Best Headphones Under $100!!! - Audio Technica ATH-M40X vs. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

This video is focused on the best headphones under $100, comparing the the Audio Technica ATH-M40X to the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro's.
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BEST HEADPHONES UNDER $100 (Amazon US Links):
🎧 Audio-Technica ATH-M40X - amzn.to/380at8R
🎧 Sennheiser HD 280 Pro - amzn.to/3n47SPt
BEST HEADPHONES UNDER $100 (Sweetwater Links):
🎧 Audio-Technica ATH-M40X - bit.ly/3AwaInN
🎧 Sennheiser HD 280 Pro - bit.ly/3lATSQ7
BEST HEADPHONES UNDER $100 (Amazon UK Links):
🎧 Audio-Technica ATH-M40X - amzn.to/2Uz59FD
🎧 Sennheiser HD 280 Pro - amzn.to/3eJ8okK
The BEST XLR CABLES to connect your gear:
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◽ Mogami Gold XLR Cable - bit.ly/38eeWFH
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🕑 TIME STAMPS:
00:00 - Intro
01:15 - What's in the box? (Accessories)
03:22 - Comfort
05:42 - Sound Quality
06:59 - Final Overall Ratings
08:52 - Outro
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#Headphones #AudioTechnica #Sennheiser
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[@EdwardSmithMusic]

BEST HEADPHONES UNDER $100 (Amazon US Links): 🎧 Audio-Technica ATH-M40X - amzn.to/380at8R 🎧 Sennheiser HD 280 Pro - amzn.to/3n47SPt

[@JayGoreGuitar]

I'm curious why nobody who reviews over-ear closed-back headphones never measure the amount of bleed? I bought the HD280 specifically because when I record acoustic guitars or singers I didn't hear any playback bleed from the headphones into the microphone. For people with studios this is a very important attribute....having no bleed. I have a pair of the very popular Sony MDR V6, they have terrible bleed. The microphone picks up the playback when they're near an open microphone.

[@pkeaton1]

I got a pair of the m40x after seeing your review a few months back , I am totally satisfied with them, Thanks for all of your great reviews.

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Great to hear that! Thanks for watching my videos!

[@leonarddukessr775]

just got in off marketplace fb for $42w. $&h included, Sennheiser over the ear Momentum hd1 oh my god , the symphonized wraith 2.0 is coming. $25.00 ?? good ??

[@rvvinayak2243]

Are they still going strong?

[@pkeaton1]

@@rvvinayak2243 They were great until they fell off my desk. Not repairable. I will get another one.

[@DienPhillips]

Was the sound bleed good or bad for tracking (recording vocals)?

[@Chefboyarcezz]

I have both of these I been using the 285’s for at least 7 years and recently switched over to the M40’s all I can really say is it’s all about training your ear to translate the same vibe and sound into a pair of monitors or regular apple headphones because that’s what most people use to listen to music and the car as well. If you can get used to the sound of your headphones and get good at identifying the frequencies with the range they come with then it’s game over

[@armando.visuals]

Hope you see this. This is exactly what ive been thinking. So in this case even just editing with regular apple cord headphones will do me just as good if im only doing it for social media? sounds silly i know but also in a weird way makes sense?

[@durrantmiller8810]

Having owned the m40x I would disagree saying they are flat there is quite a large bump in the mid bass.the sennheiser have a bump in the subbass but generally that is where you would like a bit more

[@somenmondal2965]

A helpful review

[@HiPickle]

just found some 280's at thrift store for 9 bucks I actually have the m40x already I like them both the 280 sound a lot brighter both good for making music!

[@bernardussamuel8445]

I got my self second hand Ath M40x from my friend in Church and I really loved it.

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Awesome!!

[@Level-333]

Can the Audio Technicas be used for just listening to music off an iPhone? I’m looking for some stellar headphones that will sound good in that regard.

[@marlonm396]

@Edward, great video and solid comparison as i am looking to replace my Audio-Technica ATH-M50X for something else. I use them to listen to music out of my Yamaha receiver so i am looking for something that is much better in the similar price range. Your feedback is appreciated. Thank you.

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@angelopablo7372]

Yey! New comparison video! Btw, i love it that you two have the same time on posting new videos

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Thanks man!!

