t care for a detachable cable and sleeker design, the extra money saved is a good thing.
- Audio-Technica ATH-R30x: These are very low-cost open-back studio headphones, with some fit issues.
- Audio-Technica ATH-R50x: These are low-cost open-back studio headphones, but some may have trouble getting a good fit.
- Audio Technica ATH-R70x: These open-back studio headphones are for professionals. They provide accurate audio reproduction and unparalleled comfort that will complement any studio setup.
- Audio-Technica ATH-WP900: Aimed at studio professionals, these cans feature large 53mm drivers that deliver a wide soundstage and balanced overall frequency response suited for mixing and mastering applications.
- Audio-Technica ATH-ANC300TW: These true wireless earbuds are equipped with the company’s neutral sound signature, an IPX2 water-resistance rating, and active noise canceling that is comparable to the Sony WF-1000XM4.
- Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW: This pair of wireless earbuds doesn’t have many features, but it sounds great and has an IPX4-equivalent rating, making it a solid option for exercise, too.
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The ATH-M70x is a very good headset, but its price-to-performance ratio holds it back from being one of the best headsets around. See, the ATH-M70x has a premium build that looks nicer than the ATH-M50x and its cheaper siblings, but it doesn’t stand out relative to other premium headphones. We are also not that impressed by the treble-heavy frequency response we don’t hear from other Audio-Technica cans. Ultimately, if you’re going to spend this much on a pair of barebones headphones, we recommend the Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X or save some money with the ATH-M50x.
How we choose the best Audio-Technica headphones
Seeing as Audio-Technica has a legacy of studio headphones and various accouterments, it’s hard to narrow it down to just a few picks. That said, we tried to account for a wide variety of listeners, from traveling audio enthusiasts to the casual listener. If we omitted your favorite pair of headphones, be sure to shoot us a line in the comments since we maintain these best lists as living documents. Here’s how we tested each set of headphones:
- Objective testing: in the lab, we measured key performance indicators of the headphones, including frequency response, isolation, distortion, battery life, and crosstalk.
- Subjective testing: For many hours per review, we listened to the headphones and recorded our impressions.
- Real-world use: We have several musicians on staff who use headphones that are purpose-built for the task — like the ones listed here — for their intended purpose.
- Expert comparisons: We review countless products and have an encyclopedic knowledge of the market. Our knowledge helps us sort out what’s good and what’s lacking.
Why you should trust SoundGuys
We strive to educate our readers first and foremost. When it comes to audio, each of our writers understands that it’s both an objective and subjective topic. We perform in-house testing on all review units while also taking them out into the real world, whether that means working out, commuting, or leisurely listening to something.
While our site does operate via referral links, none of our writers may benefit from awarding one product over the competition. We strive to be transparent and just want you to enjoy your purchase if one is made. Ultimately, we want to sate your auditory appetite and pique your interest in the science of it all.
Frequently asked questions about Audio-Technica headphones
No, it doesn’t matter if all of your studio equipment is from the same brand or not — compatibility should be no issue so long as you’re using a USB interface to record from an XLR mic. What’s more important is that you like each individual product you buy and they serve your particular needs. You may be able to get deals on Audio-Technica products if you buy microphones and headphones in a set, though.
Because the Audio Technica ATH-M40x lacks a built-in microphone, this headphone would not be ideal for conference calls — unless you were planning to use an external microphone. If you want a good pair of Audio Technica headphones for such a use case, consider the Audio Technica ATH-M50x, which features a decent built-in microphone. For more alternatives, be sure to check out our list of the best Bluetooth headphones for conference calls.
A lot of users have reported that the Audio-Technica ATH-M40X had a flatter sound signature than the ATH-M50xBT, which results in a more accurate reproduction of your mix — ideal for home studio applications. The M50xBT is also good for basic home mixing applications and casual listening — especially with its inclusion of Bluetooth. If you’re still unsure, visit your local audio shop and try these cans out for yourself! At the end of the day, the best studio headphones are the ones that cater to your needs.
Audio-Technica generally offers a neutral and detailed sound profile, making them great for studio work or music enthusiasts who prefer an uncolored sound. They also often provide good value for the price.
Sennheiser, on the other hand, is known for its signature warm sound profile and higher-end build quality. They are often preferred for a wide range of applications, from professional audio work to high-fidelity listening.
Neither is universally “better”—it’s about what you’re looking for in a pair of headphones. Choose Audio-Technica for neutral sound and cost-effectiveness; go with Sennheiser for a more colored sound and premium build.
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