Over-Ear
Audio-Technica Ad500x
72Good
$85
Full review dataAudio-Technica Ad500x vs Austrian Audio Hi-X15: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Austrian Audio Hi-X15 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Austrian Audio Hi-X15 - Great overall at around $149.
Over-Ear
Austrian Audio Hi-X15
84Great
$149
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Audio-Technica Ad500x
Sound7.5
Value8.0
Austrian Audio Hi-X15
Sound8.5
Value9.0
Specifications
| Spec | Audio-Technica Ad500x | Austrian Audio Hi-X15 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $85 | $149 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 84 / 100 · Great |
| Released | - | 2021 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 53 mm | 44 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5 - 25,000 Hz | 12Hz-24kHz |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | 25 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | 99 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | - | 113 |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | none | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| ANC type | none | - |
| Transparency mode | No | - |
| Companion app | No | - |
| Custom EQ | No | - |
| Wear detection | No | - |
| Controls | none | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 235 g | 255 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| Foldable | - | Yes |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | No | No |
What reviewers said
Audio-Technica Ad500x
The Audio-Technica AD500X is an open-back, over-ear headphone that prioritizes comfort and a natural, airy sound. Its self-adjusting wing system and lightweight frame make it easy to wear for long sessions, while the 53mm drivers deliver a clear, detailed presentation with a notably wide soundstage. It's a wired-only model, so it's best suited for home listening setups.
- Pro:Very comfortable, pressure-free fit
- Pro:Spacious, open soundstage
- Pro:Clear and detailed treble
- Con:No wireless or Bluetooth connectivity
- Con:No included cable or accessories
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound
Austrian Audio Hi-X15
The Austrian Hi-X15 is a wired over-ear headphone that brings studio-grade clarity and detail to a budget-friendly price point. Its lightweight, foldable build and low-impedance design make it a practical choice for on-the-go engineers, while the 44mm dynamic drivers deliver a balanced, revealing sound that suits tracking and mixing tasks. It offers impressive value for those seeking transparent monitoring without breaking the bank.
- Pro:Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Pro:Lightweight and foldable for portability
- Pro:Easy to drive with low impedance and high sensitivity
- Con:Lacks Bluetooth or multipoint connectivity
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Some technical specifications are not fully disclosed
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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