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Audio-Technica M40x vs Earfun Wave Pro X: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Earfun Wave Pro X comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Earfun 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.

Earfun Wave Pro X leads on 6 of 7 measures.

  • Audio-Technica M40x
  • Earfun Wave Pro X
HearWiki score
72
85
Sound
7.6
8.3
Noise cancelling
-
7.8
Battery
-
9.5
Calls
-
7.7
Value
8.3
9.6
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

Earfun Wave Pro X (2026) against Audio-Technica M40x (2014). The Earfun Wave Pro X edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Hybrid against None. It also adds USB-C.

  • M40x2014
  • Wave Pro X202612 yr newer
What differsM40xWave Pro X

Platform

ANC type
None
Hybrid

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

M40xWave Pro X
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$110
$130
HearWiki score
72
85
Released
2014
2026
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
40 mm dynamic
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
15 Hz - 24 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
35 Ω
-
Sensitivity
98 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
-
6.0
Codecs
-
SBC, aptX, LC3, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
-
Yes
Battery life
-
90 h
Battery life (ANC on)
-
50 h
Full charge time
-
120 min
Active noise cancelling
No
Yes
ANC type
-
hybrid
Transparency mode
-
Yes
Companion app
-
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
-
buttons
Weight
240 g
259 g
Foldable
Yes
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
No
Yes
Connector
3.5 mm
-
Microphones
-
8
Call noise reduction
-
Yes
Call NR technology
-
noise-cancelling mic

What reviewers said

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

Earfun Wave Pro X

The Earfun Wave Pro X is a budget-friendly over-ear wireless headphone that pairs hybrid active noise cancellation with an impressively long battery life. It supports a wide range of high-quality Bluetooth codecs, including LDAC and aptX Lossless, and offers multipoint connectivity for seamless device switching. With its 40mm dynamic drivers and customizable EQ, it aims to deliver a versatile and immersive listening experience at a competitive price point.

  • Pro:Hybrid ANC effectively reduces ambient noise
  • Pro:Exceptional battery life, especially with ANC off
  • Pro:Supports high-resolution codecs like LDAC and aptX Lossless
  • Con:Plastic build may not feel as premium as pricier rivals
  • Con:Controls are limited to physical buttons
  • Con:Frequency response is somewhat narrow for an over-ear model

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.

New comparisonAudio-Technica M40xEarfun Wave Pro X