Sennheiser vs Audio Technica: The Best Brand for Audiophiles and Professionals

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Sennheiser and Audio Technica are two of the leading brands when it comes to headphones. This is especially true if you are a professional or an audiophile that simply wants to listen to the best quality sounds.

Suppose you are looking for the best headphones to use. In that case, you will have undoubtedly come across any of these brands since they are the most recommended to consumers. They have been in the industry for a long time and are continuing to push audio performance boundaries.

Sennheiser vs Audio Technica Comparison

These two brands are absolutely at the top of the list when it comes to quality audio equipment, especially headphones. There is very little that separates their devices, especially those that are in the same price range.

Choosing between these two can be a challenge. It’s actually a good problem to have since you can never go wrong with these brands. So, if you are looking for the right device that’s right for you, we’re going to provide you with all the details you need to make the right decision.

Best Sennheiser Headphones

HD 600Momentum 3
Wireless
HD 4.40 BTMomentum True
Wireless 2
Wearing StyleHeadbandHeadbandHeadbandEarpiece
Frequency
Response
12 to 40,500 Hz6 to 22,000 Hz18 to 22,000 Hz5 to 21,000 Hz
Sound Pressure
Level
97 dB99 dB113 dB107 dB
Total Harmonic
Distortion
0.1%0.3%0.5%0.08%
Ear CouplingCircumauralCircumauralCircumauralIntra-aural
Audio Input3.5mmBluetooth, USB-
C, Analog
BluetoothBluetooth
Transducer
Principle
Open, DynamicDynamicDynamicDynamic
Active Noise
Cancellation
NONEYES, 3 ModesNONENONE
MicrophoneNONEYESYESYES
BluetoothNONEYESYESYES
NFCNONEYESNONENONE
BatteryNONEBuilt-in
Rechargeable
Built-in
Rechargeable
Built-in
Rechargeable
Battery LifeNONE17 hours25 hours4 hours
Charging TimeNONE2 hours2 hours1.5 hours
App SupportNONESennheiser Smart
Control
NONESennheiser Smart
Control
Price$399
CHECK PRICE
$399
CHECK PRICE
$99
CHECK PRICE
$299
CHECK PRICE

SENNHEISER HD 600 OPEN BACK PRO HEADPHONES

SENNHEISER HD 600 OPEN BACK PRO HEADPHONES

Retail Price: $399

The Sennheiser HD 600 is not your standard pair of headphones. For one, they are not Sennheiser’s latest model, but for audio professionals, it continues to be one of the best headphones out there. If you are looking for a pair that will consistently deliver professional-quality sound, this is the headphone to get.

Design and Build

For the Sennheiser HD 600, looks are not really what you are after. They are built to look at what they are supposed to do, professional and practical. Still, the headphones come with an exceptional overall build quality. It is mostly hard plastic, and it’s sturdy and has that premium feel, so you will not mistake it for a cheap pair of headphones.

The first thing that you will notice with the HD 600 is the open-mesh exterior. It protects the drivers underneath, but it also gives you that open sound to judge sounds more accurately.

On the opposite side are earcups covered in memory foam pads with a velour lining that makes wearing the HD 600 as comfortable as possible. The great thing about this design is that the pads are replaceable, so you don’t have to worry about wearing them out since you can always get spares.

One of the best build features of the HD 600 is that you can replace all the major parts except the headphone driver. As far as usage is concerned, you can use it to your heart’s content since you can be confident that if the earcups, headbands, or wires break, you can quickly replace them. Still, the chances of doing a quick replacement are remote since the device is built to last for years.

Sound Quality

If there’s one thing that the HD 600 is known for is its impressive sound quality. Its balanced and neutral sound signature might not be for everyone. Still, it’s a feature that professionals are looking for in a headphone. This means that what you hear from the HD 600 is how it was recorded, so it does not add or change your audio.

This is one reason why the HD 600 is used by professionals as studio reference monitors since they do not distort your recording in any way. That being said, the headphones produce great bass tones. It’s not a bass-heavy pair, but it will surely give you some, especially if it was recorded that way. The great thing about it is that it will not distort the other tones, and the transition to mid-tones is excellent.

Now, the area where the HD 600 shines is the midrange to high tones. It does not boost it, but it produces incredibly organic and clear vocals and instruments. The headphone delivers detailed yet balanced audio that makes it the perfect device for listening to acoustic or instrumental music.

