Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

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$102.00 to $218.99 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (166)

5 Critic Reviews

32 Reviews

Find out who is using Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

11 community setups

12 wishlisted

422 saved

Page last updated Jul 07, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 10 stores. Prices updated July 7, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

4.5 (144)

$109.00

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4.5 (23)

$109.00

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5.0 (5)

$218.99

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5.0 (36)

$103.54 66 available New

$92.22 4 available Used

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4.0 (32)

$109.00

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4.5 (8)

$109.00

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4.6 (159)

$109.00

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4.6 (905)

$105.00 $102.00 $3.00 · All time low

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£106.50

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5.0 (1)

$109.00

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Average Price: $117

Standard/Professional

$100

$301+

Price Tier

In the Headphones & In-Ear Monitors category, Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Audio-Technica ATH-M40x". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Capture every nuance of your music with the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x, a pair of professional headphones designed for the discerning musician, DJ, producer, or audio engineer. Crafted to deliver a flat, accurate sound, these headphones ensure a balanced, articulate acoustic experience, enabling you to make critical mixing and tracking decisions with confidence.

The ATH-M40x is engineered with 40mm neodymium drivers, which provide a wide and flat frequency range. The circumaural design contours around the ears for superior isolation in loud environments, enabling you to fully immerse yourself in the music. The earcups have the added feature of a 90-degree swivel, allowing for one-ear monitoring, a useful feature for DJs and audio engineers.

Built to meet the rigorous demands of professional use, the ATH-M40x is stress-tested to withstand continuous use and transport. The detachable cables and collapsible frame make it highly portable, transitioning seamlessly from the studio to wherever your work takes you.

Key Features:

40mm drivers with rare-earth neodymium magnets for accurate sound reproduction
Wide frequency range of 15Hz-24kHz for detailed audio across all levels
Circumaural design for excellent isolation in loud environments
90-degree swiveling earcups for easy one-ear monitoring
Durable construction, designed for continuous professional use
Includes a 3m straight cable and a 1.2m-3m coiled cable, providing flexibility for different use cases
Comes with a carrying pouch and a 1/4" screw-on adapter.

Product specs

Available since	February 2014
Design	Over-Ear
System	Closed Back
Impedance	35 Ohms
Frequency range	15 Hz – 24000 Hz
Adaptor	Yes
Replaceable Cable	Yes
Colour	Black
Max. SPL	97 dB
Sensitivity	97 dB
Type Of Connector	Mini Jack
Adapter	1
Weight	241 g
Replacable Cable	1

FAQs

Are the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x headphones suitable for studio monitoring?: Yes, the ATH-M40x headphones are designed for studio monitoring with a flat frequency response, providing accurate audio reproduction across an extended frequency range.
Do the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x headphones provide good sound isolation?: The ATH-M40x features a closed-back design, which offers excellent sound isolation, making them ideal for use in noisy environments or for focused studio work.
Can the cables on the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x be replaced?: Yes, the ATH-M40x headphones come with detachable cables, allowing for easy replacement or swapping with different cable types.
What is the impedance of the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x headphones, and why does it matter?: The ATH-M40x headphones have an impedance of 35 Ohms, which means they can be easily driven by most consumer audio devices without requiring additional amplification.
Are the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x headphones comfortable for long listening sessions?: The ATH-M40x headphones are designed with professional-grade earpad and headband material, providing comfort for extended listening sessions.

Videos

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Marques Brownlee

Audio Technica ATH-M50X Review!

Marques Brownlee

Here's Why Audio-Technica's M40x is Better vs M50x (Review + Comparison)

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Audio-Technica ATH M40x Review

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Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Headphone Review

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Studio Headphone Review: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

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Audio-Technica ATH M40X - Review

askdrtk

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Review: Best Neutral Sounding Headphones! 👇💥

Audio Advisor

Reviews

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PROS

Fantastic sound quality, with crisp highs and true bass
Comfortable for extended use, suitable for everyday headphones
Sturdy, well-built, and lightweight design
Includes two types of detachable cables for versatility
Provides accurate sound reproduction across the spectrum
Good isolation for recording environments
Affordable price point with excellent value
Better sound performance compared to more expensive models
Neutral sound profile ideal for mixing and mastering
Comes with a carry pouch for portability

CONS

Pivoting earpieces can be bothersome for some users
Not the most extreme range of signals for audiophiles
Plastic construction feels fragile, prone to breaking at swivel points
Can be tight and cause discomfort after hours of continuous wear
Folding mechanism has light resistance, may fold unintentionally
Lower durability compared to more expensive or rugged models
Some users report physical fatigue from ear cup pressure
Not ideal for DJing, as they are somewhat fragile
Sound may cut out when adjusting fit on the head
Bass not as emphasized, may not suit all listening preferences

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Audio-Technica ATH-M40x.

