A good pair of headphones is crucial for any home studio/recording artist. You don’t want your playback to be limited by headphones that don’t give you the full picture of sound that you absolutely need.
Audio-Technica is one of the premium brands in studio headphones. Their headphones are known for both their sound and comfort. Once you recognize their iconic design, you will suddenly see them on the ears of artists and engineers everywhere. This article will cover the best Audio Technica headphone options that you should purchase.
Refer to this previous article on the differences between open-back vs. closed-back headphones.
Table Of Contents
- 1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Studio Headphones
- 2. Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Closed-Back Headphones
- 3. Audio-Technica ATH-M30x
- 4. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Closed-Back Studio Headphones
- 5. Audio-Technica ATH-M60x Closed-Back Studio Headphones
- 6. Audio-Technica ATH-R70x Open-Back Headphones
- 7. Audio-Technica ATH-M70x
- 8. Audio-Technica ATH-AD500x Audiophile Open-Air Headphones
- 9. Audio-Technica ATH-AD700x Audiophile Open-Air Headphones
- 10. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Closed-Back Headphones
1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Studio Headphones
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Cons:
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The ATH-M50x headphones are one of the most popular Audio-Technica models. They are one of the brand’s mid range products. They are closed-back and sound amazing. The earcups also swivel a full 90 degrees. Like other Audio-Technicas they come with a carrying bag and extra cables.
Key Specs
| Type: | Closed-back, wired |
| Cables: | 2 x straight, 1 coiled |
| Foldable: | Yes |
| Connections: | ⅛”, ¼” adapter |
| Accessories: | Bag, cables |
| Dimensions: | 11.4 in x 10 in x 4.1 in (289.56 mm x 254 mm x 101.6 mm) |
| Weight: | 10.1 oz (0.29 kg) |
2. Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Closed-Back Headphones
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Cons:
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The ATH-M20x headphones are a low-cost, good pair of Audio-Technicas that are perfect for a beginner. Like other Audio-Technicas, the earcups fit over your ear comfortably and the sound is still quite solid despite its shockingly low price. They don’t come with a bag or extra cables, however, but they still remain an amazing deal.
Key Specs
| Type: | Closed-back, wired |
| Cables: | 1 straight, non-detachable |
| Foldable: | No |
| Connections: | ⅛”, ¼” adapter |
| Accessories: | Adapter only |
| Dimensions: | 11.4 in x 10 in x 4.1 in (289.56 mm x 254 mm x 101.6 mm) |
| Weight: | 6.7 oz (0.19 kg) |
3. Audio-Technica ATH-M30x
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The ATH-M30x headphones are a step up from the M20x model for not too much more money. Its sound technology is slightly better, and features an upgraded headband and is able to fold in on itself for compact travel. The cable isn’t removable, which is annoying, but this is still a very strong value.
Key Specs
| Type: | Closed-back, wired |
| Cables: | 1 straight, non-detachable |
| Foldable: | Yes |
| Connections: | ⅛”, ¼” adapter |
| Accessories: | Carrying case |
| Dimensions: | 11.4 in x 10 in x 4.1 in (289.56 mm x 254 mm x 101.6 mm) |
| Weight: | 7.8 oz (0.22 kg) |
4. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Closed-Back Studio Headphones
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The ATH-M40x headphones are the first model after the M20x and M30x that have a professional quality about them. They have all the features of the M50x headphones: foldable design, 90 degree earcup swiveling, great sound quality and carrying case/extra cables. It is slightly cheaper than the M50x and thus has a slightly diminished sound. At their price, the M40x is an awesome option.
Key Specs
| Type: | Closed-back, wired |
| Cables: | 1 straight, 1 coiled |
| Foldable: | Yes |
| Connections: | ⅛”, ¼” adapter |
| Accessories: | Carrying case, cable |
| Dimensions: | 11.4 in x 10 in x 4.1 in (289.56 mm x 254 mm x 101.6 mm) |
| Weight: | 0.52 lb (0.24 kg) |
5. Audio-Technica ATH-M60x Closed-Back Studio Headphones
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Cons:
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The ATH-M60x headphones are a rather unique item in Audio-Technica’s inventory. They don’t have the typical features of models in its price range such as earcup swiveling or folding, but what it does have are earcups designed for amazing sound isolation and a sound range that is more sensitive than most other models.