Comfort and Fit

Professional-grade headphones are meant to be worn for extended periods. That’s why comfort and fit are crucial since you don’t want to strain any part of your body as you use it. The great thing about the HD 600 is that it’s exceptionally comfortable to use. It looks big, but it’s not as heavy as you might think, and you won’t notice it a lot when you’re wearing it.

One of the advantages of the HD 600 in terms of comfort and fit is that the earcups and headbands are wrapped in comfortable memory foam. This means that you don’t have to worry about them clamping on your head that hard. The velour covering makes it soft and breathable, so as long as the room you are in is well ventilated, you should have no problems with sweating all over your headphones.

You can certainly wear the HD 600 for long periods without feeling any discomfort. It is well-made and designed with the comfort of the user in mind.

Portability

The HD 600 is not a small headphone. However, it does not come with many accessories, so it should not pose that much of a problem if you want to carry it around. This is especially handy if you go to and from different studios and want to use your own pair of headphones. Be prepared to get a large carrying case to ensure that your headphones are protected at all times.

The Sennheiser HD 600 is one of those devices that pass the test of time. It is quite old, its build and sound quality hold up and even compete with the latest models. It is the headphone of choice if you are looking for the most neutral of sounds. If you are an audio professional or an audiophile, this needs to be in your collection.

What We Like with the Sennheiser HD 600
✔ Impressively detailed sound
✔ Flat and balanced audio
✔ Incredibly comfortable to use
✔ Modular parts for quick replacement

SENNHEISER MOMENTUM 3 WIRELESS NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES

SENNHEISER MOMENTUM 3 WIRELESS NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES

Retail Price: $399

Suppose you are looking for a pair of headphones that sound great and with active noise cancellation features. In that case, the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless is it. The headphone is a mix of everything that Sennheiser does best, and this one executes all of them perfectly.

Design and Build

The Momentum 3 Wireless is a pair of headphones that will surely stand out from the crowd. It has this sleek and minimalist style that will catch people’s attention when you wear it. This device’s most notable design feature is its adjustable headband, which makes wearing its incredible fit and comfort.

The headphone is not only sleek and stylish, but you will also see some of the premium design choices that Sennheiser has made. The earcups and headband are wrapped in sheepskin leather, making it soft and comfortable to wear even for long periods.

One thing to note about the Momentum 3 Wireless is it does not have any visible buttons or controls. Instead, it comes with a sensor that can detect whether you are wearing the headphones. If it does find out that you have it one, it will automatically power up. You might think that it’s quite a novel feature, but it works really well.

Now, there are a few control buttons on the headphones that are hidden in plain sight. The most notable one is the multifunction button, which replaces a few depending on your gesture. Pressing it, one will play or pause the music. Pushing it twice will skip to the next track and go back to the previous. There are also exclusive buttons for the noise-canceling feature and summoning your voice assistant of choice.

Active Noise Cancellation

The Momentum 3 Wireless offers excellent active noise cancellation. It’s not the best, compared to others in its class. Still, it does the job, especially when canceling out rumbling sounds whenever you are traveling. It also has trouble completely getting rid of office sounds like keyboard clatter. Still, it will bring the noise down to more comfortable levels.

One of the features of the Momentum 3’s noise-canceling technology is the different modes it offers. You can actually set how much noise cancellation you want to experience. Activating the higher modes does disrupt the audio a bit by adding more bass to it. It does not sound bad, but it does distort your sound experience a bit.

It’s not all noise cancellation, though, since the headphones also have transparent mode, which opens up the sound allowing you to hear your surroundings. It is undoubtedly an excellent safety feature, so you don’t have to take your headphones off.

Sound Quality

Sennheiser audio devices are known for their sound performance, and the Momentum 3 Wireless is no different. It does provide a little bit more bass but blending it well with the mid and high tones. The headphones give you balanced depth and showing you precision from the original studio recording.

A neat feature of the headphones is the built-in equalizer in the app, allowing you to fully customize the sound settings. This means you can set it to how you want to hear it if you listen to a bass-heavy track or treble-forward audio. It’s certainly a plus for those who want full control of what they are listening to.

The broad soundstage that the Momentum 3 Wireless provides is excellent and allows it to adapt to whatever you want to listen to. It also puts out clear audio enabling you to pick up on nuances in your favorite songs that you might have missed the first time.

Other Features

As a more stylish pair of headphones, the Momentum 3 Wireless does offer a lot more than just a plug and play device. For one, it comes with a companion app that certainly boosts the capabilities of the headphone.

