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AKG N9 Hybrid vs Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the AKG N9 Hybrid comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: AKG N9 Hybrid - Outstanding overall at around $289.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

AKG N9 Hybrid leads on 6 of 7 measures.

  • AKG N9 Hybrid
  • Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X
HearWiki score
86
64
Sound
9.0
6.9
Noise cancelling
8.4
-
Battery
9.8
-
Calls
9.1
-
Value
9.0
6.3
Price (USD)
$290
$150

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Half a step newer

AKG N9 Hybrid (2024) against Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X (2013). The AKG N9 Hybrid edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.

  • N9 Hybrid202411 yr newer
  • ATH-AD700X2013
What differsN9 HybridATH-AD700X

Platform

ANC type
Adaptive
None

Everyday features

USB-C
Yes
No

Specifications

N9 HybridATH-AD700X
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$290
$150
HearWiki score
86
64
Released
2024
2013
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
40 mm dynamic
53 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
53 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
10 Hz - 40 kHz
-
Impedance
32 Ω
38 Ω
Sensitivity
98 dB/mW
100 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
-
Codecs
SBC, AAC, LDAC
-
Multipoint pairing
Yes
-
Battery life
100 h
-
Battery life (ANC on)
55 h
-
Full charge time
180 min
-
Quick charge
10 min → 6 h
-
Wireless charging
No
-
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
ANC type
adaptive
-
Transparency mode
Yes
-
Companion app
Yes
-
Custom EQ
Yes
-
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
touch
-
Voice assistant
Google Assistant, Siri
-
Weight
281 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
-
Detachable cable
-
No
USB-C
Yes
No
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Microphones
1
-

What reviewers said

AKG N9 Hybrid

The AKG N9 Hybrid is a versatile over-ear headphone that balances detailed, well-controlled sound with strong adaptive noise cancellation and an exceptionally long battery life. It offers modern connectivity including Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint, and LDAC support, plus a comfortable build suited for music, gaming, and movies. Its feature set makes it a practical choice for users who value both performance and endurance.

  • Pro:Very long battery life, even with ANC enabled
  • Pro:Adaptive noise cancelling with customizable options
  • Pro:Support for high-quality LDAC codec
  • Con:No water resistance rating
  • Con:No wireless charging support
  • Con:Only one microphone for calls

Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X

The Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X is a wired, open-back over-ear headphone aimed at critical listening, offering a spacious soundstage and clear detail thanks to its large 53 mm drivers. It's lightweight and comfortable for extended sessions, but its open design leaks sound heavily and offers no isolation, making it best suited for quiet home use rather than portability. With a low 38-ohm impedance, it's easy to drive from most devices, though the non-detachable long cable and lack of bass punch may limit its appeal for some listeners.

  • Pro:Wide, open soundstage ideal for critical listening
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
  • Pro:Clear, detailed treble and good dynamics
  • Con:Very poor sound isolation; leaks audio heavily
  • Con:Weak bass response, lacking low-end impact
  • Con:Bulky fit not suited for casual or on-the-go use

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonAKG N9 HybridAudio-Technica ATH-AD700X