Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BTWH

The Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BTWH wireless on-ear headphones deliver near-best-in-class sound and comfort for their size, with a 38-hour battery and Hi-Res support. Call quality is the main weakness, and ANC is lackluster, so they're best for music listeners who don't need to take many calls. At $149, they're a strong value if portability and audio performance are your priorities.

Our testing puts the ATH-SR5BTWH in the 90th percentile for sound, which means they're among the best on-ear headphones we've heard at any price. The 45mm drivers deliver crisp highs, a natural midrange, and controlled bass that doesn't muddy details. They scored a 72.5 for studio tasks and 67.3 for general music enjoyment, making them reliable for critical listening if you can handle on-ear pressure. Comfort is even more impressive, landing in the 93rd percentile, and the 185g weight makes them easy to forget after hours of use. Battery life is solid at 38 hours, enough for a full workweek. But there's a big asterisk: the microphone is disappointing. Our call testing returned a weak 38.1 score, so your voice will sound distant and grainy. If you've ever wanted to sound like you're ordering through a drive-thru speaker, the mic here will deliver that experience.

Next to the Sony WH-1000XM6, the Audio-Technica is a totally different tool. Sony offers best-in-class ANC and mic quality in an over-ear form, while the ATH-SR5BTWH trades that for a lighter, more comfortable on-ear fit and a lower price. Compared to the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4, the Audio-Technica can't match the expansive soundstage or adaptive noise canceling, but it's far more portable. The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 and Technics EAH-A800 are built like luxury items with superior noise handling, yet they cost significantly more. If you're stuck deciding, ask yourself: do you need isolation for travel, or are you after a lightweight, hi-fi headphone for quieter environments? If the latter, the ATH-SR5BTWH fits the bill and leaves cash in your pocket.

At $149, the ATH-SR5BTWH offers a compelling package for anyone who values sound and comfort over call performance and ANC. You're getting Hi-Res capable drivers and a featherlight build for less than many over-ear competitors. If you need a headset for Zoom meetings or frequent phone calls, though, you'll be better off spending a bit more on a Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra, both of which handle voice with far more clarity. Among budget wireless on-ears, these are a genuine standout for music-first buyers.

The Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BTWH is an on-ear wireless headphone that punches above its weight in sound and comfort, two areas where most budget-friendly alternatives skimp. We brought these into our database and quickly found them to be a standout for listeners who want Hi-Res audio without the bulk of over-ears. At $149, they're priced to compete with entry-level over-ears, but they carve out a niche for anyone tired of clamping force and heat buildup.

Skip the ATH-SR5BTWH if you take a lot of phone calls or video meetings. The microphone is mediocre at best, and call quality in our tests was disappointing. If you need strong active noise cancellation for flights or noisy offices, look at the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra. Gamers should also look elsewhere, as the latency and narrow soundstage don't hold up for competitive play. In short, these are music-first headphones, not an all-in-one workhorse.

The Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BTWH is a bit of a specialist in 2024, but for the right person, it's a gem. If you want something light, comfy, and surprisingly detailed for music and casual studio work, these are a top contender under $150. The sound is genuinely impressive for on-ears, and the 38-hour battery keeps the music going without constant charging. Just know what you're giving up: the microphone is weak, noise cancelation is mediocre, and calls sound awful. If those things matter, spend your money elsewhere. But if you simply want great-sounding, no-fuss wireless headphones that won't weigh you down, the ATH-SR5BTWH is a solid buy.