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Alienware Pro Wireless vs Audio-Technica M40x: 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 6 of 7 measures.

  • Alienware Pro Wireless
  • Audio-Technica M40x
HearWiki score
86
72
Sound
8.7
7.6
Noise cancelling
8.1
-
Battery
9.1
-
Calls
8.7
-
Value
8.6
8.3
Price (USD)
$120
$110

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

The Alienware Pro Wireless is 10 years newer, but it is 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. For 10 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Pro Wireless202410 yr newer
  • M40x2014
What differsPro WirelessM40x

Everyday features

USB-C
Yes
No

Specifications

Pro WirelessM40x
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$120
$110
HearWiki score
86
72
Released
2024
2014
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
50 mm driver
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
-
dynamic
Driver size
50 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 40 kHz
15 Hz - 24 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
35 Ω
Sensitivity
-
98 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
240 g
Foldable
-
Yes
Detachable cable
-
Yes
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 M40x

The Audio-Technica M40x is a budget-friendly wired studio headphone with a balanced, neutral sound profile that suits mixing and critical listening. Its sturdy foldable build and detachable cable add practicality, though it lacks active noise cancellation and onboard controls. While not an endgame reference, it offers solid performance for its price, with minor caveats around long-session comfort and isolation.

  • Pro:Well-balanced, neutral sound signature
  • Pro:Sturdy foldable design with detachable cable
  • Pro:Good value for budget studio monitoring
  • Con:No active noise cancellation, only passive isolation
  • Con:Heat buildup during extended wear
  • Con:Proprietary cable connector may limit replacements

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

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