Skip to content
HearWiki

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC9 vs Philips H8000E: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Philips H8000E comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Philips H8000E - Outstanding overall at around $68.

Score breakdown

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

Philips H8000E leads on 6 of 7 measures.

  • Audio-Technica ATH-ANC9
  • Philips H8000E
HearWiki score
53
83
Sound
6.8
8.0
Noise cancelling
5.2
7.8
Battery
7.8
9.8
Calls
5.2
5.5
Value
-
9.6
Price (USD)
$47
$68

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 Philips H8000E is 5 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 Philips H8000E adds USB-C. For 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • ATH-ANC92020
  • H8000E20255 yr newer
What differsATH-ANC9H8000E

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

ATH-ANC9H8000E
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$47
$68
HearWiki score
53
83
Released
2020
2025
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
2× 40 mm driver
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
-
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
2
1
Frequency response
10 Hz - 25 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
100 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
100 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
-
5.4
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
-
Yes
Battery life
-
70 h
Battery life (ANC on)
-
50 h
Full charge time
-
120 min
Quick charge
-
10 min → 8 h
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
-
adaptive
Transparency mode
-
Yes
Companion app
-
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
buttons
buttons
Voice assistant
-
Yes
Weight
220 g
260 g
Water resistance
-
none
Foldable
-
Yes
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Connector
3.5 mm
-
Microphones
4
5
Microphone type
electret
-

What reviewers said

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC9

The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC9 offers solid active noise cancellation in a comfortable, wired over-ear design, with a balanced sound signature that suits everyday listening. Its practical touches include a detachable cable and long battery life via a single AAA battery, making it a dependable travel companion. While not the most exciting or durable option, it delivers competent performance at a budget-friendly price.

  • Pro:Effective noise cancellation for the price
  • Pro:Comfortable fit for extended wear
  • Pro:Long battery life with AAA battery
  • Con:Controls can be awkward to use
  • Con:Build feels less durable than premium rivals
  • Con:Soundstage is somewhat narrow

Philips H8000E

With a foldable design, five microphones for calls, and a companion app with EQ, it packs plenty of features for its price point.

  • Pro:Adaptive noise cancellation and transparency mode
  • Pro:Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint
  • Pro:Foldable design with app-based EQ
  • Con:No water resistance rating
  • Con:No wireless charging support
  • Con:Plastic build may feel less premium

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

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.