Sennheiser and Audio Technica both make amazing, high-quality headphones. Comparing the two can be difficult, especially since both companies design the best possible headphones for any occasion. What it really comes down to is what you are using them for, your price range, and your preference.
Both Audio Technica and Sennheiser make headphones for every use, preference, and budget. This guide will compare some of the most popular headphones both companies have and cover pretty much all the bases about what you need to know about Sennheiser and Audio Technica. We wont give you the answer of which one is better, that is up to you and your preference, but we make it pretty easy to decide which headphone will meet your wants and needs.
Sennheiser vs. Audio Technica – Common FAQs
Are the Sennheiser HD 25's better than the Audio Technica ATH-M50x's? We actually have a post that covers this FAQ, but overall it comes down to your preference. These headphones are very difficult to compare because they have most of the same features, just Audio Technica blowing Sennheiser out of the water with its frequency response, and Sennheiser doing the same with its impedance.
Are Audio Technica headphones good quality? For those that are used to Sennheiser headphones, Audio Technica is one brand that can compare to the quality and comfort of the Sennheiser headphones. Both are great brands, Audio Technica has just as much rage, comfort, and are usually priced a lot lower than the Sennheiser headphones.
Which company makes the best noise cancelling headphones? Later in this post, we compare the Audio Technica ATH-ANC700BT and the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless headphones. Really what it comes down to is preference, but the price difference of the two headphones makes a huge difference - the ATH-ANC700BT are priced as only $200, while the Momentum 3 Wireless headphones are double that. You get pretty much all the same features with both, except the Sennheiser headphones come with a hard case rather than a draw string pouch that comes with the Audio Technica's and the comfort and feel is a bit different.
Which One is Better All Around?
It is clear to see that it really all depends on what you are looking for. Some Audio Technica headphones don’t compare to Sennheiser headphones, and vise versa.
It really depends on the exact model that you are comparing to be able to get an accurate answer. In this post, we compare a few different popular options. Check out our most recent post: Sennheiser HD 25 vs. Audio Technica ATH-M50x: A Helpful Guide for Audio Professionals.
Price vs. Quality
Sennheiser is known for their expensive headphones, but does that mean they are any better than Audio Technica? Some could say yes, others no. Generally, you can find the popular Audio Technica M20x’s selling at less than half the price of the Sennheiser HD’s. But there is not much quality difference, in my opinion.
However, some could say Sennheiser headphones are better designed, and I would have to agree in some sense. But, it depends on the headphones you are comparing. In this post, we compare a few different ones as well as have a post only on the popular Audio Technica ATH-M50x vs. Sennheiser HD 25 headphones.
Both brands offer different features to their headphones, so it all depends on what you are using them for and how much you are willing to pay.
Here are a few budget friendly options that we recommend:
Our Top Choice: Audio Technica ATH-M50x
When comparing the offerings of Sennheiser and Audio-Technica, we’ve found the AH-M50X headphones to be our favorite product overall, besting anything that Sennheiser has to offer in the headphone space, and at a much lower price overall. These headphones offer an exceptionally flat frequency response, comfortable wearing position, and great frequency response.
Sennheiser Option: Sennheiser Professional HD 280 PRO
Lightweight, high sensitivity, and overall a great headphone to choose from Sennheiser if you are on a budget. These headphones are on-ear, closed back, and have incredible sound.
Best Sennheiser Headphones
There are more headphones mentioned in this post by Sennheiser, but here are some of the most highly rated headphones by Sennheiser – the breakdown & at a glance.
| HD 600 | Momentum 3 Wireless | HD 4.40 BT | Momentum True Wireless 2 | |
| Style | Headband | Headband | Headband | Earpiece |
| Freq. Response | 12 to 40,500 Hz | 6 to 22,000 Hz | 18 to 22,000 Hz | 5 to 21,000 Hz |
| Audio Input | 3.5mm | Bluetooth, USB- C, Analog | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| Battery | None | Rechargeable, 17 hrs | Rechargeable, 25 hrs | Rechargeable, 4 hrs |
| Price | $400 | $400 | $100 | $300 |
Sennheiser HD 600
The Sennheiser HD 600 headphones are audio professional favorites because of its consistent high quality sound. These headphones are open back, designed with sturdy plastic, super comfortable, and again – come with great, professional quality sound.
