How often do you find yourself wanting to listen to music on your iPhone or Android device without having to bother with earphones? Do you always want the option of jamming out to some music at full volume but don’t feel comfortable doing so in public? If so, you may be interested in checking out Audio-Technica’s headphones.
For those that don’t know, Audio-Technica is a Japanese company that creates headphones and microphones. They’ve been around for over 60 years, and the founders of the company initially got their start as radio technicians.
Audio-Technica makes all sorts of headphones, but today we’re going to focus on its open-ear variety. These are among the most popular headphones on Amazon right now, so they’ve got something good going for them.
We have written a long article allowing you to learn everything you want to know about these types of headphones and the brand Audio-Technica. However, if you are simply looking for a solid pair of Audio-Technica Open-Ear headphones, click this link to jump to our Audio-Technica open-ear headphones reviews.
What Are Open-Ear Headphones?
Open-ear headphones, or open-backs as they are sometimes called, use a completely open design to let the sound out and bring the outside in.
When most people think of high-end headphones, they typically imagine big over-ear cans that completely cover their ears and shut out any sound from the surrounding environment. Open-backs stand in direct opposition to this idea, allowing you to enjoy your music while still being aware of what’s going on around you.
Of course, the open design does mean any sound coming in from the outside will also be heard through your headphones. If you’re listening to higher volumes where even a short burst of noise might be enough to disturb your concentration, the open-back design may not be for you.
However, if you work in an office or shared workspace and want to enjoy your music while still being aware, suppose what’s happening around you; open-back headphones are, in that case, a perfect choice.
This is one situation where the best audiophile open-ear headphones can excel: they allow you to enjoy high-fidelity audiophile sound without completely shutting yourself off from the outside world.
How Do Open-Ear Headphones Work?
As their name suggests, open-ear headphones have a completely open design that lets some sounds out and allows noise in. This headphone style has been around for much longer than closed-back headphones and can be seen in the creation of old-fashioned speakers such as the horn loudspeakers historically used for public address systems.
Open-backs are even more relevant for today’s music listeners because they don’t require an intense amount of power to drive. While it’s possible to use high-end open-back headphones with a portable music player, they will sound much better when driven by a dedicated headphone amplifier or a DAC/AMP combo.
Of course, high-fidelity headphones are fantastic to have at any volume level – whether you’re listening carefully in your home studio or rocking out on the subway. If you think open-ear headphones might be for you, be sure to take a look at our guide on how to find the best audiophile open-ear headphones.
About Audio-Technica
Founded in 1962, Audio-Technica is a Japanese audio equipment manufacturer best known for its high-quality headphones. Their top of the line open-ear models is some of the best audiophile headphones you can buy.
They also create several other types of headphones, ranging from in-ear to on-ear designs. If you’d like to learn more about Audio-Technica, visit their homepage to read the story of Audio-Technica. (https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/our-story)
Is Audio-Technica a Good Brand?
Like most audio equipment companies, Audio-Technica has a strong reputation in the audiophile community.
Their headphones are high quality, and they have various models to suit a range of budgets. Most importantly, they sound great! If you’re looking for open-ear headphones that don’t compromise on sound quality, you should consider buying Audio Technica open-ear headphones.
Of course, you don’t have to take our word for it. If you’d like to read more about Audio-Technica, simply check out the reviews Audio-Technica’s ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones have received on Amazon.com (https://amzn.to/3tqYzOs)
Top Best Audio-Technica Open-Ear Headphones On a Budget
If you are on a budget but still are looking for high-quality sound, Audio-Technica has no less than three headphones you can buy for less than $200.
You can often find their headphones at a discount.
Audio-Technica ATH-AD900X
The Audio Technica ATH-AD900X uses 53 mm drivers to deliver high-fidelity sound while still being lightweight and comfortable. However, the open design means that other sounds are audible in your environment, even at low volumes.
Audio Technica rates these headphones up to 30 dB of external noise attenuation, so keeping your music at a comfortable volume shouldn’t be too difficult.
Since these headphones are wired, you also get the complete versatility of their 3-meter cable, which should be plenty long enough for most home studio setups.
With high ratings on Amazon and a reasonable price tag, Audio Technica’s ATH-AD900X are a high-quality option for home recording.
The Audio Technica ATH-AD900X open-ear headphones are an excellent choice for those looking for high fidelity sound but still want to be aware of what’s going on around them.
Pros:
- Good bass response
- Very comfortable
- Great sound quality for the price
Cons:
- Needs a headphone amplifier to sound their best
- The open design means noise is audible in your environment, even at low volumes
ASIN: B009S331VU
Buy on Amazon.com
Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X
The Audio Technica ATH-AD700X are one of the most popular models in the brand’s lowest price tier. While they aren’t wired, their 3-meter cable has a slim profile to reduce tangling. They’re lightweight and comfortable thanks to their minimal clamping force, which makes them very easy to wear for hours at a time.
