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 sing their praises for 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.

Editor’s note: This article was updated on May 29, 2023, to remove outdated models, add a section on gaming headsets, and update links.

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 as the wireless version of the headphones are some 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 to any operating system.

Housed within each ear cup is a 45mm dynamic driver that reproduces exceptional audio quality for professional use. If you’re looking for a pair of consumer cans with markedly exaggerated highs and lows, the ATH-M50xBT2 isn’t it. While the bass response is a bit more emphasized than its little sibling the ATH-M40x, its main purpose is for studio mixing so audio engineers can accurately create a sound.

The synthetic ear cup material may not be the most comfortable seeing as it heats up fairly quickly, but 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 USD 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 have an iPhone or Note 10. If you like these headphones and want to find a phone that fits them, be sure to check out our picks for the best handsets.

For open-back cans, it’s hard to beat the ATH-AD900x

If you’re on the prowl for the most realistic sound possible, open-back headphones should be a top consideration. The company made its name off its open-back headphones and has maintained a respected reputation throughout the years. Beneath each grill is a huge 53mm dynamic driver and CCAW voice coils for clear audio reproduction with a wide soundstage.

The winged headband is designed to mitigate any vibrations that may degrade audio quality. Unfortunately, listeners have mentioned that, while effective, it isn’t the most comfortable mechanism. If you want comfortable open-back headphones, Sennheiser may be a better — albeit more expensive — option.

This isn’t just a great option for audiophiles, though. No, the open-back design bodes well for gaming too, since it provides a more natural representation of sound. Due to the open nature of the cans, you’re able to more realistically register what direction enemy footsteps are approaching from.

Need noise canceling? Get the ATH-ANC900BT

While it’s true that the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort 45 are the kings of noise canceling headphones, the ATH-ANC900BT puts up a fight. This can combat lower rumbles and include touch controls for music playback and wireless calls. The minimal design is appealing and will likely complement any outfit, or at least not clash with it.

With an improved battery life of 35 hours, these headphones outlast the Sony WH-1000XM5 and XM4, even when using Bluetooth and ANC. While you’ll get the best audio quality by using the included 3.5mm plug, aptX support is good enough for on-the-go scenarios.

Speaking of which, the flat-folding design makes the ATH-ANC900BT an excellent travel companion, while the memory foam ear pads are plush and ease any pain that may arise from extended listening sessions. If you want fine active noise canceling paired with Audio Technica’s sound signature, these headphones are definitely worth considering.

The best bang for your buck is the ATH-CLR100iSBK

If you’re looking for a no-nonsense pair of in-ears that get the job done for cheap, the Audio-Technica ATH-CLR100iSBK is it. Jutting out from the housings are angled nozzles that create a comfortable, secure fit. The stress relievers transitioning from the housings to the cable seem substantial enough to hold up against normal wear and tear.

Despite the compact size of these wired earbuds, relatively large 8.5mm drivers are used to pump out a 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.

Who should buy the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x instead of the ATH-M50xBT2?

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a great headset for anyone who wants a pair of headphones that works in and out of the studio, and it’s a bit cheaper than the Bluetooth version. You can often find the wired-only ATH-M50x on sale for $149 USD, $50 USD cheaper than the BT2. Sonically, these headphones are virtually identical and you’re bound to appreciate the rugged, durable build of the ATH-M50x. This headset also doubles as a great pair of headphones for gaming, so long as you don’t mind the heat-retaining ear pads.

What about gaming headsets?

Though Audio-Technica does offer a few gaming headsets, none of them are really going to knock your socks off. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth your attention; they’re just not loaded to the gills with extras or class-leading performance. There’s plenty to be satisfied with if you’re just looking for something available that works like you’d expect it to. For many years, the go-to gaming headset for most online nerds was whichever open-back headphones you could afford from Audio-Technica’s ATH-ADX line of headphones (the ATH-AD500, ATH-AD700, or ATH-AD900) and a separate boom mic glued to the back. Those days are long gone, and Audio-Technica has taken the leap into making dedicated gaming headsets.

For the entry level, you’re looking at either the open-back ATH-GDL3 or the ATH-GL3. Though the two are quite similar on a spec sheet, the former sounds very treble and bass heavy, while the latter is much more “neutral” in its sound. Additionally, the latter also isolates you from outside noise better by virtue of the fact that it has a closed back. However, the ATH-GDL3 does a better job at simulating 3D space when you’re in-game, so FPS players may appreciate the open-backed headset a bit more for this attribute alone.

At the top of the line are two versions of the closed-back ATH-G1, a wired-only version and a wireless version called the ATH-G1WL. Both of these headsets offer a boom mic, physical controls, and a metal headband — the main differences between these products is the price and the wireless capability of the ATH-G1WL. Though both models are on the expensive side, each is old enough that you can probably find some deep discounts on holidays.

The best Audio-Technica headphones: Notable mentions

• Audio-Technica ATH-GL3: This is a simple wired gaming headset with a lightweight plastic build and onboard controls. You can replace the cable, mic, and ear pads, making it a pretty easy headset to fix your own and extend its life. The ATH-GL3 costs $99 USD and doesn’t come with any software.
• Audio-Technica ATH-M30x: 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-R70x: For professionals, these open-back studio headphones provide accurate audio reproduction and unparalleled comfort that will complement any studio setup.
• Audio-Technica ATH-WP900: These high-end cans were announced earlier this year, along with the ATH-AWKT and ATH-AWAS, aimed at studio professionals. Large 53mm drivers deliver a wide soundstage and balanced overall frequency response, suited for mixing and mastering applications.

The best Audio-Technica earbuds: Notable mentions

• 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 much in the way of features but it sounds great and has an IPX4-equivalent rating, making it a solid option for exercise too.

Still looking? Check out the following lists:

• The best Bose headphones
• The best Beats alternatives
• The best wireless headphones

What you should know about Audio-Technica headphones

How should Audio-Technica headphones sound?

Like other household name headphone brands, Audio-Technica has a signature sound. You’ll find that many of its headsets have a fairly even output across the bass and midrange with some under-emphasis around 300Hz. Usually, you’ll find that the treble response is boosted a bit but this is normal among pretty much all headsets and it isn’t so emphasized that it’s painful to hear. Audio-Technica made its name on versatile, utilitarian products at a reasonable price. Its headphones keep their value, and they resell well.

Do these headphones need an amp?

No, none of these headsets require an amp or DAC, keeping things reasonably priced.

What Bluetooth codecs matter for wireless headphones?

When it comes to the wireless options, keep an eye out for high-quality Bluetooth codecs. As it stands, wireless cans can’t compete with the quality of wired alternatives. Getting a set with aptX compatibility for Android users or AAC support for iPhones will mitigate any perceptible audio-visual lag.

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 five picks. That said, we tried to account for a wide variety of listeners from traveling audio enthusiasts to the casual listener who just wants an easy pair of earbuds to listen with. 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.

You may find that you want another set of headphones, or that Audio-Technica only offers certain models near you, and that’s fine! The company doesn’t really put out bad headphones, so you should give the others a whirl if you’re able.

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Frequently asked questions about Audio-Technica headphones