The app comes with an equalizer for audio personalization. It also has options for listening modes and changing up noise cancellation. The app is responsible for your digital assistant, on-ear detection, and voice prompts. Updating the firmware also requires the app so you can get the best experience out of your headphones.

The app is undoubtedly an excellent addition to the entire package allowing you to do more with the headphones.

As a wireless pair, the Momentum 3 Wireless comes with batteries. It is only rated for up to 17 hours of use, decent, but not the best in its category. Although with moderate use, it should last you about a week before you need to plug it in to charge.

Comfort and Fit

The Momentum 3 Wireless is meant to be used during your commutes, so it makes sense that it needs to be comfortable. The padding around the ears and the headband provide you that comfort. However, as a wireless pair with a battery, it weighs a bit more, and if you’re not used to it, you’ll feel it after a few hours of continued use.

The headphones come with a sliding mechanism to adjust fit. It is a more practical option than the click mechanisms of other devices, as you can quickly tighten or loosen it as you wear it. The extenders are quite lengthy, allowing it to accommodate larger head sizes.

Portability

As a device that is meant to be used on long commutes, it certainly needs to be portable. For the most part, you’ll be wearing it as you travel, so you don’t have to stash it in your bag a lot of the time. The earcups are also foldable, so you can collapse it, giving it a smaller footprint for storage. To help you with that, it does come with a carrying case so you can keep it with all its accessories in one place.

The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless is a brilliant sounding pair of headphones that offer excellent detail. The noise cancellation features are outstanding, with customizability allowing you to adjust what types of noise you want to get rid of. It’s not the best with it, but if you want excellent sound quality, this is the pair to get.

What We Like with the Sennheiser Momentum 3
✔ Superior sound quality and performance
✔ Sleek and minimalist design
✔ Reliable active noise cancellation features
✔ Built-in app is a plus

SENNHEISER HD 4.40 AROUND EAR BLUETOOTH HEADPHONES

SENNHEISER HD 4.40 AROUND EAR BLUETOOTH HEADPHONES

Retail Price: $99

As a brand, Sennheiser is not really known for their Bluetooth headphones, but it seems the HD 4.40 BT is going to change that. If you are looking for a pair that comes with the Sennheiser sound quality and ease of use of a Bluetooth device, this is the headphone for you.

Design and Build

The HD 4.40 BT is an over the ear, closed-back headphones that look as unassuming as possible. It has a stylish yet simple design that exudes quality. You can surely see the quality materials Sennheiser used and feels sturdy on the hands at the headphones.

The construction is outstanding, even though it’s mostly made out of plastic and leather. Overall, it’s a reliable pair of headphones that you can bring anywhere with you without worrying about getting a scratch on it.

It comes with incredibly comfortable earcups made of memory foam for maximum comfort. They made the openings large enough for just about any ear size for an over the ear fit. The great thing about the earcups is that you can quickly replace it if you wear it out.

The headband is also made of sturdy plastic with the inside part covered in a soft rubber-like material comfortable on the head. There are no cushions or padding, but the material they used is soft enough that you will not even realize it.

Connectivity

As a Wireless Bluetooth headphone, connectivity is an essential feature. The HD 4.40 BT pairs up flawlessly with just about the hardware you link it with. The connection is stable. There are no audio distortions, so you could rely on it whether you’re listening to music or talking to someone.

The wireless range is pretty decent, allowing you to wander away from your connected device. In case you lose connection, simply go near your source device, and it will automatically reconnect.

Battery Life

Since it’s a wireless pair of headphones, the battery can be an important stat to watch out for. The HD 4.40 BT has a run time of about 25 hours, which is excellent compared to other wireless headphones in the market. At moderate use, it should last you about a week without charging. The great thing about it is that setting it takes only two hours. So, even if you forget to plug it in, you can still get a few hours worth of run time even with a quick charge.

Sound Quality

As a Sennheiser device, you do expect excellent sound quality from the HD 4.40 BT. It is undoubtedly an incredible sounding pair of headphones, but there is room for improvement. Overall, it sounds smooth and warm, emphasizing the mid and high tones.

Sennheiser devices are not really known for how they handle low tones. With the HD 4.40 BT, it projects it well but tapers down in the midrange. Once you get to the vocals and instruments, it transitions the bass smoothly. You can still hear and feel it, but it’s not too much compared to other headphones.

The time you will enjoy the bass best is when you watch movies as it comes out whole and gives you that immersive experience. As for music, the bass does add a punch but can fade away with higher tones.