[@mohdAhsan79]

“Comfort on the ear cushions is very very good as well“ #1:40 for M40 whereas later in video you tell that “hardish ear cushions” at #4:11. Btw which one would be better for normal home Multi purpose use ?

[@SEDWINMUSIC]

I love this review! Now money is all i need hahahhaa

[@felipesote]

Which one is better for electronic drums? Isolation and overall sound for drums

[@JChrisX]

Totally agree, just got my ATH M40x's and I can say it is more balanced and overall worth the price. It's the best option of studio headphones to choose from the many headphones out there if you are in the 100 dollar budget range. I would also suggest that one should consider investing in replacement ear cushions/ear pads to replace the stock leather ones for an extra amount of comfort.

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

I agree!! Replace the ear cups for that extra comfort!!

[@aviatedviewssound4798]

@@EdwardSmithMusic replace the Sennheiser earpads with velour pad and watch the sound be more alive than the m40x since the earpads are worse and trash compared to the m40x which affect the sound very badly and you can also use equalizer apo for windows to equalize it to make it fit the Harman curve something you cannot do as all the mx series distort all over the frequency range the best bet is to buy a clean headphone and change the cheap earpads with one from dakoni or brainwavz specially a velour one would work to get rid of the veiled sound they bring, if you're looking for mixing quality it's one of the best that outperform almost every headphone in the price range after these little modifications i know after changing the earpads, i am audiophile and i know what i am talking about these are the settings i was using before if you're using the pads that came with it just tell me after you've bought the velour pads so i can sent you a setting for them: Preamp: -5.6 dB Filter: ON PK Fc 20 Hz Gain 5.5 dB Q 1.2 Filter: ON PK Fc 50 Hz Gain -1.7 dB Q 0.5 Filter: ON PK Fc 130 Hz Gain 7.5 dB Q 2.5 Filter: ON PK Fc 1050 Hz Gain -2.3 dB Q 1.5 Filter: ON PK Fc 3300 Hz Gain 5.4 dB Q 2.7 Filter: ON PK Fc 3500 Hz Gain 2 dB Q 1 Filter: ON PK Fc 5100 Hz Gain 6 dB Q 3 Filter: ON PK Fc 7300 Hz Gain -3.5 dB Q 2.1 Filter: ON PK Fc 8500 Hz Gain 1.5 dB Q 2.3 Filter: ON PK Fc 15000 Hz Gain 4 dB Q 1.7 also some of my recommendation elites microphone that i have tested: Low THD Headphones under 1% below 100Hz: Audeze LCD-24 (Open-back) Neumann NDH 20 (Closed-back) [Replace suede earpads with velour or hybrid earpads to reduce high mids scoop] Low THD Headphones under 2% below 100Hz: Sennheiser HD 280 Pro MKII (Closed-back) [Replace fake leather earpads with velour earpads to reduce high mids scoop] Low THD Headphones under 4% below 100Hz: Audio-Technica ATH-R70x (Open-back) [Replace velour earpads with hybrid earpads to add lows and reduce high peaks] Shure SRH1540 (Open-back) Sennheiser HD 300 Pro (Closed-back) [Replace suede earpads with velour earpads to reduce high mids scoop] Hybrid for more sub Velour for more treble also it's the only affordable closed back headphone that sounds open back after changing the earpads and more wide after equalizing it the other one i know is very expensive and is the Neumann NDH 20.

[@aviatedviewssound4798]

@@EdwardSmithMusic also Sennheiser sacrificed build quality for sound quality but the consumer has to look for it by changing some parts based on the frequency spectrum.

[@christopherdavis1860]

Is there any ear cushion in particular you'd recommend for that extra comfort? As of now, that's the only thing holding me back from buying an M40X or M50X .

[@JChrisX]

@@christopherdavis1860 yes. The brainwavz earpad cushions are actually good. I recommend those

[@SuperAswinraj]

Among these two which one is good for tone editing?

[@tabarnacle12]

I changed the pads on my ath m40x(geekria angle pads) comfort is night an day.happy if this could help you.

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Thanks for the tip!

[@ethanvillanueva6725]

How about if you just want tolisten some music which one is better?

