Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT
Sennheiser HD 550
What Buyers Say
Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT
The Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT is widely praised for its exceptional battery life, comfort, and solid sound quality at an affordable price. While the noise cancellation is not the strongest, it effectively blocks fan noise and is competitive for the price. Some users report ear sweating and cramped ear pads, and a few found the sound flat or muddy. Overall, it is seen as a great all-rounder for daily use.
Pros
- Exceptional battery life
- Comfortable for long wear
- Good sound quality for the price
- Physical buttons instead of touch controls
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Ear sweating after 15 minutes
- Cramped ear pads for some
- No carrying case included
- Noise cancellation not the strongest
- Sound can be flat or muddy
Sennheiser HD 550
The Sennheiser HD 550 open-back wired headphones receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their exceptional sound quality, lightweight design, and long-term comfort. Users praise the clear highs, rich mids, and deep bass, noting that the audio performance rivals more expensive models. The included accessories like the carrying pouch and dual adapters add value, while the sturdy build and breathable cloth earpads are frequently highlighted. A few users mention the lack of wireless connectivity and a companion app as minor drawbacks, but overall sentiment is highly favorable.
Pros
- Exceptional sound clarity and detail
- Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- Breathable cloth earpads
- Sturdy build quality
- Includes carrying pouch and dual adapters
Cons
- Strictly wired connectivity
- No companion app for audio customization
Scores
Specifications
| Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT | Sennheiser HD 550 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | open |
| Foldable | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.26 kg | 0.24 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | — | velour |
| Headband | — | synthetic leather |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz | 6 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | 20 kHz | 40 kHz★ |
| Impedance | 45 Ω | 150 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✗ |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | — |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓★ | ✗ |
| ANC Type | digital hybrid | — |
| Transparency | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Bluetooth | 5.1★ | — |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP | — |
| Multipoint | ✓★ | — |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | 1.2000000476837158 m | 1.7999999523162842 m |
| Range | 10 m★ | — |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 90 hrs★ | — |
| Charge Time | 2.5 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 3 Minutes for 2.5 Hours | — |
| Charging | USB-C★ | — |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Mic Count | 1★ | — |
| NC Mic | ✗ | — |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | — |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | — |
| Mic Pattern | Omnidirectional | — |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri, Google Assistant | — |
| Touch Controls | ✓★ | — |
| App | Android & iOS | — |
| Gaming Mode | ✓★ | — |
Pros & Cons
Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong battery (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong anc (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong sound (86th percentile)86th %ile
Sennheiser HD 550
- Strong social proof (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong build (76th percentile)
- Strong comfort (67th percentile)
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT offers 2.5x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 81 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 17 of 40 specs.
