Audio-Technica thrives in the studio headphones market, but the Japanese brand does offer products for listening to music anywhere or on the go. Wanting to let everyone experience high-quality audio, it expanded its catalog to include impressive mobile device-ready Audio-Technica headphones. That’s why it is not surprising to find the said accessories on top of many buyers’ bucket lists.
If you never had phone-compatible Audio-Technica headphones, though, it might be hard to make a buying decision. Why? There are various accessories to choose from, and you might be unsure which features to consider. But don’t get stressed over that anymore. You will find the perfect pair of headphones for you as you read on.
Audio-Technica Headphones Worth Checking Out
Our buying guide will focus on Audio-Technica headphones you can use with your go-to mobile device. Here, you will see the best choices that have the features you want and fall within your spending cap.
| Best Choice: ATH-M50xBT2 Headphones | Runner Up: ATH-M50xBT Headphones |
| Premium Pick: ATH-WP900 Headphones | Runner Up: ATH-SR30BT Headphones |
| Best Value: ATH-ANC100BT Headphones | |
| Best Noise-Canceling: ATH-ANC900BT QuietPoint Headphones | |
| Best Wireless: ATH-CKS50TW Wireless Headphones |
Type: Closed-back dynamic
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 multipoint pairing, wired (optional)
Charging: USB-C, QuickCharge
Active Noise Cancelation: N/A
Sensitivity: 99dB/mW
Weight: 307g
If you want Audio-Technica studio headphones you can rely on for everyday music listening too, choose the ATH-M50xBT2.
Great for DJs, gamers, and professional streamers, the headphones can run on Low Latency Mode; therefore, the audio they yield won’t lag. Their bass is not too deep but clear like the mids and highs. That is thanks to the integrated amplifier. The sound can please your ears more if you try the headphones’ equalizer feature via the compatible app.
To suit on-the-go listeners as well, the headphones tout Bluetooth 5.0 and 50 to 60 hours of power. Taking your smartphone calls using them is also a breeze due to the beamforming feature of the dual microphones.
The headphones have a bonus feature you might like too: Amazon Alexa integration. That means they can be used to manage music or the home via voice. With intelligent features, though, the headphones aren’t low-cost. Nonetheless, they are worth the upgrade from your old basic headphones.
Type: Closed-back dynamic
Connectivity: Wired
Active Noise Cancelation: N/A
Sensitivity: 100dB/mW
Weight: 243g (cable detached)
At first glance, the Audio-Technica ATH-WP900 Headphones may look like they’re limited to home use, doubling as a premium centerpiece for your desk. That is a misconception because of the maple ear cups, which resemble wood in high-end guitars or furniture. But do not let the luxurious appearance hinder you from taking these as your on-the-go headphones.
In fact, the ATH-WP900 touts portability. It is lightweight, comfortable due to its synthetic leather earpads, and has removable cables (including a 3.5mm smartphone-compatible plug). Thus, you can store it safely during your travels.
Audio-wise, the headphones are a treat for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Upon using them, you will notice that they deliver deep bass. Plus, the higher mids are more emphasized. The headphones’ baffle was indeed positioned well by Audio-Technica for a good sound profile.
The only deal-breakers are the absence of Bluetooth and the high price. But if you want elegance that you can flaunt anywhere, these are the headphones to buy.
Type: In-ear
Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2, wired (optional)
Charging: Micro-USB
Active Noise Cancelation: Supported
Sensitivity: 103dB/mW (ANC activated)
Weight: 30g
Our budget-friendly pick among Audio-Technica headphones is the ATH-ANC100BT model. This pair of in-ear accessories are good for when you want reliable basic headphones.
The ATH-ANC100BT headphones, although they cost less than the other Audio-Technica models, they deliver what you expect for their price. They are decent Bluetooth audio accessories that let you enjoy your music and calls with fewer interruptions. How? The headphones support QuietPoint, an in-house Active Noise Cancelation (ANC) technology. They also pack power lasting 10 to 20 hours after each charging cycle, depending on whether ANC and Bluetooth are activated or not. When low on energy, you can attach the cord for wired streaming.
Perhaps the most obvious tradeoffs in choosing these headphones are the non-studio-quality sounds and the design. The highs may drown the mids and lows, which is common in releases at the same price point. Also, the headphones look a bit obtrusive with the clip-on mic-and-remote unit present. Despite those, if you are budget-constrained yet want to go with Audio-Technica for casual listening, these basic headphones won’t let you down.
Type: Closed-back
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
Charging: Micro-USB
Active Noise Cancelation: Supported
Sensitivity: 103dB/mW (ANC activated)
Weight: 263g
If immersive defines the best audio accessories for you, go for Audio-Technica headphones with ANC. Our top pick from that bunch is the ATH-ANC900BT.
The ATH-ANC900BT wireless headphones adopt improved QuietPoint technology. That ensures that almost no noise will disrupt your music streaming. Add to the said feature aptX that sustains good audio quality over Bluetooth 5.0 transmission, and you get one of the best listening experience products the brand can provide. Needless to mention, the bass is rich, while the highs and mids are impressive in these headphones.