The mid and high tones are where the headphones shine. It delivers these tones well and comes close to a very neutral-sounding pair, just like most of their devices. You’ll enjoy using this pair if you love listening to vocals and instruments.

Comfort and Fit

The HD 4.40 BT is an incredibly comfortable headphone. Well, unless you have ears that’s larger than the earcups, then it’s not going to be a pleasant experience. However, most of the time, your ears will fit just fine since the earcups are tall with wide openings. They are also padded with memory foam and soft synthetic leather that feels soft on your ears.

The headphone is also light so you will not feel it, especially when you are wearing it for a long time. The headband is not padded but comfortable thanks to the clamping force that’s just right. The headphone will not fall when you’re moving around, but it’s also not too tight that it disrupts your circulation.

Portability

The HD 4.40 BT is a reasonably large pair of headphones, so you might think that it’s not the most portable one out there. However, its design allows it to fold up, drastically reducing its footprint so you can stash it in your bag. It comes with a storage pouch where you’ll be able to store it with its accessories so you will not have a hard time looking for it in your bag.

For a Sennheiser headphone below $100, the HD 4.40 BT sounds excellent. It’s not going to be the best sounding one out there, but its full, round, and smooth sound are undoubtedly enough for its price. It offers the right amount of bass, but not too much, and matches it with a clear and crisp mid and high-frequency response.

What We Like with the Sennheiser HD 4.40 BT
✔ Strong audio performance
✔ Excellent bass depth with solid mid and high tones
✔ Simple and stylish design
✔ Outstanding value for its price

SENNHEISER MOMENTUM TRUE WIRELESS 2 IN-EAR HEADPHONES

SENNHEISER MOMENTUM TRUE WIRELESS 2 IN-EAR HEADPHONES

Retail Price: $299

If you are looking for quality truly wireless earbuds, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 is the best in the market. Now, it’s not the most affordable one, but in terms of audio performance, no device comes close to it. One of the features that put it above the rest is its active noise cancellation on par with the market’s best ones.

Design and Build

The Momentum True Wireless screams premium the moment you see it. From the luxurious finish to the solid build, you know that these are well-made and meant to last. They look sleek, and couple that with their silver finish make them stylish, allowing you to pair them with just about any outfit you have.

Since these headphones come with a truly wireless design, there are no wires for any control surfaces. To help you control the headphones, the housing that it comes in is touch-sensitive, so you can give it a quick flick for a command. You can reject phone calls, summon a digital assistant, even play or pause your music. You will be able to customize these with the Sennheiser Control App.

Other Features

These earbuds come with 7 hours of battery life. However, the carrying and charging case comes with 21 hours more. This gives you a good amount of battery life that will last you more than a couple of days. It can even last you an entire week with moderate use before charging both the Momentum True Wireless and the case.

As for connectivity, you should have no problem pairing them up with your smartphone via Bluetooth. Since it supports the latest Bluetooth technology, you will stream hi-res audio without any issues.

Sound Quality

Even though the Momentum True Wireless 2 is a small headphone with 7mm drivers, it still packs a punch for sound quality. One of the reasons is that they do an excellent job of sealing off your ear canal and blocking outside noise. On top of that, it provides clear and detailed sound from just about any frequency range with deep bass and crisp treble.

Vocals come out smooth with punchy high tones that do not overwhelm your ears. The bass response is deep and gives you that immersion that you would expect with more bass-forward headphones.

The great thing about this pair is that the mid and high tones are not neglected, and the bass does not overpower them. This gives you an excellent balanced sound, which is perfect for a lot of genres.

Then, the active noise cancellation feature, which is pretty decent and consistent, offers promising results. It efficiently blocks off low-frequency rumbles from planes, trains, and buses, so you don’t have to deal with them whenever you are traveling. Mid-range noise such as office sounds is also significantly reduced, a sign of quality noise cancellation technology.

Comfort and Fit

The Momentum True Wireless 2 is a compact pair, and they have tightened the overall package compared to the previous generation. Now, they are a lot less bulky and slimmer on your hands and in your ears.

As in-ear headphones, fitting them is all about sliding them into your ears and locking it into a seal. They are small and lightweight, but they also come with a bit of bulk. Overall, they are comfortable to wear even during long listening sessions. You could listen for hours before even feeling the slightest hint of discomfort.

To improve the fit more, the headphones come with four pairs of silicone tips in different sizes that you can quickly swap to get the best fit for you. The great thing about these tips is that they’re easy to swap out and click into place, so you should have no problem choosing the right one that fits you best.

