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Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

Ranked #6 of 6 in Best Closed-Back Studio Headphones for Recording and Mixing (2026). Here is every spec we scored, where it came from, and how it compares.

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#6

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

Best for: A lighter, simpler sibling of the M50x

6.6/10

What we like

  • 240 g, the lightest pair here
  • 35 Ω, easy to drive

Watch out for

  • 40 mm drivers
  • Narrower published treble range than the M50x

Score breakdown

Low-frequency limit 25%
High-frequency limit 15%
Weight (no cable) 25%
Impedance 20%
Driver size 15%
Low-frequency limit15 Hz
High-frequency limit24 kHz
Weight (no cable)240 g
Impedance35 Ω
Driver size40 mm
TypeClosed-back, dynamic
Sensitivity98 dB
PriceCheck price
Check price at Sweetwater Guitar CenterAmazon
Specs source:

How it compares

Open the full comparison table

AKG K371
9.2/10
#1 · Portable mixing with big drivers and a foldable design
beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO (80 Ω)
7.8/10
#2 · Long sessions where comfort and deep bass matter
Sennheiser HD 280 PRO
6.8/10
#3 · Drummers and loud rooms that need isolation
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
6.7/10
#4 · An all-rounder for recording, mixing and everyday listening
Sony MDR-7506
6.7/10
#5 · Tracking vocals and editing on a budget