Design and Build
These headphones are designed for what they are supposed to do, not for looks. The HD 600 headphones are hard plastic, so they have a sturdy feel and are durable. The one thing that pops out when you see these headphones are their open mesh exterior. It protects everything underneath while giving you an open sound to have more high-quality audio.
The design is built to last for years, but one of the best features is that you can replace all the major parts except the headphone driver. You are able to replace the ear cups, headband, or wires easily and quickly.
Sound Quality and Features
The Sennheiser HD 600 headphones are known for its amazing sound quality. As said before, it is an open-back headphone, which means it does not distort any audio you are listening to in any way – this is great for audio editors and professionals.
It isn’t known for its bass, but it sure does have a great bass sound, especially if that is how the recording sounds. The transition to mid-tones is also awesome, this is where the Sennheiser HD 600 blow other headphones out of the water. The midrange to high tones is incredible, without boosting anything, giving you the rawest, natural audio.
These aren’t small headphones, and if you are on the go a lot this could be a problem. It doesn’t really come with many accessories, so around the neck is your best bet for portability. These headphones are meant for studio use, so portability is not really a thing for the HD 600s. If you need to use them on the go, prepare to carry around a pretty big case.
Comfort and Fit
Professional headphones are meant to be worn for long periods of time. Comfort and fit is super important, especially if you are going to be editing an audio recording for hours on end. The HD 600 headphones are super comfortable and light, it may not look like it since they are so big, but they wont strain your head like other big headphones will.
Both the headband and ear cups are memory foam, which is both breathable and well ventilated, so no sweaty ears!
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
The Momentum 4 Wireless are noise-canceling headphones that offer AMAZING comfort and build, excellent sound quality, and are fantastic for traveling. We go into more detail about its features later in the post, but here is a quick overview of this product.
Design and Build
Sleek & stylish, these headphones are built for long periods of use. The most notable design features are its soft ear cups and adjustable headband.
The buttons and controls on these headphones are practically invisible, Sennheiser designed these headphones with a sensor, so it can detect when you are wearing the headphones and when you aren’t. The malfunction button, which is hidden in plain sight, replaces a few different buttons depending on how you press it.
Sound Quality and Features
The Momentum 4 Wireless headphones provide a high bass, blending well with the mid and high tones. The sound quality is precise, giving you the most balanced and original sound.
There are also different modes you can choose from with noise cancellation through an app. With the app, it comes with an equalizer, has options for listening modes, and changes the noise-canceling levels. The app also detects voice prompts and on-ear detection.
Comfort and Fit
As mentioned before, these headphones have sheepskin leather on the headband and ear cups, making it so comfortable for long uses. However, because they are the wireless version, the battery may weigh your head down a bit if you aren’t used to it – you will feel it after hours of use.
Sennheiser HD 4.40 BT
Sennheiser isn’t really known for their Bluetooth headphones, but these have changed the game. These around-the-ear, closed-back headphones are remarkable for their price.
Design and Build
These are super sturdy, simple-designed headphones. They are very reliable, allowing you to bring them pretty much anywhere without worrying about ruining them. The HD 4.40 BT headphones have a great build, made mostly out of plastic and leather.
They are on the larger side for headphones, but these fold up and are portable.
Sound Quality and Features
These headphones do have great sound quality, but there is some things they could improve on. But again, for the price they are, it has great quality. Overall, it has a smooth sound – emphasizing the mid tones & high tones. It transitions smoothly, but not as much compared to other headphones by Sennheiser. For Sennheiser headphones under $100, the sound is amazing, offering just the right amount of bass and has a clear and crisp mid, with a high-frequency response.
As a Bluetooth headphone, it is expected not to get too much battery life, but with these, you can get about 25 hours of use – which is huge.