[@dornalaramesh]

Hi , EDWARDS could please suggest me the best ear phones noise canceling, which I wanna use on my iPhone round pin . The Bose has stopped the product of noise canceling ear phones ,, do you suggest me similar high quality ear phones. Please , not the head phones , I want simple wired earphones with mic , thank you 🙏

[@christopherguzman9524]

Which ones best for e drums?

[@sobrangitm]

I really enjoyed this review! My only concern is that in your "5 Best Music Studio Headphones for Music Production" video you actually ranked the Sennheiser 280's above the Audio Technica M40's, so I'm curious about how that changed for you from that review to this one? Aside from that great review and I'm looking forward to more! 👍🏾

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Thanks man!! I’ve actually been testing these M40X’s out a lot lately, and when I put the HD280 pros back in again, I just wasn’t impressed anymore. These M40X really changed my mind overtime 😂

[@sobrangitm]

@@EdwardSmithMusic ah ok that makes sense! Thanks so much for the reply! Thanks to your reviews I think I'm pretty set on getting the M40X's 🙏🏾 take care!

[@kalanimoeai584]

@@EdwardSmithMusic 280 better

[@_Davyid_]

Which headset is more comfortable?

[@baronvonlichtenstein]

I still like the M40s and Sony MRD7506 the best. Have some AKG and Beyer 770 80 ohms, and still prefer the Sony and AT. The M40X already seem to have a minor bass boost so more would be too much.

[@sonlehoang03]

in your experince, do you find the ath m40x hinge really that fragile like many people said ?

[@gregkrazanski]

i've had 2 break on my at hte hinge so far. trying to research a different headphone

[@saronmanikv]

Good review...

[@nbrod3n516]

I can only speak for the M40X after having them for 3 years, both hinges have snapped and are now held together with cable ties, the "leather" headband has completely disintegrated. They still sound great though lol.

[@BadmonKen]

My 280 Pros leather on the ear cups and headband definitely peeled after 4 years but they’re still intact , I’m picking up some M40Xs soon

Do you know how much decibels of noise cancellations the headphones handle? Thanks

[@Ron4president09]

280 pro is 35 db

[@nachiketajeyaraman5674]

I got the hd280's Simply love'em Extremely comfy and I find the sound better than even the m50x's under certain circumstances

[@aviatedviewssound4798]

use equalizer apo and apply these eq setting for the default earpads that came with it and you'll be surprised sennheiser suprised me with this one regarding sound quality also you can change the earpad with velour for incredible sound quality and very big soundstage almost open back alike when you run it with a very good headphone amp. Preamp: -5.6 dB Filter: ON PK Fc 20 Hz Gain 5.5 dB Q 1.2 Filter: ON PK Fc 50 Hz Gain -1.7 dB Q 0.5 Filter: ON PK Fc 130 Hz Gain 7.5 dB Q 2.5 Filter: ON PK Fc 1050 Hz Gain -2.3 dB Q 1.5 Filter: ON PK Fc 3300 Hz Gain 5.4 dB Q 2.7 Filter: ON PK Fc 3500 Hz Gain 2 dB Q 1 Filter: ON PK Fc 5100 Hz Gain 6 dB Q 3 Filter: ON PK Fc 7300 Hz Gain -3.5 dB Q 2.1 Filter: ON PK Fc 8500 Hz Gain 1.5 dB Q 2.3 Filter: ON PK Fc 15000 Hz Gain 4 dB Q 1.7 create a txt file and drop it in it and rename it to the name of the headphone after put it in this location C:\Program Files\EqualizerAPO\config then load it in the app you can watch tutorial regarding this matter.

[@kalanimoeai584]

@@aviatedviewssound4798 ok

[@ChrisBessy]

yes, something so natural in the mids ..... the ATH dont have this thing.

[@ChrisBessy]

it's not difficult, the m50x sounds horrible. People buy them because lot's of youtubers use them. I prefer my m40x for the comfort and for the sound. I love my hd600 and my hd280. Sennheiser has something natural in the sound ...... :)

[@21recordsmix]

​@@ChrisBessyso i have m40x Can you advise me to upgrade to the hd280 pro or not I m using them for tracking

[@shimgadget2938]

Cool.

