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Audio-Technica A990z vs Wavefun Wave Pro X: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Wavefun Wave Pro X comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 89. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Wavefun Wave Pro X - Outstanding overall at around $130.

Score breakdown

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

Wavefun Wave Pro X leads on 7 of 7 measures.

  • Audio-Technica A990z
  • Wavefun Wave Pro X
HearWiki score
77
89
Sound
8.2
8.5
Noise cancelling
-
8.0
Battery
-
9.5
Calls
-
7.5
Value
7.5
9.0
Price (USD)
$250
$130

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

Wavefun Wave Pro X (2026) against Audio-Technica A990z (2025). 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 Wavefun Wave Pro X adds USB-C.

  • A990z2025
  • Wave Pro X20261 yr newer
What differsA990zWave Pro X

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

A990zWave Pro X
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$250
$130
HearWiki score
77
89
Released
2025
2026
Availability
Sold new
Sold new
Driver
53 mm dynamic
2× 40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
53 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
2
Frequency response
5 Hz - 42 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
44 Ω
-
Sensitivity
100 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
-
6.0
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
-
100 h
Battery life (ANC on)
-
60 h
Wireless charging
-
Yes
Active noise cancelling
No
Yes
Transparency mode
-
Yes
Wear detection
-
Yes
Controls
buttons
-
Weight
335 g
-
Foldable
-
Yes
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Connector
3.5 mm
-

What reviewers said

Audio-Technica A990z

The Audio-Technica A990Z is a wired, closed-back over-ear headphone built for stationary listening and studio-style use, prioritizing comfort and sound quality over portability. It delivers a spacious presentation with strong detail and a wide frequency range, though its tuning leans bright with a pronounced low end, which may not suit all music genres. Its solid isolation and sturdy build make it a viable option for home sessions and light mixing, but it’s not designed for on-the-go use.

  • Pro:Excellent passive isolation for a closed-back design
  • Pro:Comfortable fit suitable for extended listening sessions
  • Pro:Spacious and detailed soundstage for a closed-back model
  • Con:Bright and bass-heavy tuning may not suit all musical tastes
  • Con:Wired-only design with no ANC limits portability
  • Con:Imaging can be inconsistent, and bass may come across as boomy

Wavefun Wave Pro X

The Wavefun Wave Pro X is a versatile over-ear wireless headphone with a claimed 100-hour battery life (60 with ANC on), Bluetooth 6.0, and a foldable design for portability. It features active noise cancellation, transparency mode, wear detection, and a detachable cable for wired use, making it a strong budget-friendly option for everyday listening.

  • Pro:Exceptional 100-hour battery life (60 with ANC)
  • Pro:Includes ANC, transparency mode, and wear detection
  • Pro:Foldable design with USB-C and wireless charging
  • Con:No mention of high-resolution codec support in specs
  • Con:Frequency response range is standard, not extended
  • Con:Plastic build may feel less premium at this price

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

Compare something else

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New comparisonAudio-Technica A990zWavefun Wave Pro X