Portability

As a truly wireless pair of headphones, the Momentum True Wireless 2 is incredibly portable. It easily fits in your palm, even when they’re inside the carrying case. You should have no problem carrying them around with you to the office or whenever you are traveling.

Overall, with the sound quality, battery life, and active noise cancellation, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 is an excellent pair of headphones. They are a tad bit on the pricier side, but if you’re ready to cut the cord, these are one of the best ones you can get.

What We Like with the
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2
✔ Refined sound quality with incredible detail
✔ In-app equalizer for audio customization
✔ Excellent noise cancellation
✔ Lightweight and comfortable to use

Best Audio Technica Headphones

ATH-M50xBTATH-M70xATH-ANC900BTATH-
ANC300TW
Wearing StyleHeadbandHeadbandHeadbandEarpiece
Frequency
Response
15 to 28,000 Hz5 to 40,000 Hz5 to 40,000 Hz20 to 25,000 Hz
Sound Pressure
Level
99 dB97 dB103 dB106 dB
Ear CouplingCircumauralCircumauralCircumauralIntra-aural
Audio InputAnalog (3.5mm),
Bluetooth
Analog (3.5mm)Analog (3.5mm),
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Transducer
Principle
Closed, DynamicDynamicDynamicDynamic
Active Noise
Cancellation
NONENONEYESYES
MicrophoneYESNONEYESYES
BluetoothYESYESYES
NFCNONENONENONENONE
BatteryBuilt-in
Rechargeable
NONEBuilt-in
Rechargeable
Built-in
Rechargeable
Battery Life40 hoursNONE35 hours13.5 hours
Charging Time7 hoursNONE5.5 hours2.5 hours
App SupportNONENONENONEAudio Technica
Connect
Price$199
CHECK PRICE
$299
CHECK PRICE
$299
CHECK PRICE
$229
CHECK PRICE

AUDIO TECHNICA ATH-M50xBT OVER-EAR HEADPHONES

AUDIO TECHNICA ATH-M50xBT OVER-EAR HEADPHONES

Retail Price: $199

Audio Technica is known for its high-quality audio devices. One of their most successful headphones is the ATH-M50x because of its professional quality and has become the go-to device for DJs, producers, and audiophiles. Now, Sennheiser has made a significant leap that offers the same audio quality without the cord.

Design and Build

If you’re familiar with the ATH-M50x, the wireless version can be considered a near clone. It’s incredibly similar to some minor changes in the design. However, you can still expect the same professional and minimalist look with a solid build you expect from a Sennheiser headphone.

Most of the ATH-M50xBT is made up of hard plastic, leather, and metal, making it sturdy and reliable to the touch. These materials give it that premium feel, allowing you to be more comfortable using it with just about any listening task.

The main difference between this headphone and its wired version is the controls and touch interface. The wired iteration of this headphone does not give you any way to control it. Still, this one does give you the added versatility.

Sound Quality

The ATH-M50xBT is a pair of headphones for high-quality audio performance. The 45mm drivers with a frequency response range between 15 and 28,000 Hz consistently provides well-rounded and clear sounds.

When it comes to the mid-tones, like vocals and instruments, this pair of headphones shine. It produces audio that’s smooth and allows you to pick out details that you might have missed with other devices.

As for the low frequencies, you will enjoy punchy bass that does not overpower the rest of the sound you are listening to. If you really love bass, this is probably not the device for you as it does not stay on the soundstage. After all, the headphones want to deliver audio that’s as close to the recorded original.

Comfort and Fit

Similar to its wired counterpart, the ATH-M50xBT is an incredibly comfortable headphone to wear. Although it is slightly larger and heavier because of the built-in batteries using it for extended periods should not pose a problem.

The foam ear cups are soft and rest easy on your ears. They are a bit shallow but still provides a good amount of space for your ears. The headband rests comfortably with enough flexibility to accommodate just about any head size and shape.

Portability

A part of the design that directly impacts the portability of the headphone is its collapsible feature. The earcups can rotate 90 degrees allowing you to fold them down and store them properly. You can also wear them around your neck with the earcups folded, making it more comfortable to carry around.

It is a rather large device, but these small portability features help improve quality of life. There is some bulk to it, but as long as you have a bag with pockets, you can store this in there and bring it with you wherever you go.

Overall, the Sennheiser ATH-M50xBT is an impressive pair of headphones that offer excellent sound quality, connectivity, and comfort. For a premium device, they are also quite affordable, especially since they come with wireless capabilities.