Comfort and Fit
The HD 4.40 BT headphone is very comfortable, and extremely light. The headband isn’t padded, but it is still comfortable because it fits just right.
The ear cups are padded with memory foam and synthetic leather so that it feels soft on your ears, however, they may get a little sweaty…
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2
These wireless buds by Sennheiser are one of the best on the market right now. It isn’t the greatest for your wallet, but for earbuds, they offer great sound and even noise cancellation.
Design and Build
The Momentum True Wireless 2 headphones come in either black or silver, having a sleek look to them. They are meant to last, their solid build allows you to bring them anywhere without having to worry about them getting scratched or broken.
Because of their wireless design, there are no wires for control purposes. To control the headphones, they are touch sensitive – a quick push for command. You can either decline or answer phone calls, pause or play your music, or even control your digital assistant. Like some Sennheiser headphones, these come with an app so you are able to customize your controls – the Sennheiser Control App.
Sound Quality and Features
Though they are small, the sound quality is amazing. One of the cool features of these headphones is that it does a great job blocking out any outside noise. It provides a clear and crisp sound from just about any frequency range. Plus, it has a deep bass and the treble is clear. The Momentum True Wireless 2 headphones have an active noise cancellation feature as well, its decent in the noise-cancelling world, but amazing considering they are ear buds.
They come with about 7 hours of battery life alone, but with the carrying case Sennheiser provides, it comes with 20+ hours before you need to charge them again. Think of the Apple Airpods, the case charges the earbuds themselves.
Comfort and Fit
As in-ear headphones, the fit all has to do with just sliding them into your ears and sealing off your ear canals. They are a bit bulky for earbuds, but wont give you any discomfort if you’re wearing them for long periods of time. However with that said, they are extremely light.
Sennheiser even provides four pairs of silicone tips in different sizes for all ear shapes and sizes, allowing for the best fit for you.
Best Audio Technica Headphones
There are more headphones mentioned in this post by Audio Technica, but here are some of the most highly rated headphones by Audio Technica – the breakdown & at a glance.
| ATH-M50xBT | ATH-M70x | ATH-ANC900BT | ATH-ANC300TW | |
| Style | Headband | Headband | Headband | Earpiece |
| Freq. Response | 15 to 28,000 Hz | 5 to 40,000 Hz | 5 to 40,000 Hz | 20 to 25,000 Hz |
| Audio Input | 3.5mm & Bluetooth | 3.5mm | 3.5mm & Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| Battery | Rechargeable, 40 hrs | None | Rechargeable, 35 hrs | Rechargeable, 13 hrs |
| Price | $200 | $300 | $300 | $300 |
Audio Technica ATH-M50xBT
Audio Technica’s ATH-M50xBT are the go-to’s for professional producers & DJs. There is a wired version of these headphones, which we covered in this post as well. These headphones pack a punch when it comes to sound quality and comfort.
Design and Build
Basically a clone of the ATH-M50x headphones, just wireless. These headphones are made of durable plastic, soft leather, and metal – making them reliable and durable. The only difference from the wired ATH-M50x headphones is the controls and touch interface.
These headphones are collapsible, the ear cups rotate 90 degrees allowing you to fold them up and store them for on the go. Also, this makes for more comfortable wear around the neck when you aren’t using them at the moment.
Sound Quality and Features
The ATH-M50xBT headphones give you the high-quality audio you need, having a frequency response between 15 and 28,000 Hz. This allows for consistent, well-rounded clear sounds. These headphones are known for their amazing mid-tones, providing smooth and super accurate audio.
There is a great bass to these headphones, not overpowering for your ears either. It does stay in the sound range, however, so if you are a bass lover I would go with a different pair. They don’t overpower the rest of the sound you are listening to when it comes to bass.
Comfort and Fit
Again, very similar to the wired version of these headphones when it comes to comfort and fit. The only thing is that these are a little bit heavier than the wired version because of the built in battery. The ear cups are made from foam and are easy on your ears. The headband is flexible, so it accommodates for any size or shape head. Overall, these headphones are made to last and wear for long periods of time – a go-to for audio professionals.