Although the ATH-AD700X don’t offer the same kind of sound isolation as their closed-back counterparts, they’re still very respectable. Their 45 mm neodymium drivers are comparable to those in higher-end models and deliver outstanding performance for well under $200. Unfortunately, the bass response isn’t as deep as other models in this price range, but they’re still an excellent option for the budget-conscious producer.
Their open design means that you will be able to wear these headphones comfortably while being aware of your surroundings–making them a popular choice for monitoring during live music performances or DJ sets. If you need an affordable pair of open-ear monitors for monitoring during a live performance, the Audio Technica ATH-AD700X is an excellent choice.
Pros:
- High-quality sound
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Great value for the price
Cons:
- The open design means noise is audible in your environment, even at low volumes.
- Needs a headphone amplifier to sound their best
ASIN: B009S332TQ
Buy on Amazon.com
Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X
Audio-Technica’s ATH-AD500X headphones are another pair that combines affordability with excellent sound quality. Their 50 mm drivers produce high-fidelity sound, especially when paired with a headphone amplifier.
Their lightweight construction makes them comfortable for hours of use, and the three-meter cable has an in-line microphone so you can easily take calls while you’re working.
Unfortunately, these headphones don’t have a detachable cable, which is a drawback in the eyes of some users. However, they still offer great value for your money and are among the best open-ear headphones under $200.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Great sound quality for the price
Cons:
- The open design means noise is audible in your environment, even at low volumes.
- Limits mobility due to the long cable
ASIN: B009S333U4
Buy on Amazon.com
Best for Audiophiles: Audio-Technica ATH-R70x
The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x are arguably the best open-ear headphones under $400. They’re part of the brand’s Professional Monitor Series, making them ideal for recording and mixing purposes.
These headphones produce high fidelity sound thanks to their 45 mm drivers, which offer enough detail to make subtle changes in your mix. Their closed-back design reduces unwanted noise and helps create a more accurate bass response.
Their circumaural (over-ear) design is also very comfortable, thanks to the headband’s low clamping pressure. And despite their large size, they’re incredibly lightweight and won’t cause fatigue during long mixing sessions.
Pros:
- Great value for the price
- High-quality sound
- Extremely comfortable design with a low clamping pressure
Cons:
- The open design means noise is audible in your environment, even at low volumes
- May lack the sonic accuracy required for professional mixing and mastering
ASIN: B00SKVNS00
Buy on Amazon.com
Best for Professionals: Audio-Technica AUD ATHAD1000X
The Audio-Technica ATHAD1000X is part of the Japanese brand’s professional monitor series, making them great for studio work and DJing.
They’re also one of the few open-ear headphones on the market to boast a three-way driver design, which works well with their large 53 mm drivers. The result is an immersive listening experience with accurate highs, smooth mids, and deep bass.
Unfortunately, their large size doesn’t allow them to fold up like many other open-ear headphones in this price range. But you’ll be able to appreciate the sound quality when working with your favorite instruments or DJing at a gig.
Pros:
- High-fidelity sound
- Comfortable design with ample padding on the earcups and headband
- Three-way driver design adds to their sonic accuracy
Cons:
- The open design means noise is audible in your environment, even at low volumes.
- Large size limits mobility and makes them unsuitable for portable use.
ASIN: B009S330O8
Buy on Amazon.com
Why You Should Buy Audio-Technica Open-Ear Headphones on Amazon
There are several reasons why audio professionals and amateurs alike should consider buying their open-ear headphones on Amazon.com:
1. Wide selection of top brands and products
With more than a hundred million products, you’re guaranteed to find the best open-ear headphones for your needs by browsing through more than one thousand available options on Amazon’s website.
And if you’re having trouble choosing between multiple headphones, you can always take advantage of Amazon’s treasure trove of customer reviews and feedback to get a better understanding of each product before placing your order.
2. Free shipping on a lot of items
Whether you need the Audio-Technica open-ear headphones for yourself or as a gift, you can get free shipping on many items when buying through Amazon.
3. Great customer support
You’re not just guaranteed to find great deals and offers on Amazon’s website; you’ll also be happy to know that the e-commerce giant has one of the best customer support teams in the world (if not THE best).
Why? Because Amazon’s customer care is easy to access and responsive, even on weekends and holidays.
For instance, if you want to inquire about an order before it arrives at your doorstep, you can contact the company through its toll-free phone number or email address.
And once you’ve made your purchase, Amazon’s customer support personnel will be more than happy to help you out with any issues so long as it’s within the 30-day return window.
Just be sure to check if the product is eligible for free returns before dropping your order so you can maximise your savings even more!