ANC is not the only reason you won’t hesitate to bring the said headphones while going around bustling places. The headphones are also foldable and last long without frequent charging. The battery life tops 60 or 35 hours with Bluetooth or both Bluetooth and ANC on, respectively. That is more than enough for music listening at work or while traveling.
One drawback headphones like the ATH-ANC900BT have is that they won’t let you stay alert to your surroundings by default. Thankfully, you can switch to their hear-through mode via a button (although other music and call functions are easier to toggle because they’re touch-activated). All in all, still go for these headphones if you love immersive music.
Type: In-ear
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 multipoint pairing
Charging: USB-C
Active Noise Cancelation: Supported
Sensitivity: 110dB/mW
Weight: 8g each earbud, 60g charging case
Our pick for the best Audio-Technica wireless headphones is none other than the ATH-CKS50TW model. The said in-ear headphones tout deep bass brought about by the right fit. The highs are a bit more impressive than the mids, though. However, that can be remedied easily via the EQ functions on the compatible app. Overall, the sound is great due to aptX and aptX Adaptive, as well as Low Latency Mode.
Apart from audio quality, battery life is an advantage in choosing the ATH-CKS50TW. It runs 20 hours after each power-up cycle. And charging is quick; for a 90-minute playtime, the accessory only needs to recharge for 10 minutes.
With earbuds like the ATH-CKS50TW, though, you don’t get advanced studio mixing features. But if you’re not a DJ anyway, this remains a great choice.
Type: Closed-back dynamic
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, wired (optional)
Charging: Micro-USB
Active Noise Cancelation: N/A
Sensitivity: 99dB/mW
Weight: 310g
Now onto the runner-ups, and the most notable of them is arguably the ATH-M50xBT. It is the predecessor of our top pick, the M50xBT2.
Audio-Technica’s ATH-M50xBT headphones are still worth it despite the newer variant. They also support Bluetooth 5.0 and perform quite like the M50xBT2, delivering unaltered audio quality. And although the battery life is shorter at 40 hours versus the 50 to 60 hours of the M50xBT2, that is still long for casual music listening.
As for the drawbacks, you don’t get customizable app-toggled EQ settings and ANC on these headphones. Thus, you might need a third-party audio enhancer app. Additionally, the audio may be occasionally laggy when listening to music videos wirelessly. But if you want to save a bit and still get quality audio, the said accessories are the best alternative to the M50xBT2.
Type: Closed-back dynamic
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
Charging: Micro-USB
Active Noise Cancelation: N/A
Sensitivity: 99dB/mW
Weight: 193g
For some people, great sounds are nothing if they cannot enjoy them longer. If you share the same sentiment, you might be better off with Audio-Technica’s ATH-SR30BT Headphones.
The headphones have what you need – whopping 70-hour battery life for continuous Bluetooth 5.0 wireless listening. If you do not listen to music frequently, it is no exaggeration that these headphones might only need to be powered up once or twice a month. Finally, you won’t have to charge as often as before. You can even bring the ATH-SR30BT outdoors without the fear of not having power outlets around.
Audio-wise, the sound output of the headphones is decent. The bass is not too deep, but the mids and highs are balanced. While these might sound subpar for audiophiles, you cannot expect much given the price.
Tips for Buying Audio-Technica Headphones
While all headphones featured here are great in their own right, you only need to buy one or two in reality. So, it pays to know how you can trim down your bucket list further and zero into the best one in the bunch. Here are a few tips:
1. Know where you’ll use the headphones frequently
As you now know, there are Audio-Technica headphones that double as studio-ready accessories, and they come at a higher price tag. If you are a DJ or audiophile working in a studio, they are worth the extra cost. Otherwise, you will just be wasting cash if you do not need the top-of-the-line studio features anyway.
2. Go for wireless or hybrid versions (for mobile use)
The headphones and earphones industry leans toward wireless products nowadays. That is because the said releases are useable anywhere as long as you have a way to recharge them. Plus, the standard battery life has been improving steadily.
That is also why it is better to settle for wireless options. This is wise advice to follow, especially when you are looking for mobile-ready Audio-Technica headphones (not the studio-suitable ones). By going wireless, you do not have to worry about tangled cords when you are on the go and drawing extra power from your phone. If you need the wire at times, then hybrid versions (the ones with detachable cords) are a good middle ground.
3. Seek audio-enhancing technologies for those are always a plus
No matter what you want in Audio-Technica headphones, it is imperative to consider the sound output. While most of the selections from the brand are decent to excellent-sounding, it pays to get those that banner audio-enhancing features. Say, variants that ensure your music is not lagging or interrupted by noise or make the sound customizable.
Which Audio-Technica Headphones Are You Buying?
Regardless of the brand’s focus on studio audio accessories, it is undeniable that Audio-Technica can excel more in the mobile-ready headphones arena. Its releases can even match rivals in many aspects: improved portability, up-to-date Bluetooth standards, noise cancelation, long-lasting battery life, and more. Were you also impressed by the featured models? If yes, let us know which ones you would love to get!