These headphones also look great with that premium finish. However, they do have that bulky, studio look that may not appeal to some people. They are incredibly comfortable to use, though, so that’s something to consider.

What We Like with the
Audio Technica ATH-M50xBT
✔ Excellent sound quality
✔ Silky smooth mid-tones
✔ Incredibly comfortable to use
✔ Great value for its price

AUDIO TECHNICA ATH-M70X DYNAMIC PRO HEADPHONES

AUDIO TECHNICA ATH-M70X DYNAMIC PRO HEADPHONES

Retail Price: $299

The Audio Technica ATH-M70x is their latest flagship model for professionals. Its closed-back design also makes it the headphone of choice for those who want impeccable sound quality even in noisier environments. It’s the device of choice for DJs, studio producers, and audiophiles who want the best audio experience whenever and wherever they want it.

Design and Build

Apart from sound quality, if there’s another category where the ATH-M70x shines, it builds quality. As for the design, Sennheiser opted not to change it too much from their previous flagship models.

The main difference between this and the older models is that the ATH-M70x uses more metals. It makes the headphone slightly heavier, but it certainly makes up for sturdiness and overall build quality. It still incorporates many plastic parts, but it still is capable of withstanding years of use.

One thing to note about these headphones is that they’re not wireless, so you’ll always have to connect them whenever you are using them. The great thing about the entire package is it does come with three cable options to give you some form of flexibility as you use the headphone.

Sound Quality

For headphones at this price range, an amplifier is usually needed to get the most out of it, and that’s certainly true for the ATH-M70x. However, you can plug this directly into your smartphone, and it’s going to give you excellent audio quality, so you can get away with it.

One thing that you have to know about this pair is that they are incredibly accurate monitor headphones. It is designed for studio use for producers and audiophiles who want to listen to how things are recorded. With these headphones, it’s all about the details since they can sometimes sound a bit flat. The low tones with the ATH-M70x can feel very deep and punchy, but it’s not going to overpower what you’re listening to.

As one of the fabulous monitoring headphones in the market, this pair sounds a bit mid-forward than most. It’s an excellent headphone to use if you are looking for extra details when listening to vocals and instruments.

The ATH-M70x does not improve anything with your audio, so if you’re listening to a poorly recorded one, you’ll know.

Comfort and Fit

If there’s a category where the ATH-M70x has improved over its predecessors, it’s comfort. Even though metals contribute to a generally more massive device, it is surprisingly lighter than the M50x. That means less pressure on your head and neck as you wear it. The headband clamps are also loosened a bit, making it a lot more comfortable to use. You should have no problem wearing it for more than 2 hours.

Portability

As a professional-grade pair of headphones, you don’t really expect the ATH-M70x to be incredibly portable. For one, the headphones are not collapsible, so storing it in your bag might not be that easy. The earcups only rotate 90 degrees, but it’s not going to reduce its footprint much compared to other headphones. However, it does come with a carrying case that’s going to make sure that it’s protected at all times.

The Sennheiser ATH-M70x is an excellent package. It’s certainly an improvement from their previous flagships. If you’re looking for one of the best professional headphones, this is undoubtedly the one to get. However, for most non-audiophiles, the flat nature of the sound it produces might not appeal to them.

What We Like with the
Audio Technica ATH-M70x
✔ Excellent pair of monitoring headphones
✔ Built for professional and audiophile use
✔ Great design and build
✔ Crisp and detailed audio

AUDIO TECHNICA ATH-ANC900BT QUIETPOINT NOISE-CANCELLING

AUDIO TECHNICA ATH-ANC900BT QUIETPOINT NOISE-CANCELLING

Retail Price: $299

If you are looking for a quality pair of headphones with excellent noise-canceling features that will not break the bank, the Audio Technica ATH-ANC900BT is the one for you. It’s significantly cheaper than other devices in its class. Still, it offers similar capabilities allowing you to enjoy your music in peace even when you’re traveling.

Design and Build

The first thing that you’ll notice about the ANC900BT is how light it is. This is Sennheiser’s attempt at looking for the most lightweight possible materials for their headphones, and they did. You might think that this might affect the headphones’ overall sound quality and noise cancellation capabilities, but it doesn’t. Even though it feels incredibly light, it’s still pretty solid to the touch.

Controls are found on the left earcup, where you’ll be able to adjust playback and volume. There is also a Bluetooth switch to turn it on or off and a button to select a noise cancellation mode.

One of these pairs of headphones features is that it’s versatile since you can use it either wired or wireless. It comes with a 3.5mm cable that will allow you to switch between usage modes with ease.

