Audio-Technica SonicPro ATH-AVC400

The ATH-AVC400 sounds great for the money, with sound quality in the 89th percentile and a bass reflex port that adds real low-end punch. But the mic is bad, the build is mediocre, and there's no wireless or ANC. At USD 49 from Newegg it's a steal; at USD 79 it's a harder sell.

The 53mm dynamic drivers deliver exactly what the spec sheet promises: clear mids and a low end that hits harder than you'd expect at this price. The bass reflex port gives the low frequencies real presence without turning everything into mud. Frequency response runs 15Hz to 23kHz, so you get a nice wide range. Sound quality sits at the 89th percentile, which puts it ahead of most things in this category. But the rest of the package is a mixed bag. Build quality is mediocre at the 35th percentile, comfort is underwhelming at 31st, and the mic is a real weak spot at 16th. The 3.0m cable is long enough for studio use, and the included 6.3mm adapter is a nice touch for plugging into audio interfaces or receivers.

Stacked against the Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B or the JBL Tune 670NC, the ATH-AVC400 wins on pure wired sound quality but loses on features. The Sony and JBL both bring wireless connectivity and ANC, which the Audio-Technica simply doesn't have. The TOZO HT3 is another budget wireless option that undercuts the ATH-AVC400 on convenience. The Beyerdynamic Aventho and Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus are in a different league for build and comfort, but they cost significantly more. If you want the best sound per dollar and don't mind a cable, the ATH-AVC400 holds its own. If you want modern features, look at the Sony or JBL.

Pricing is all over the place depending on where you shop. In the US, you'll see it listed anywhere from USD 49 to USD 79 across three listings. That's a USD 30 spread for the exact same headphones. If you're buying in the US, Newegg has the best deal at the low end of that range. At USD 49, this is an easy recommendation for a wired headphone with this kind of sound. At USD 79, it's a tougher sell when you can find wireless options from JBL or TOZO for not much more. Shop around before you commit.

The Audio-Technica SonicPro ATH-AVC400 is a wired, closed-back pair of cans aimed at people who want big, clear sound without spending a fortune. The 53mm drivers and bass reflex ports do the heavy lifting here, and the sound quality lands in the 89th percentile of our database. That's a standout, especially for the price.

But this is not a do-everything headphone. The mic is rough, connectivity is basic, and the build feels more budget than premium. If you want a simple, great-sounding wired headphone for music and movies, this is a solid pick. If you need wireless, ANC, or call quality, keep scrolling.

Skip these if you need wireless, ANC, or a decent microphone. The mic is one of the worst we've seen in this category, and the lack of Bluetooth means you're tethered to a cable. If you take a lot of calls or want to move around freely, the Sony ULT WEAR or JBL Tune 670NC are better fits.

This is a headphone for people who care about sound first and everything else second. Musicians, home studio tinkerers, and movie watchers who want a long cable and a 6.3mm adapter will get a lot out of the ATH-AVC400. The sound quality is genuinely impressive for the price, and the bass response is a nice bonus. Just don't expect it to replace your wireless daily drivers or handle phone calls.