Audio Technica ATH-M70x
The Audio Technica ATH-M70x headphones are their latest model for audio professionals. These headphones are closed back, allowing them to give you amazing sound even in the noisiest of environments. These headphones are made for DJs, producers, and any audio professionals that want the best sound experience.
Design and Build
The ATH-M70x headphones are wired, so you’ll have to connect them to whatever you are using them with. This isn’t a huge deal, especially for those that are not on the go all the time. The build of these headphones have more metal than previous Audio Technica models, giving an even more reliable use. The ear cups and headband are made of soft leather, like most Audio Technica designs.
Sound Quality and Features
Since these headphones are made for audio professionals, you will be getting the most accurate sounding audio – meaning how it is recorded will be how it will sound in the headphones. The ATH-M70x headphones are incredibly accurate. The low tones can be very deep and heavy but don’t overpower the rest of the audio at all.
If you are looking for headphones with the most detailed-sounding audio, go with these. It does not change anything about the audio, so if you are editing a recording for example, and it sounds weird or bad, you’ll know.
The ATH-M70x headphones aren’t that portable but do come with a carrying case. Usually, though, Audio Technica headphones will provide a carrying case of some sort. They aren’t collapsible, but the ear cups rotate 90 degrees (like most headphones do).
Comfort and Fit
Even though it is a bulkier and heavier design compared to other Audio Technica models, the comfort can’t be beaten. It is surprisingly lighter than the M50x headphones by Audio Technica, which are mainly made of hard plastic. So you will have a lot less pressure on your neck and head as you wear them, allowing for long periods of use.
Audio Technica ATH-ANC900BT
These noise-canceling headphones by Audio Technica have great features and excellent-sounding audio that won’t completely empty your wallet. It has some of the same features and qualities as the ATH-ANC700BT headphones by Audio Technica, which we cover later in the post.
Design and Build
The ATH-ANC900BT headphones are extremely light and solid to the touch. All the controls for these headphones are on the left ear cup where you’ll be able to adjust the volume and playback. There is a button for Bluetooth to switch on and off, as well as noise-canceling controls.
These headphones are very versatile because they can be wired or Bluetooth. They come with a 3.5mm jack so you are able to do both. It comes with built-in batteries that last about 35 hours with everything turned on – noise cancellation and Bluetooth. If you don’t use these though, you can extend the battery life even longer.
Sound Quality and Features
If you are looking for a pair of headphones that focus on the mid-range, go with these. The transitions are smooth and offer you clear and crisp audio. The bass is not overpowered, but still has some umph to it; its fun to listen to bass heavy audio with these headphones because of the accurate audio it provides.
These noise-cancelling headphones compete with the best on the market, coming with three different modes of noise cancellation to fit your wants. On top of that, it allows you to turn on the transparent mode so you are still able to hear your surroundings if need be.
Comfort and Fit
As said before, these headphones are extremely light. After long wear, your head wont be weighed down at all or feel any discomfort. The ear cups and headband are padded with soft leather too, so your whole experience will be comfortable.
Audio Technica ATH-ANC300TW
We had to include these in our favorites because of how versatile these ear buds are. Audio Technica has come out with not only high quality ear buds, but also noise-cancelling features.
Design and Build
Most noise-cancelling ear buds aren’t sleek, but the ATH-ANC300TW by Audio Technica are. They are compact, even some say “elegant”. These bluetooth ear buds make it easy, the controls are on the top of the ear bud. This way you aren’t pushing them further into your ears.
They come with a charging case, just like the Sennheiser ear buds. Its compact and simply designed, the only thing I have read about these buds is that the case is a little bigger than most.
Sound Quality and Features
The ATH-ANC300TW sound is undoubtably the best quality sound you will get when it comes to ear buds. Honestly, I wouldn’t even compare them to the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 ear buds because you are getting way more bang for your buck. These headphones are very neutral and not over heavy on the bass or treble, suiting a lot of different genres of audio.
