Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M40x

★★★★★ 4.6 (16,748)

Flat-tuned 40mm drivers and a closed-back design deliver accurate 15Hz–24kHz sound with 35Ω impedance, backed by durable, pro-grade construction for reliable isolation. Swiveling earcups, plush pads, and interchangeable coiled/straight cables offer comfort and flexibility during extended studio sessions or DJ sets. Best for budget-conscious studio engineers and DJs who need flat monitoring with rugged build quality for tracking and mixing.

form factor over-ear
driver type dynamic
driver size mm 40
impedance ohms 35
open closed back closed
Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M40x headphones
48 Overall Score
Also available in:

Snapshot

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Strong social proof (92th percentile) 92th
  • Strong build (77th percentile) 77th
  • Strong sound (71th percentile) 71th

Cons

  • Below average user sentiment (11th percentile)
  • Below average mic (15th percentile)
  • Below average anc (30th percentile)

What owners think

How owner sentiment changed over time

Exclusive

Based on when customers actually wrote their reviews — so you can see whether early praise held up.

Owner sentiment has cooled since launch
70/100Our AI sentiment readlow confidence · 7 sources · May 2026
1★2★3★4★5★Q1 '15: 5.0★ · 1 reviewQ3 '15: 5.0★ · 1 reviewQ4 '15: 4.6★ · 8 reviewsQ1 '16: 4.3★ · 6 reviewsQ2 '16: 5.0★ · 2 reviewsQ1 '17: 3.8★ · 4 reviewsQ3 '17: 5.0★ · 1 reviewQ4 '17: 5.0★ · 1 reviewQ2 '18: 4.0★ · 2 reviewsQ3 '18: 5.0★ · 1 reviewQ4 '18: 4.0★ · 1 reviewQ1 '19: 5.0★ · 1 reviewQ2 '19: 4.2★ · 5 reviewsQ3 '19: 5.0★ · 1 reviewQ4 '19: 5.0★ · 1 reviewQ3 '20: 4.0★ · 3 reviewsQ4 '20: 3.0★ · 1 reviewQ1 '21: 5.0★ · 1 reviewQ2 '21: 3.0★ · 1 reviewQ4 '22: 4.0★ · 1 reviewQ1 '24: 5.0★ · 1 reviewQ2 '24: 4.7★ · 3 reviewsQ4 '24: 5.0★ · 1 reviewQ1 '25: 3.0★ · 2 reviewsQ3 '25: 3.5★ · 4 reviewsQ4 '25: 4.7★ · 3 reviewsQ1 '26: 4.2★ · 5 reviewsQ2 '26: 2.0★ · 2 reviews1186241121115113111113124352Q1 '15Q1 '16Q3 '17Q3 '18Q2 '19Q3 '20Q2 '21Q2 '24Q3 '25Q2 '26
Avg ratingHappy (4-5★)Unhappy (1-2★)Bar height = number of reviews

Based on 64 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.

The proof

Performance

Performance Percentiles

Anc 30.3
Mic 15.2
Build 76.7
Sound 70.8
Battery 43.3
Comfort 50.3
User Sentiment 10.9
Connectivity 35.6
Social Proof 91.5

Specifications

Full Specifications

Design

Form Factor over-ear
Open/Closed closed
Foldable Yes
Weight 0.2 kg / 0.5 lbs
Ear Cushion professional-grade earpad
Headband professional-grade headband material

Audio

Driver Type dynamic
Driver Size 40
Freq Min 15
Freq Max 24000
Impedance 35
Sensitivity 98
Codecs Audio-Technica 3 Pack ATH-M40x Professional Monitor Headphones, 98dB, 15-24kHz, with 9.8' Coiled and Straight Interchangeable Cables - Microfiber Cloth

Noise Control

ANC No
Transparency No

Connectivity

Wireless No
Wired Connector 3.5mm
Detachable Cable Yes
Cable Length 3

Microphone

Microphone No

vs Competition

Spec Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M40x Sony WH-1000XM6 WH-1000XM6 Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Px8 S2 Sennheiser Momentum MOMENTUM 4 JBL Live 770NC TOZO HT3 HT3
Form Factor over-ear over-ear over-ear over-ear over-ear over-ear
Driver Type dynamic dynamic dynamic dynamic Dynamic dynamic
Driver Size (mm) 40 30 40 42 40 40
Impedance Ohms 35 48 - 470 32 16
Wireless false true true true true true
Active Noise Cancellation false true true true true true
Open Closed Back closed closed closed closed closed closed
Bluetooth Version - 5.3 5.3 5.2 5.3 6.0
Battery Life Hours - 30 30 60 65 90
Compare Compare Compare Compare Compare
Product AncMicBuildSoundBatteryComfortUser SentimentConnectivitySocial Proof
Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M40x 30.315.276.770.843.350.310.935.691.5
Sony WH-1000XM6 WH-1000XM6 Compare 97.59192.29071.779.2099.783.2
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Px8 S2 Compare 97.599.395.899.471.750.387.197.497.5
Sennheiser Momentum MOMENTUM 4 Compare 97.584.876.794.988.979.269.899.255.6
JBL Live 770NC Compare 97.578.197.284.691.450.369.899.991.5
TOZO HT3 HT3 Compare 87.284.895.898.99750.396.296.591.5

Usage Scores

Work (31.6)Calls (24.4)Music (53.7)Overall (47.9)Budget (62.9)Gaming (38.2)Studio (65.3)Commute (39.3)

A full written review is coming soon. The specs, scores, prices and charts above are always up to date.

Other Configurations1

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