User experience

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Owners report that the ATH-M40x headphones handle high volumes well without distortion in the highs, maintaining clarity and precision.
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Listeners express that the ATH-M40x may inadvertently highlight flaws in mixing due to its detailed resolution, potentially impacting the enjoyment of certain tracks.
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Some users experience discomfort due to tight clamping force, but this may lessen over time or with a smaller head size.
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Comparisons

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For mixing purposes, open-back headphones like the Sennheiser HD650 are suggested over the M40x for better transparency and accuracy in sound representation.
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Some users find the M40x's sound presentation unemotional, suggesting the ATH-M50x for more lively and enjoyable listening, especially for bass-heavy tracks.
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Velour pads like those from Sound Professionals can improve comfort but significantly reduce isolation, making them less suitable for noisy environments.
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The ATH-M40x is said to be superior to the ATH-M50x as a studio monitor, offering better value at a lower price point.
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Features and functionality

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It's noted that the ATH-M40x headphones offer significant clarity, enabling listeners to perceive channel separation and musical nuances often missed on other systems.
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The ATH-M40x headphones exhibit a punchy bass and clean sound when used with a computer; however, bass is noticeably lacking when paired with a phone.
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The ATH-M40x's stock configuration is generally adequate, with potential issues arising more from modification than from the original setup.
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Use cases and applications

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Owners note that the ATH-M40x headphones reveal intricate details in tracks like "Let's Dance" by Bowie, showcasing hidden drum beats and sneaky lyrics in various songs.
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Users note effective sound isolation and reduced sound leakage with Yaxi pads, enabling higher volume listening in public settings like buses without disturbing others.
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Users have noted the ATH-M40x excels in rock music, with midrange clarity, and performs well for both music listening and gaming.
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Build quality

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Some users experienced channel imbalance issues after extended use, indicating a potential weak point in durability over time.
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The ATH-M40x headphones are noted for their robust construction, described as "built like a tank," which may offer better durability than the K361/K371 models.
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Mods and upgrades

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Yaxi STPads are recommended for enhancing comfort and slightly improving sound without drastically altering the stock sound signature.
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Brainwavz pads are recommended for significantly improved comfort, though excessively thick pads can alter sound and stress the headband.
Source

Critic Reviews

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x review: Stellar studio headphones - SoundGuys

soundguys.com

The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x headphones offer impressive sound quality and durability for under $100, making them a stellar choice for budget-conscious audio professionals. With a clear, versatile frequency response and a sturdy build, these headphones do well in studio settings. However, they come with drawbacks like bulkiness, heat-retaining ear pads, and just average isolation. While not as refined as higher-end models, the ATH-M40x delivers exceptional value, though users should be aware of its design limitations. Overall, these are a solid pick for those prioritizing sound over frills.

positive

Full Review

Audio Technica ATH-M40x Review: Please Stay Away - Home Studio Basics

homestudiobasics.com

The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x headphones initially impress but quickly reveal significant shortcomings. While marketed as studio monitors, their sound profile is anything but neutral, with muddled bass bleeding into the mids and a treble that feels metallic and artificial. Build quality is a concern, as the design is prone to breakage, particularly at the hinge, and the overall construction feels flimsy compared to the more robust ATH-M50x. Comfort is also lacking, with tight clamping force and pads that get hot and sweaty over time. Despite being easy to drive and portable, the M40x fails to deliver a convincing audio experience. Opt for the M50x or other alternatives for better performance.

