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Alienware Pro Wireless vs Audio-Technica A550z: which should you buy?

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

Our pick: Alienware Pro Wireless - Outstanding overall at around $125.

Score breakdown

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

Alienware Pro Wireless leads on 7 of 7 measures.

  • Alienware Pro Wireless
  • Audio-Technica A550z
HearWiki score
86
71
Sound
8.7
7.4
Noise cancelling
8.1
-
Battery
9.1
-
Calls
8.7
-
Value
8.6
8.3
Price (USD)
$120
$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?

Same generation

Both shipped in 2024. These are the same generation of hardware - nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Alienware Pro Wireless adds USB-C.

  • Pro Wireless2024
  • A550z2024
What differsPro WirelessA550z

Everyday features

USB-C
Yes
No

Specifications

Pro WirelessA550z
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$120
$150
HearWiki score
86
71
Released
2024
2024
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
50 mm driver
53 mm dynamic
Driver type
-
dynamic
Driver size
50 mm
53 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 40 kHz
5 Hz - 35 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
40 Ω
Sensitivity
-
100 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
-
Codecs
SBC
-
Multipoint pairing
No
-
Battery life
70 h
-
Battery life (ANC on)
35 h
-
Quick charge
15 min → 6 h
-
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
Transparency mode
Yes
-
Weight
310 g
300 g
Foldable
-
No
Detachable cable
-
No
USB-C
Yes
No
Pad material
leatherette
-
Clamp force
365 g
-
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Microphones
2
-
Call noise reduction
Yes
-
Call NR technology
AI ENC
-

What reviewers said

Alienware Pro Wireless

Its leatherette pads and moderate 310g weight aim for comfort during long sessions, while the 2.4GHz wireless option and USB-C charging add versatility for desk and on-the-go use. Sound quality is generally strong, but the microphone performance and a single SBC codec limit keep it from being a flawless all-rounder.

  • Pro:Excellent battery life, especially with ANC off
  • Pro:Comfortable leatherette ear pads for long wear
  • Pro:Active noise cancellation and transparency mode included
  • Con:Microphone quality is underwhelming for the price
  • Con:Only SBC codec support limits high-res wireless audio
  • Con:No multipoint connection for seamless device switching

Audio-Technica A550z

The Audio-Technica A550z is a wired, closed-back over-ear headphone that delivers a neutral, balanced sound signature at a budget-friendly price. Its 53 mm drivers and 40-ohm impedance make it easy to drive from a variety of sources, including smartphones and portable players, while its lightweight build ensures comfortable listening sessions. This model focuses on straightforward, uncolored audio reproduction without active noise cancellation or wireless features.

  • Pro:Excellent value for the price
  • Pro:Neutral and balanced sound signature
  • Pro:Easy to drive with 40-ohm impedance
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Non-detachable cable
  • Con:Not foldable for portability

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

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