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Audio-Technica ATH A1000z Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£400
Avg. price in US: ~$400
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Audio-Technica ATH A1000z review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.1

Good

5.1

Good

?

2.1
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
1.0
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
4.0
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
2.7
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
3.4
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
4.0
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

N/A~ £400

Best rankings

Verdict

The Audio-Technica ATH-A1000Z is a premium closed-back dynamic headphone featuring hand-assembled 53mm large-aperture drivers with OFC-7N bobbin-wound voice coils and a pure iron yoke for precise transient response. Housed in high-rigidity metallic red aluminium with a lightweight magnesium alloy baffle, it utilizes a Double Air Damping System (D.A.D.S) to achieve a wide frequency response of 5 Hz to 43,000 Hz, a sensitivity of 101 dB/mW, and an impedance of 44 ohms. Main pros include its exquisite high-resolution audio clarity, an 'airy' soundstage rare for closed-back designs, and the comfortable self-adjusting 3D wing support system paired with ergonomic stitched earpads. However, notable cons include a non-detachable 3.0m cable, a lack of deep sub-bass impact for some genres, and potential fit issues where the clamping force may be insufficient or uneven for certain head shapes.

Technical Specifications of Audio-Technica ATH A1000z

Overall score

5.1

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?

Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

6.3

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

2.9

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A

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Connectivity

6.2

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

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Features

2.7

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

1.0

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

5.8

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Audio-Technica

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Audio-Technica ATH A1000z vs the average headphone

Why is Audio-Technica ATH A1000z better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.
Importance: LOW
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
13 mm larger driver size
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (53 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.
Importance: MEDIUM
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (53 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.53 mm vs 40 mm
13 Hz lower bass extension
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
23,000 Hz higher treble extension
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (43,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (43,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.43000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: MEDIUM
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
Foldable design
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.
Importance: LOW
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
1.8 m more useful cable length
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.
Importance: LOW
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.3 m vs 1.2 m
Boom microphone included
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.
Importance: LOW
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Foldable design
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
1.8 m more useful cable length
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
13 mm larger driver size
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (53 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
13 Hz lower bass extension
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
23,000 Hz higher treble extension
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (43,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
20x higher input power handling
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z has a higher max input power than the average headphone (2,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
24 dB higher max SPL
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (134 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
Boom microphone included
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Calls & Controls

Why is Audio-Technica ATH A1000z worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
21.6% higher weight
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z is heavier than the average headphone (265 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
No travel bag
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
1 fewer microphones
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No voice assistant support
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.
Importance: LOW
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
21.6% higher weight
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z is heavier than the average headphone (265 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z is heavier than the average headphone (265 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.265 g vs 218 g
4.44x more expensive
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z is more expensive than the average headphone (£400 vs £90).
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z is more expensive than the average headphone (£400 vs £90).£400 vs £90
1 fewer microphones
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
4.65x less popular
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
No travel bag
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.
Importance: LOW
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
10.9% worse value for money
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.07 vs 6.736).
What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Audio-Technica ATH A1000z has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.07 vs 6.736).6.07 vs 6.74

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Audio-Technica ATH A1000z and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Audio-Technica ATH A1000z?

Excellent instrument separation and highly revealing, detailed sound quality.
Very easy to drive without requiring a high-powered headphone amplifier.
Lightweight magnesium and aluminum build that feels sturdy yet modern.
Impressive, airy soundstage and depth for a closed-back headphone design.
Smooth, forward midrange that makes vocals and acoustics shine.
Crisp, clear treble that provides upgraded detail without fatigue.
Comfortable 3D Wing support system that eliminates top-of-head pressure points.

What customers dislike about Audio-Technica ATH A1000z?

Non-detachable, permanent cable that limits replacement options.
Lacks deep sub-bass impact and extension, making it less ideal for EDM or hip-hop.
The 3D Wing design lacks vertical cup hinges, making a perfect seal difficult for some head shapes.
Slight mid-range color or minor distortion noticed by some users in the lower mids.
The stock ear pads can feel slightly thin or uncomfortable for extended sessions.
Does not include a protective carrying case or premium cloth-covered cable.

Video reviews

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