It does come with built-in batteries that can last you up to 35 hours with both active noise cancellation and Bluetooth on. You can still extend this by turning off one of these modes. The headphones will easily last you a week of moderate use.

Active Noise Cancellation Features

The ANC900BT is, first of all, a noise-canceling headphone that can compete with the best. It uses two microphones on each earcup that is capable of reducing the noise coming to your ear. It comes with three levels so you can adjust the type of noise you want to cancel. On top of these settings, it also comes with a transparent mode that allows you to listen to your environment.

The noise cancellation capabilities of the headphones are incredibly reliable. It can block off the low hums of train and plane noises so you can get comfortable. It can also block office chatter and other sounds effectively when you switch to that setting.

Sound Quality

Sound quality is where the ANC900BT differentiates from its competitors. Its natural lows that do not overpower give you the bass that your music needs without going overboard. It’s crisp and still fun that works with just about any bass-forward genre.

The transition to the midrange is smooth, offering clean sounds, especially on vocals and instruments. If you’re looking for a pair of headphones that focus on the midrange, this is one that’s going to give you that result.

The great thing about this pair of headphones is that whether you’re listening to it wired or wireless, it’s going to give you consistent quality thanks to its aptX compatibility.

Comfort and Fit

One of the advantages of the ANC900BT is the choice of lightweight materials. This makes the entire package significantly lighter, which in turn affects comfort since it will not weigh down on your head and neck. So, using it for extended periods should not pose a problem.

Portability

As a headphone that you’re surely going to bring with you whenever you’re traveling, it needs to be on the portable side. A hinge on the headband enables you to fold the headphone, reducing its footprint for easy storage. You can also swivel the earcups flat so you can squeeze it into one of your bag pockets. It does come with a carrying case to make sure that your headphones are protected all the time.

The Sennheiser ATH-ANC900BT is an excellent pair of noise-canceling headphones. It can easily compete with other brands and models in terms of sound quality and noise-canceling capabilities. Couple that with the more affordable price point, this is an excellent pair to get.

What We Like with the
Audio Technica ATH-ANC900BT
✔ Sleek and lightweight design
✔ Excellent sound, especially mid-tones
✔ Long battery life for extended use

AUDIO TECHNICA ATH-ANC300TW QUIETPOINT IN-EAR HEADPHONES

AUDIO TECHNICA ATH-ANC300TW QUIETPOINT IN-EAR HEADPHONES

Retail Price: $229

Audio Technica has earned a reputation for making high-quality studio-grade headphones over the years. Now, they have joined the noise-canceling true wireless market with the ATH-ANC300TW. These are unassuming headphones that sound incredible, as you expect from the company.

Design and Build

Noise-canceling headphones are not usually sleek, and they would stick out of your ears. The ANC300TW, on the other hand, is elegant and compact, making them comfortable to wear around. Now, they’re not the smallest earbuds out there. They are indeed more subtle than other noise-canceling buds that can get a bit bulky.

To make things easy for you, the control buttons are on the top of the earbuds. This way, you don’t push them further when you just want to skip to the next song on your playlist. It also makes it easier for you to adjust them since you can be sure that you will not be pressing any buttons.

The pair also comes with a charging case that’s compact and simple. It is a bit larger than other cases, but you should have no problems squeezing it into your bag or pocket.

Noise Cancellation and Other Features

One of the main features of the ANC300TW is its active noise cancellation. On a true wireless earbud, this is undoubtedly one of the best. It performs flawlessly whether you want to block out the noise or switch to Hear-Through mode that allows you to hear the external ambient sounds. To select these modes, you will need access to Audio Technica’s Connect app on your smartphone.

These pair of headphones are also rugged and can withstand use in the rain. It comes with an IPX2 rating. While it’s not entirely waterproof, a little sweat and rain should not pose a problem with the device. This means that they make excellent workout and running headphones.

The battery life on these earbuds is reasonably decent and can last up to 4 hours. However, the portable charging case can add an extra 13 hours of power, allowing you to not charge the device as often. It should be able to last you a week with moderate use.

Sound Quality

The ANC300TW is one of the best sounding true wireless earbuds. It is undoubtedly on par with the best ones out there, including Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 2. Their main difference is that this is a lot more affordable.

It does lack the warmth and the more bass-forward approach of other brands, as Audio Technica has always been more neutral with their headphones. So, if you’re used to listening to music on bass-leaning equipment, this will take some time to get used to.

