Audio-Technica ATH-M60X On-Ear Closed-Back Dynamic Professional Studio Review

The Audio-Technica ATH-M60X are a purpose-built tool, not an everyday headphone. They deliver accurate, flat sound perfect for studio monitoring, but lack comfort, wireless, and a usable mic. Only worth it if you need a durable, wired reference monitor.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M60X are wired, on-ear studio monitors built for a specific job. They're not trying to be your everyday wireless headphones. They're tuned for clarity and accurate bass, which is studio-speak for 'you hear what's actually there, not what sounds fun.'

That means they're a tool first. The closed-back, on-ear design isolates sound, and you get three detachable cables in the box. They're built to be durable and simple, which is great if your priority is a reliable pair of headphones for mixing or tracking.

Let's be clear: these are not all-rounders. Their sound quality lands in the 25th percentile in our database, which sounds low, but that's because they're competing against consumer headphones tuned for excitement. For their intended purpose—accurate monitoring—they're solid. The 45mm drivers deliver a flat response, so you get clarity without boosted bass or sizzly highs. The weak spot is the microphone, scoring a dismal 10/100 for calls, so don't buy these for Zoom meetings.

At around $241, you're paying for a professional tool, not a feature-packed consumer gadget. You're not getting ANC, Bluetooth, or a great mic. You are getting a reliable, no-frills monitor built to last. If you need a wired pair for studio work or critical listening, the value is there. If you want an everyday headphone for music, movies, and calls, you can get a much better all-in-one package for the same money.

This is where the M60X's purpose becomes crystal clear. Compared to the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Apple AirPods Max, you're trading every modern convenience (wireless, ANC, transparency mode, great mics) for pure, wired audio fidelity and durability. Even against a wired-focused brand like Sennheiser, the M60X's on-ear design and very flat tuning make it a niche product. The JBL Tune 770NC offers ANC and wireless for half the price, but it won't give you the same neutral reference sound. The M60X is for a specific user who doesn't want those extras.

Skip these if you need one headphone for everything. If you want wireless freedom, active noise cancellation for your commute, or a decent microphone for calls, look at the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus instead. The M60X will feel like a step back in time.

Buy the ATH-M60X if you're a musician, podcaster, or audio engineer who needs a rugged, portable pair of reference monitors for on-location work or as a secondary set in the studio. The accurate tuning and included cables make it a great tool kit. For everyone else—commuters, office workers, casual listeners—there are far more comfortable and versatile options out there.