Audio-Technica R-Series ATH-R30x
The 40mm drivers and open-back design deliver a wide, detailed soundstage with minimal distortion, making the ATH-R30X a strong entry-level reference headphone. Its 210-gram weight and velour earpads provide lasting comfort for extended mixing sessions, while the simple, tuning-light transducer design offers natural clarity. This headphone is best for emerging audio engineers and home studio users who need accurate monitoring without a high price tag.
Snapshot
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong build (78th percentile) 78th
- Strong user sentiment (71st percentile) 71st
- Strong comfort (68th percentile) 68th
- Strong sound (66th percentile) 66th
Cons
- Below average mic (18th percentile)
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
What owners think
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
- Q1 202685/100
Buyers praised sound quality, comfort, and open-back design. Issues cited: missing adapter, short non-replaceable cable, flimsy build feel, and unsealed packaging.
- Excellent sound clarity, bass, and instrument separation for the price.
- Comfortable earcups and lightweight design for long sessions.
- Build feels light/plasticky for some; others find it well-made.
- Non-replaceable cable is too long, no 1/4" adapter included.
- Q4 202587/100
Buyers praise these headphones for punching above their price range with detailed, lively sound, though some note a thin/small driver feel and minor EQ needs.
- Great value and detailed, lively sound compared to pricier options.
- Sound is thin/small, as if from a small driver, not fixable with EQ.
- EQ can improve midrange but requires care to avoid collapsing soundstage.
- Quality construction, well-packaged, suitable as a gift.
Based on 12 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | open |
| Foldable | No |
| Weight | 0.2 kg / 0.5 lbs |
| Ear Cushion | velour |
Audio
| Driver Type | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 |
| Freq Min | 15 |
| Freq Max | 25000 |
| Impedance | 36 |
| Sensitivity | 92 |
| Hi-Res Audio | No |
| Codecs | Audio-Technica ATH-R30x Professional Open-Back Over-Ear Reference Headphones, Bundle with Desktop Stand, Black |
Noise Control
| ANC | No |
| Transparency | No |
Connectivity
| Wireless | No |
| Multipoint | No |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | Yes |
| Cable Length | 3 |
Microphone
| Microphone | No |
| NC Mic | No |
| Boom Mic | No |
| Detachable Mic | No |
Features
| Touch Controls | No |
| Gaming Mode | No |
vs Competition
| Spec | Audio-Technica R-Series ATH-R30x | Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 | Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B | Bose QuietComfort Ultra | TOZO HT2 | Beyerdynamic Aventho 1001609 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | on-ear |
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | 40 | 42 | 40 | - | 40 | 45 |
| Impedance Ohms | 36 | 470 | 314 | 32 | 32 | 48 |
| Wireless | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | open | closed | closed | closed | closed | closed |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.2 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 60 | 30 | 24 | 60 | 40 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Anc | Mic | Build | Sound | Battery | Comfort | User Sentiment | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audio-Technica R-Series ATH-R30x | 32.1 | 18.1 | 77.8 | 65.6 | 44.7 | 68.2 | 70.8 | 42.5 | 39.4 |
| Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Compare | 98 | 85.3 | 92.4 | 97.8 | 90.7 | 87.7 | 37.5 | 98.1 | 67.2 |
| Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B Compare | 98 | 85.3 | 77.8 | 95.6 | 76.1 | 53.7 | 70.8 | 98.9 | 87.5 |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Compare | 93.4 | 79.2 | 95.7 | 52.9 | 72.7 | 81 | 70.8 | 99.2 | 73 |
| TOZO HT2 Compare | 93.4 | 83.2 | 95.7 | 99.1 | 90.7 | 81 | 87.1 | 83.1 | 87.5 |
| Beyerdynamic Aventho 1001609 Compare | 98 | 79.2 | 95.7 | 98.3 | 81.6 | 53.7 | 0 | 97.7 | 55 |
Price
Value & Pricing
Adorama 2 offers From $99
Newegg 1 offer From $99
Amazon 1 offer From $99
Price History
Usage Scores
A full written review is coming soon. The specs, scores, prices and charts above are always up to date.