The advantage of this audio signature is that it suits a lot of other genres as well. Vocals and instruments shine on the ANC300TW, so if you have a varied musical taste, this is the earbuds for you.

Comfort and Fit

Considering their size, the ANC300TW is incredibly comfortable to use. It does come with comfort features that make it easier for you to wear it like swappable tips to fit nicely. Since these are truly wireless earbuds, the fit is crucial since you don’t want to lose these whenever you go out for a run.

The control buttons also add to the comfort factor of these headphones. They are positioned so that they don’t disrupt you whenever you reach out for them to change tracks. This means that whenever you’re adjusting the earbuds, you will not accidentally push any of the buttons and vice versa.

Portability

Being true wireless earbuds, the ANC300TW is already portable. Comparing it to other brands and models, these can certainly hold their own. Although its charging case is not as sleek as the others, you should have no problem putting this in your pocket or bag. The minimal design of both the earbuds and case also helps if you’re into that.

Overall, the Audio Technica ATH-ANC300TW offers excellent noise-canceling capabilities with incredible audio quality in a small form. It does come with a more neutral sound, so if boosted bass is not your thing, this is a device to consider. These also make fabulous workout headphones, especially if you are keen on blocking out ambient noise from the gym.

What We Like with the
Audio Technica ATH-ANC300TW
✔ Compact and lightweight design
✔ Incredibly comfortable to wear
✔ Top-notch noise cancellation capabilities
✔ Superb audio quality

What to Look for When Getting a New High-Quality Headphone

The bottom line with both these brands is that you can never go wrong with any of their models. They typically put out high-quality headphones with impeccable sound performance. So, whenever you’re deciding to get on a headphone, you want to look at a few essential factors.

Design and Build

The first factor that you need to look out for is the design and build. You don’t want to get a headphone that will break after a month of use, right? The great thing about the headphones from Sennheiser and Audio Technica is that they’re premium-grade and are made of high-quality materials.

You can trust that they are dependable, reliable, and look great. You should have no problem using them daily on your commute or at work for years because of their quality build. They are also pretty consistent with their designs and build quality, and they have proven that over the years.

Sound Quality

Of course, sound quality is always a priority whenever you’re going to pick out a headphone. The good news with both these brands is that they really care about their devices’ audio performance. Although there are some nuances with how these sound like some are more balanced and neutral sounding, while others are bass or treble-forward.

In this case, it’s really up to you on what to get depending on your preference. If you’re an audio engineer, you want a more neutral-sounding headphone. The great news is that both of these brands have devices that will satisfy your needs.

Comfort

One of the most critical factors to look for when getting a headphone is comfort. After all, you’re going to be using it for hours. Most of the devices from these brands are incredibly comfortable. Earcups are soft, headbands don’t apply too much pressure, and earbuds are swappable.

After all, these are premium devices, so comfort is undoubtedly at the top of the list when designing these products. Some are more comfortable than others, but generally, you should have no trouble wearing any of these for a few hours.

Battery Life

There’s a mix of wired and wireless headphones here, so there are models that do not have batteries. But in those that come with built-in power, over-ear headphones tend to have a longer life than wireless earbuds.

Most of these models come with 20 to 30 hours of battery life, which is pretty decent. If you’re using them for 2 or 3 hours per day, it will last you a good week before plugging it in.

Now, in the case of the true wireless earbuds, even though they have a much shorter device battery life, they do come with a carrying case that charges them up, which extends your use time whenever you store them.

Price

Cost is undoubtedly something to consider when you’re getting a headphone. The great thing about both these companies is that they make a wide range of products, so you do get a good selection of what to choose.

Both these companies have headphones on a wide range of prices, from budget to professional-level devices. The one factor that will make your decision a bit hard is that similarly priced headphones also come with the same performance. The upside to this is that you can virtually get any of their devices and expect it to perform.

Sennheiser does have a lot more higher-end models compared to Audio Technica. Still, across the board, you’ll find devices at just about every price range.

Wrap Up: Which Headphone Is for You?

From these comparisons, it’s clear that choosing the headphones for you is really about your needs. When it comes to audio quality and overall performance, it’s very close between these two brands. You’ll find some Sennheiser models to be better than its Audio Technica counterpart, and there will be times that the opposite is true.

So, if you’re choosing between headphones between these two brands, the differences can vary, and you must look at the exact models that you are comparing to get an accurate picture of what you want.

The great thing is that these brands offer top-notch audio equipment at all price range. So, no matter how much your budget is, you can be sure that a model is perfect for your needs.