With the active noise cancellation that these headphones provide, they are truly one of the best on the market for ear buds. You are able to switch back and forth from hear-mode and noise-cancelling mode in case you need to, which makes it nice if you are traveling.
One of the great features about these headphones is that they are sweat proof and can withstand rain or moisture. If you are looking for great sounding headphones to run with, go with these.
The battery life is about 4 hours without the charging case; with the charging case you’ll get about 13 hours of use from them. This allows for about a week of use.
Comfort and Fit
Are the Audio Technica ATH-M50x Better Than M40x Headphones?
At a Glance
What it Comes Down To
Neither will break the bank, but which does it come down to? I would recommend using the M50x for everyday studio use just because they are more comfortable and durable, and the sound can’t be beaten. However, the M40x offers a clean, exact sound as well. Both headphones are great.
Under the hood though, the M40x headphones do not offer the same frequency range or impedance, the M50x headphones come with a higher frequency range and impedance, getting more bang for your buck.
Which Headphone is Better for Podcasting?
There are a ton of headphones to choose from for podcasting and studio use. It can be difficult to find the right ones for you that fit your budget, are comfortable, and great quality. Here are our top picks for podcasting headphones from both Sennheiser and Audio Technica:
Audio Technica Top Pick: ATH-M70x – $300
The Audio Technica ATH-M70x headphones are their latest model for audio professionals. These headphones are closed back, allowing them to give you amazing sound even in the noisiest of environments. These headphones are made for DJs, producers, and any audio professionals that want the best sound experience.
Sennheiser Top Pick: HD 600 – $400
The Sennheiser HD 600 headphones are audio professional favorites because of their consistent high-quality sound. These headphones are open back, designed with sturdy plastic, super comfortable, and again – come with great, professional quality sound.
Which Company Makes the Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones?
Headphones that are noise canceling have a built-in microphone that detects the pitch & amplitude of outside noise. Based on that, basically, the headphones will “cancel out” the sound waves in your ear, making it so that you only hear the audio.
What is the difference between regular headphones and noise-cancelling headphones? Noise cancelling headphones prevent outside sounds from leaking in so that you don't have to keep turning up the volume on your regular headphones. Noise-canceling headphones use active noise control to keep out unwanted noise.
Audio Technica ATH-ANC700BT Noise Cancelling Headphones
Design and Build
The ATH-ANC700BT headphones are a matte black color, with a smooth and strong design. These headphones are mostly plastic – a strong and durable plastic, making them light and comfortable. On the left ear cup, there is a MicroUSB port and an aux port, as well as a power switch. It also comes with a light that turns on when Bluetooth and noise cancellation is activated. These headphones also offer touch controls to play and pause the audio, control the volume, and you can even hold it down to get your “digital assistant”
Sound Quality
Overall, the ATH-ANC700BT headphones offer great sound quality. Most Audio Technica headphones offer amazing ranges and clear, crisp sounding audio.
Specifically with these headphones by Audio Technica, the bass is solid. It isn’t overdone or too much, so bass-lovers may need to look for different headphones, but again, trust me it is SOLID sounding bass. The bass is very natural sounding, not over-boosted. The only thing with these headphones is that the response changed quite a bit from wireless to wired usage, which is normal – but something to mention.
Some have said that the QuitePoint sounded best when in wired mode with noise cancellation turned off, but still sounding great with it turned on too. So really it all has to do with trial and error with these headphones.
Features
The ATH-ANC700BT headphones come with pretty much everything you need. The headphones, a MicroUSB charging cable, and the aux cable. It also comes with a draw string bag, not the nicest compared to the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless’s case, but it works, especially with the price they are.
These headphones are wireless, so battery life is something to really consider if you are going to be using them for long periods of time. If you use both bluetooth and the noise cancellation features, you get about 25 hours of battery life. However, if you are just using them for bluetooth, you will get about 30 hours of use; for just using noice cancellation, you will get about 45 hours of use.
Comfort and Fit
The ATH-ANC700BT headphones are well designed for comfort. They are light, so your head wont be hurting after hours of use. The padding around the ears and headband is soft and light, some say it could use a little more, but also that would weigh them down – these headphones are known for its light feel.
