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.
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
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?
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
- USB-C
- Yes
- No
Everyday features
Specifications
- 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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