negative

Full Review

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Review - RTINGS.com

rtings.com

The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x headphones deliver impressive studio-quality sound with a robust build, making them a solid choice for neutral sound enthusiasts. However, they fall short in noise isolation, lacking any audio control options or wireless functionality. These headphones are comfortable for casual listening but aren't ideal for commuting or sports due to their limited noise-blocking capabilities and bulkiness. While they excel in sound quality, especially in the bass, mid, and treble ranges, their closed-back design restricts the soundstage. Overall, they are a decent choice for audiophiles who prioritize sound quality over convenience.

neutral

Full Review

Audio-Technica ATH-M40X Review after Months of Use! - THR

thehomerecordings.com

The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x headphones deliver impressive sound quality with a flat frequency response ideal for mixing and recording, all at a budget-friendly price under $100. The build quality is commendable, and despite their size and weight, they remain comfortable over extended use. However, they lack features like Bluetooth or a built-in mic and use a proprietary cable which might require costly replacements. Ideal for studio use, they might feel 'dull' to those used to consumer headphones, but they excel in providing an accurate audio reproduction. A top choice for affordable closed-back headphones.

positive

Full Review

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Review: Affordable Studio Headphones For Every Creator — Sypnotix

sypnotix.com

The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x headphones are a budget-friendly contender for studio use, boasting excellent sound quality with minimal leakage. While they excel in delivering crisp, accurate audio, and comfortable fit after breaking in, the lack of active noise cancellation and their initial tightness might deter some users. Despite these minor setbacks, they offer great value for creators seeking reliable and versatile headphones under $100.

positive

Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 32 Reviews and 166 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

el_monje

569

over 1 year ago

The headphones for monitoring!

Useful, balanced, perfect for mixing, maybe a little uncomfortable for wearing but they do their job, don't expect a "bassy" sound because they aren't made for that, just studio use.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Composer

Genres:

Rock Indie rock Progressive rock

From Gear Setup

djota

438

almost 3 years ago

You can't go wrong with these

This is the best headphone you can get for the money. Punches far beyond its price point and even sounds more accurate than the ATH M50x (had a pair of those and the bass was too much and the high end was too fatiguing for me). For real these headphones translate the mix on another level, if it sounds good in those, its gonna sound good in real life!

Preferred Settings + Usage:

20-30% volume gonna give the best translation and least fatigue, but check out the mix at 40-50% too.

Roles:

Music Producer DJ

Genres:

Electronic Electronica Dance music

marek_s

451

almost 4 years ago

Great studio headphones 🎧

They are very neutral sounding pair of headphones great for mastering and mixing tracks. I even heard that for this specific reason some ppl favors this model over a M50x.

I also use them when playing guitar at home since they cover my ears nicely, and there is no background noise to bother me.

Detachable cable, good build quality and decent price.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist

Genres:

Rock Psychedelic rock Post-rock

liam_phillips

787

over 8 years ago

AWESOME!

Good, entry level headphones for mixing. They have a pretty flat frequency response and are great for recording too. If you have the money, I would personally save up for a better pair of headphones or studio monitors, but if you are starting out, or in need of a pair of headphones for reference or recording, get these.

alixhale

105

over 5 years ago

Great quality!

Great quality headphones, for a very generous price. Really good for mixing and producing.

dave_knepper

over 9 years ago

Sounds great

Apart from lacking in very low end (just the nature of the diaphragm, not a flaw in design) these headphones are amazing. They're very comfortable, sound good, and have flexible features. I highly recommend them for general usage (I do sound design as well as some mixing with them).

ncorbanmusic

over 5 years ago

Great sound quality and comfort

This is my first pair of decent headphones for music production, and they have performed exceptionally so far. It has a balanced sound and is comfortable to wear for hours on end.

vismundcygnus

572

over 10 years ago

Great headphones, and even cheaper than the m-50's

The m40x's are supposed to be even flatter than the m-50's. I've been using them as my second pair of headphones for a while now and i have no complaints. They sound great and the build quality is good. I like the detachable cable. I bought these for clients to use then they come over and record.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Drummer

Genres:

Rock Folk, World, & Country Funk / Soul

launchsix

over 6 years ago

Amazing

All in all, the best pair of phones I've ever owned... Which isn't saying much because I previously used Apple EarPods to do production. BUT! They have amazing frequency range and everything is flatmate, so no boosts or ducks.

Roles:

Music Producer DJ

Genres:

Electronic Dubstep Edm