Audio-Technica M Series ATH-M60x

The Audio-Technica ATH-M60x is a wired, closed-back on-ear monitor headphone with exceptional sound clarity and a durable build. It's great for studio work and critical listening, but the on-ear fit causes comfort issues for some users. At $239 USD, it's a specialist tool that trades wireless features and plush comfort for accuracy and longevity.

The ATH-M60x uses the same 45mm large-aperture drivers as the M50x, but the tuning feels different. The frequency response spans 15Hz to 28kHz, which is wider than most headphones in this price range. In practice, that means deep sub-bass extension and airy highs. The sound signature is more enjoyable than the M50x according to several owners, with better separation and a cleaner overall presentation. Bass is accurate rather than boosted, which is exactly what you want for monitoring.

Sound quality sits at the 82nd percentile in our database, which puts it well above average and among the better options for critical listening. The 38 ohm impedance and 102dB sensitivity mean you can drive these off a phone or laptop without much trouble, though a decent audio interface will wake them up properly. Build quality lands at the 77th percentile, which is strong. The metal components in the frame give it a reassuring heft at 220 grams, and owners report these lasting for years.

Stacked against the Sennheiser MOMENTUM M5AEBT, the ATH-M60x is a very different animal. The Sennheiser is a wireless, ANC-equipped lifestyle headphone with a warmer, more consumer-friendly sound. The M60x is a wired monitoring tool with a flatter, more revealing signature. If you want to enjoy music on a commute, the Sennheiser wins. If you need to hear exactly what's in a mix, the M60x is the better pick.

The Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B and JBL Tune 670NC both bring wireless convenience and noise cancelling to the table, which the M60x simply doesn't have. The Technics EAH-A800 is another strong wireless competitor with excellent sound. But none of these match the M60x for that raw, analytical clarity that comes from a well-tuned closed-back monitor. The trade-off is comfort and features. The M60x asks you to give up Bluetooth, ANC, and plush over-ear pads in exchange for accuracy and durability.

At $239 USD, the ATH-M60x is not cheap for an on-ear wired headphone. You're paying for the Audio-Technica name, the pro-grade drivers, and the durability that comes with metal construction. The included accessories help soften the blow: three cables of varying lengths, a quarter-inch adapter, and a carrying pouch. But the value proposition gets murky when you consider the lack of replacement pads. If the stock pads wear out or hurt your ears, you're stuck. For comparison, the Sony ULT WEAR and JBL Tune 670NC offer wireless and ANC at similar or lower prices, though they won't match the M60x for pure monitoring accuracy.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M60x sits in that pro-focused on-ear monitor category, the kind of thing you'd grab for tracking in a studio or editing on the go. It's a closed-back, wired design built around the same 45mm drivers as the much-loved ATH-M50x, but in a smaller, low-profile frame. At around $239 USD, it's priced like a serious tool, not a casual listening accessory. The pitch is simple: studio clarity in a portable package that won't crush your ears like full-size cans sometimes do.

But here's the thing people actually search for: is the ATH-M60x good for everyday music listening? The short answer is yes, with caveats. The sound is genuinely impressive, with strong separation and clarity that makes the M50x sound a bit muddy by comparison. The on-ear fit takes some getting used to, and for some people it never gets comfortable. We'll dig into that below.

For studio use, these score a 66.7 out of 100 in our database, which is solid but not spectacular. Music listening lands at 57, and budget value at 55.7. The weakest area by far is calls at 23.4, which makes sense given there's no real mic to speak of. These are monitoring headphones, not a headset.

Skip the ATH-M60x if you're sensitive to on-ear pressure or plan to wear headphones for hours at a time. The fit is the biggest gamble here, and some owners report genuine pain. If you need wireless or noise cancelling for commuting, look at the Sony ULT WEAR or JBL Tune 670NC instead. And if you want over-ear comfort with a similar Audio-Technica sound, the M50x remains a safer bet for most people, even if the M60x sounds better to many ears.

Should you buy the Audio-Technica ATH-M60x? If you're a musician, podcaster, or editor who needs accurate sound in a portable, durable package, yes. The sound quality is genuinely excellent, and the build will outlast most wireless headphones by years. The included cable selection is a nice touch that shows Audio-Technica knows who these are for.

But if you're just looking for everyday listening headphones, think twice. The on-ear design is polarizing. Some owners love it, others report actual pain and swelling. And the lack of official replacement pads is a real problem for something meant to last. The ATH-M60x is a specialist's tool. If you're not the specialist, you might be happier with something more forgiving.