[@big-smoke-rc]

I've never seen someone rate down some studio headphones because they weren't bassy enough 😂. They have one of the flattest responses of almost all headphones in this price bracket.. that's the point.

[@philipjoshua274]

Nice Review Edward Smith...😊👍

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Thanks!!

[@ksahu9243]

Biggest war 🔥🔥

[@adamgh0]

HD 280 Pro's have zero low end. They're like like wearing Simon Cowell on your head. Honest A.F.

[@jeffharmse]

you making me feel better ab my decision i thought i fucked up lol

[@jeffharmse]

@@user-vw6bk4pb4l The 280 pros cause there was a deal on them they are really nice tho i was skeptical

[@poulwinther]

Natural (flat) low end doesn't mean zero. It just means they are good - and rare.

[@EthaSound]

Not since version two came out. They sound 200% better than the original version.

[@stehpzy1141]

I’m gonna trust you on this one, I’ll buy the AudioTechnica headphone. Thanks mate

[@RexyFan]

How have they been for you so far ??

[@stehpzy1141]

@@RexyFan Bro, They’re fantastic man. Trust me when I say that. I bought the M50X sounds so pro.

[@stehpzy1141]

@@user-vw6bk4pb4l Yes you’re right about the comfortability. Sounds are not very neutral. Musicians use them to mix and master sounds. If you’re using them for music then they’re really great. It’s got a good amount of bass actually.

[@Sekkiex]

So are the m40x better than the 280 pro? i am between these two will be my first pair of studio headphones.

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

I would go for the M40X if I had to pick

[@Sekkiex]

@@EdwardSmithMusic ty

[@astrangeandmysteriouspodca7168]

I have both…and for recording vocals the 280 seal the best for no headphone bleed. I prefer the sound of the hd 280s also.

[@ChrisBessy]

@@astrangeandmysteriouspodca7168 hello .... and to have a good mix ... wich one ? :)

[@astrangeandmysteriouspodca7168]

@@ChrisBessy HD 280.

[@DadsBoyz]

My sennheiser 380’s are trashed now from the cable being damaged where it connects to the headphones. Going with the AT’s!!! If it weren’t for my big ears…ahhhh! I’m torn between the two….

[@valenciavb]

My opinion about these two headphone, audio Technica rule it. I've bought it for a long time, it's comfortable and it's balance is well balance. And Edward review it , and it's really good headphone review. ❤️❤️❤️

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

I agree!! Thanks for watching man!!

[@MRbeqa100]

How do you think which sounds closer to the source? Also i wanna know which separates instruments better

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

These aren’t the headphones you’re looking for. Get the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pros for better instrument separation 💪🏻

[@MRbeqa100]

@@EdwardSmithMusic I have a major design problem with DT 770 Pro, mostly exposed cables around ear cups and non detachable cable, I can't live with it

[@Juanvl143]

M40x vs dt240 pro?

[@SPotter1973]

The squeeze relaxes. Then Sennheiser get better with age.

[@alfonsbarcelon]

Please do Samson SR850 vs M40xs or AKG open back headphones

[@Jason75913]

M40x wins

[@jobimboy]

i have ath m40x and tried sonar, m40x is close to flat frequency.

[@alphapolarfrequency2787]

I am Now listening from Sennheiser HD 215 it can be used as for studio and i am using it for more then 5yrs. The cushion are good but very much sweating after some time.

[@princenihalvlogs9345]

Please make a video of best studio monitor

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

I have a few videos on Studio Monitors… but I’ll see what I can do 👌🏻

[@Jason75913]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIebZHaKrb6hpZo

[@masterloot]

Anyone know, bluetooth headphones, with fabric earpads that don't cost $1000

[@ianirvine414]

I found this video very informative however I would use headphones just for listening to music. When mixing music I would definitely use speakers not headphones.

[@Kabomjamoh]

Which is the best headphone for vocal recording in iphone

[@h-dawg6462]

you should really use a microphone not a headphone for vocal recording!! 😆

[@Kabomjamoh]

@@h-dawg6462 then which earphone would you prefer

[@OGICEE]

Am here🔥🔥

[@Keli_mafuyu]

I would be happy to get any one of em... But after watching this video. I know what i should go for

[@kaistudio8229]

i use Ath m40x, it is a good headphone but the comfort issue kill me

[@ChrisBessy]

for me the m40x is comfortable, but not the m50x.....

