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Audio-Technica ATH-AR5BT 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 6 of 7 measures.

  • Audio-Technica ATH-AR5BT
  • Wavefun Wave Pro X
HearWiki score
53
89
Sound
6.6
8.5
Noise cancelling
-
8.0
Battery
5.4
9.5
Calls
4.3
7.5
Value
-
9.0
Price (USD)
$110
$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?

Half a step newer

Wavefun Wave Pro X (2026) against Audio-Technica ATH-AR5BT (2020). The Wavefun Wave Pro X edges ahead on platform, but only just: Bluetooth 6.0 against 4.1. It also adds Wireless charging and USB-C.

  • ATH-AR5BT2020
  • Wave Pro X20266 yr newer
What differsATH-AR5BTWave Pro X

Platform

Bluetooth
4.1
6.0

Everyday features

Wireless charging
No
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

ATH-AR5BTWave Pro X
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$110
$130
HearWiki score
53
89
Released
2020
2026
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
2× 45 mm dynamic
2× 40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
45 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
2
2
Frequency response
5 Hz - 40 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
39 Ω
-
Sensitivity
100 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
4.1
6.0
Codecs
SBC, AAC, aptX
-
Multipoint pairing
No
-
Wireless range
10 m
10 m
Battery life
30 h
100 h
Battery life (ANC on)
-
60 h
Full charge time
300 min
-
Wireless charging
No
Yes
Active noise cancelling
No
Yes
Transparency mode
-
Yes
Wear detection
-
Yes
Controls
buttons
-
Weight
242 g
-
Water resistance
none
-
Foldable
-
Yes
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Connector
3.5 mm
-
Microphones
1
-
Microphone type
condenser
-
Mic sensitivity
-44 dBV
-

What reviewers said

Audio-Technica ATH-AR5BT

The Audio-Technica ATH-AR5BT is a wireless over-ear headphone that balances a wide, clear soundstage with a forward upper-midrange for added vocal clarity, though it can fatigue at higher volumes. It offers a generous 30-hour battery life and reliable Bluetooth connectivity, making it a solid choice for long listening sessions. Its passive isolation is decent, but it lacks active noise cancellation and water resistance.

  • Pro:Long 30-hour battery life
  • Pro:Wide and spacious soundstage
  • Pro:Clear, detailed upper mids
  • Con:Forward upper mids can sound harsh
  • Con:Vocals may come across as cold
  • Con:No active noise cancellation

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.

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New comparisonAudio-Technica ATH-AR5BTWavefun Wave Pro X