Portability
Audio Technica headphones are all mostly portable, these specifically are collapsable for travel use. As said before, they come with a draw string carrying pouch. It isn’t a case, but again, it works with how well priced these headphones are with all the features it comes with.
Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Design and Build
The Momentum 3 Wireless headphones are not only sleek, but comfortable too. The most notable design features are its soft ear cups, adjustable headband, and both are wrapped in sheepskin leather. This allows for long periods of wear and a stylish fit.
One of the cool things about these headphones is that Sennheiser made them so the buttons and controls are not visible. Sennheiser designed these headphones with a sensor, so it can detect when you are wearing the headphones and when you aren’t. The malfunction button, which is hidden in plain sight, replaces a few different buttons depending on how you press it. Pressing it once will pause or play the audio, and pushing it twice will skip to the next track or go to the previous. There are also other buttons on these headphones for the noise-canceling feature and even voice assistance.
Sound Quality and Active Noise Cancellation
The Momentum 3 Wireless noise cancellation feature is great, just not compared to others in the headphone world. It cancels out any outside noise, especially useful when traveling. The only thing I have heard with these headphones is that it has a hard time canceling out noises that are close by, like keyboard clicks or people talking near you. It does offer different modes of noise cancellation though, which we’ll get to in features.
Sennheiser is known for its great sound quality and range of performance. The Momentum 3 Wireless headphones provide a high bass, blending well with the mid and high tones. The sound quality is precise, giving you the most balanced and original sound. You are able to hear every little thing when it comes to the audio, maybe some of what you did not hear before listening on these headphones.
Features
There are a ton of features with the Momentum 3 Wireless headphones. With the noise-canceling technology, it offers different modes so that you can set how much you want the outside noise to cancel out, giving you a different experience with each mode. With the higher modes, it does distort the audio because there is more bass added to it, but it isn’t super bad. There is a transparent mode, which makes them like normal headphones and allows you to hear your surroundings if needed.
These headphones also come with an app. I know right? You can download the companion app that makes your listening experience even better, offering more capabilities. The app comes with an equalizer and has options for listening modes and changing the noise-canceling levels. The app also detects voice prompts and on-ear detection.
The battery life of these headphones is around 17 hours, decent, but not the best. For moderate use, it should really last you about a week before you have to charge them again.
Comfort and Fit
The Momentum 3 Wireless headphones are made to be comfortable. Most use them for commutes or long trips. They offer amazing padding around the ears, as well as the headband, both covered in sheepskin leather. The headband is adjustable and quite lengthy to fit any size head too, which makes it nice for those that have a bigger head and can’t find comfortable headphones that fit perfectly.
However, because they are the wireless version, the battery may weigh your head down a bit if you aren’t used to it – you will feel it after hours of use. There is a wired version of these headphones, which offer all of the same features and are roughly $150 cheaper.
Portability
Since most noise-canceling headphones are used for travel, it would make sense for them to be portable. The Momentum 3 Wireless headphones come with collapsable ear cups, as well as a carrying case to put all of the accessories in one place and to not damage the headphones in a big airport bag.
Conclusion
As we said in the beginning, we wouldn’t tell you which brand is better, but hopefully, this guide gives you some insight into which headphones fit your wants and needs. Both Sennheiser and Audio Technica headphones are the best on the market right now, comparing the two can be difficult for anyone.
Sennheiser has not disappointed, and neither has Audio Technica. Picking the best headphones for you all depends on your preference and your budget, as well as how you’ll be using them. The differences vary, choosing the brand versus the headphone is the wrong way to go. Instead, compare two different similar models as we did in this guide to get a better understanding of what you will get the most bang for your buck.
Sennheiser HD 25 vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: A Helpful Guide For Audio Professionals
For two great headphones to compare, check out our latest article: Sennheiser HD 25 vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: A Helpful Guide For Audio Professionals. It compares the two headphones in great detail and will allow you to choose which is better for your needs.