[@kaistudio8229]

@@ChrisBessy agreed, i mean if we compare with other headphones

[@princenihalvlogs9345]

Best studio monitor ( Kali lp 6 or Adam t7v or Hs 7 ) ??

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

I would go HS7 👌🏻

[@princenihalvlogs9345]

Thank you......

[@sn0rbaard]

I find the ATH-M40x's hella uncomfortable compared to all other over-ear headphones that I've tried, they're pinching my ears and I have small ears. That and the fact that they don't have a good frequency response and harsh high's really turns me off.

[@bradneumannusa]

Everything comes with experience. I'll give you my opinion: there are no harsh high frequencies (it’s more about 50 than 40); I have small ears and I don't feel any discomfort. There are no truly flat headphones, just like there are no completely flat studio monitors. What AT brings and offers for the money is more than unique and sufficient. Of course, everything is subjective, so I'm not judging or urging you to do anything.

[@mahympoverzzz1106]

What are your thoughts about sony mdr7506?

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

They are okay… they are really uncomfortable for me to be honest… but the sound is decent 👌🏻

[@ChrisBessy]

when i listen on other supports my final mixes ..... i always prefer my mix with m40x.

[@soulfulmusictime3315]

Mixing using the sennheiser 280 pro do not translate well in other systems. So avoid the 280 pro for mixing and mastering.

[@ChrisBessy]

not for me .... I have the m40x, the sony and the hd280... when I use the hd280, my mix translate very good in my car and other supports. For me the only one problem with them is the hollow in the bass around 150Hz. (I use the new version).

[@Kabomjamoh]

@@ChrisBessyplease can you tell which is the best headphone for voice recording in iphone mobile

[@ChrisBessy]

@@Kabomjamoh idk i only work in my home studio on my fl studio. i never record voices.... but for the price the sony 7506 is good and in many studio.... the m40x is good too, sound is different.... depend what you want and your budget ? :)

[@Kabomjamoh]

@@ChrisBessy ok thanks for replying

[@apaulmarshall]

7:15 you said "under 800 dollars" 😜

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

“Under a $100” 😂

[@mmjackk]

@@EdwardSmithMusic Not a big deal at all. I heard it too. Maybe you would want to make a change so that you are more clear to certain people in the future. If you shorten the "a" and get it closer to "hundred", it would sound a lot closer to what it should.

[@johnc1867]

@mmjack lol then why comment after he clarified already. I honestly didn't think he said "800" I heard a hundred. Not like the video title clarified this or anything... But thanks for your lesson on how to say a hundred with an accent

[@mmjackk]

@@johnc1867 I didn't mean to disrespect. I just wanted to help.

[@johnc1867]

@mmjack Generally speaking people don't all pronounce words the same and may even speak another language all together believe it or not. so I would say it is wise to not comment on things like that. Also, it's annoying lol peace ✌️ I wasn't trying to be rude or anything I am just trying to help... See what I mean 😉 @@mmjackk

[@jirka87]

What is this hat on your head ? It looks like you have medieval castle on your head. Do you have make-up also????

[@Romul099]

Audio wins for detachable cable

[@sanumarma]

Last day I bought audio technica ATH M40X.

[@user-jz1xi2vm9m]

its subjective

[@thewildcardASMR]

Had these headphones over a year….nice sound but it’s simply not loud enough. 100% volume plugged into my Switch & sounds like it’s at 40% max- awful.

[@gintozlato1880]

That's because your switch (like any other mobile device) is not powerful enough for headhpones like these

[@dannyxp506]

Is that an sa accent

[@jinraigami3349]

Maybe because I connected them to my MacBook directly, they sound terrible.

[@reactionboi1825]

I go for M40x

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Best pick 💪🏻

[@Shamann]

what about keyboard :)

[@Demonutzz]

it's the huh duh 280's by senn

[@freedom6046]

Under 100 bucks? Paid 210 for ath m40x dunno why americans complain about economy honestly.

[@JR-lx8nn]

Sheesh ... nothing much here. JR