Key Specs
Dimensions:9 in x 5 in x 4 in (228.6 mm x 127 mm x 101.6 mm)
| Type: | Closed-back, wired |
| Cables: | 2 straight, 1 coiled |
| Foldable: | No |
| Connections: | ⅛”, ¼” adapter |
| Accessories: | Carrying case, cables |
| Dimensions: | 9 in x 5 in x 4 in (228.6 mm x 127 mm x 101.6 mm) |
| Weight: | 0.44 lb (0.20 kg) |
6. Audio-Technica ATH-R70x Open-Back Headphones
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The ATH-R70x headphones are Audio-Technica’s flagship studio headphones. They are at the top of their price and quality range and sound unbelievable. They are also the first open-back headphones on this list, meaning the earcups will breathe better and allow ambient noise in, painting a picture of what the music sounds like in a live, natural setting. These headphones are phenomenal and are worth the money.
Key Specs
| Type: | Open-back, wired |
| Cables: | 2 straight (1 small) |
| Foldable: | No |
| Connections: | ⅛”, ¼” adapter |
| Accessories: | Carrying case, cables |
| Dimensions: | 12.8 in x 10.2 in x 4.9 in (325.12 mm x 259.08 mm x 124.46 mm) |
| Weight: | 1.63 lb (0.74 kg) |
7. Audio-Technica ATH-M70x
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Cons:
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The ATH-M70x headphones are very similar to the R70x headphones. They are slightly cheaper and thus have a slight disadvantage in terms of sound quality. The main difference is that these headphones are closed-back. If you prefer the isolated sound closed-back gives you and want a high-end pair of headphones, the M70x is an ideal option for you.
Key Specs
| Type: | Closed-back, wired |
| Cables: | 2 straight, 1 coiled |
| Foldable: | No |
| Connections: | ⅛”, ¼” adapter |
| Accessories: | Hard shell case, cable pouch, cables |
| Dimensions: | 11.4 in x 10 in x 4.1 in (289.56 mm x 254 mm x 101.6 mm) |
| Weight: | 0.62 lb (0.28 kg) |
8. Audio-Technica ATH-AD500x Audiophile Open-Air Headphones
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The ATH-AD500x headphones are wonderful open-back headphones that are quite literally designed for audiophiles. Less so designed for studio use, although they will do fine, the open-back design is perfect for music listeners, as the breathability will provide maximum comfort.
Key Specs
| Type: | Open-back, wired |
| Cables: | 1 straight |
| Foldable: | No |
| Connections: | ⅛”, ¼” adapter |
| Accessories: | Adapter only |
| Dimensions: | 11.3 in x 8.3 in x 4.8 in (287.02 mm x 210.82 mm x 121.92 mm) |
| Weight: | 8.3 oz (0.24 kg) |
9. Audio-Technica ATH-AD700x Audiophile Open-Air Headphones
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The ATH-AD700x headphones are a higher end version of the previous model. They are the same open-back design perfect for easy listening. They also have a self-adjusting headband for maximum comfort and ease of use.
Key Specs
Dimensions:11 in x 8.8 in x 5 in (279.4 mm x 223.52 mm x 127 mm)
| Type: | Open-back, wired |
| Cables: | 1 straight |
| Foldable: | No |
| Connections: | ⅛”, ¼” adapter |
| Accessories: | Adapter only |
| Dimensions: | 11 in x 8.8 in x 5 in (279.4 mm x 223.52 mm x 127 mm) |
| Weight: | 1 lb (0.45 kg) |
10. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Closed-Back Headphones
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The ATH-M50x headphones were the first option discussed on this list and are one of the most popular models Audio-Technica offers. The M50xBT2 is the wireless version of those headphones that use Bluetooth. These headphones are perfect for DJs or engineers that want to cut back on cable clutter.
Key Specs
| Type: | Closed-back, wired |
| Cables: | 1 straight |
| Foldable: | Yes |
| Connections: | ⅛” |
| Accessories: | Bag, cable, USB charger |
| Dimensions: | 11.4 in x 10 in x 4.1 in (289.56 mm x 254 mm x 101.6 mm) |
| Weight: | 1 lb (0.45 kg) |
Which Option Is Best?
This list covers Audio-Technica headphones that range both in price as well as design/purpose. Your preference in terms of open-back or closed-back will be a deciding factor as well as how much you are willing to spend on your headphones. Regardless of whichever you choose, Audio-Technica will deliver a high quality pair of headphones built to last.
