Audio-Technica ATH A550z Review | 93 Data compared

Audio-Technica ATH A550z Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£130
  • Avg. price in US: ~$150
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Audio-Technica ATH A550z review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

5.9

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

5.9

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
5.9

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

7.1

Sound

20.0%

4.4

Features

10.0%

5.6

Design

8.0%

4.6

Connectivity

6.0%

4.0

Battery

4.0%

3.8

Calls & Controls

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 5.7
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    ?

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    4.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    4.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    4.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    ?

    Battery life

  • 5.7
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    ?

    Battery life

    18.0%

    ?

    Weight

    16.0%

    4.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    4.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 4.6
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    4.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    4.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    ?

    Battery life

    14.0%

    4.0

    Companion app

  • 6.6
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    ?

    Weight

    24.0%

    4.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    ?

    IP rating

    16.0%

    ?

    Battery life

    12.0%

    4.0

    Can be used as a headset

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £130

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Audio-Technica ATH-A550Z is a high-fidelity, closed-back monitor headphone featuring large-aperture 53mm drivers with CCAW bobbin-wound voice coils, a broad frequency response of 5Hz–35,000Hz, and a 40-ohm impedance that makes it easy to drive without an external amplifier. Key characteristics include the Double Air Damping System (D.A.D.S.) for enhanced bass reproduction and a self-adjusting 3D Wing Support system designed for long-wearing comfort. Its main pros are a remarkably spacious soundstage for a closed-back design, detailed high-frequency performance, and a lightweight, low-clamping fit that is ideal for long home listening sessions. However, notable cons include its bulky, non-foldable frame that limits portability, a fixed 3.0m cable that is not user-replaceable, and some reports of a recessed treble or treble deficit in specific audio profiles.

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Audio-Technica ATH A550z

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

5.9
Audio-Technica ATH A550z has a technical score of 5.92 points, which is higher than that of 51.3% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Audio-Technica ATH A550z has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 73.4% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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.

Score components:

60.0%

5.9

Overall score

40.0%

9.8

Price

7.1
Audio-Technica ATH A550z has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.1 points, which is lower than 60% of products in this category.
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

no
Audio-Technica ATH A550z does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
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: HIGH

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: HIGH

53 mm
Audio-Technica ATH A550z uses a driver size of 53 mm, larger driver size than 94.8% of headphones and equal to 1.6% of headphones.
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

1
Audio-Technica ATH A550z uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
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

5 Hz
Audio-Technica ATH A550z reaches a lowest frequency of 5 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 10.8% of headphones.
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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: LOW

no
Audio-Technica ATH A550z does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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: LOW

no
Audio-Technica ATH A550z is not headset-ready, while 15.1% is. 84.9% of headphones can be used as headsets.
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

0
Audio-Technica ATH A550z has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
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

no
Audio-Technica ATH A550z does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
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
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: LOW

wired
Audio-Technica ATH A550z supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
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: LOW

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: MEDIUM

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: LOW

no
Audio-Technica ATH A550z does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
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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

no
Audio-Technica ATH A550z does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
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

no
Audio-Technica ATH A550z does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
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

no
Audio-Technica ATH A550z does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
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: HIGH

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

yes
Audio-Technica ATH A550z supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
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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: LOW

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: LOW

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: LOW

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: LOW

no
Audio-Technica ATH A550z does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
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: LOW

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
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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: LOW

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: LOW

over-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <150 g

300 g
Audio-Technica ATH A550z weighs 300 g, heavier than 80.9% of headphones and equal to 1.3% of headphones.
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: LOW

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: LOW

?
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Audio-Technica ATH A550z vs the average pair of headphones

  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% 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: HIGH

    Audio-Technica ATH A550z has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 13 mm larger driver size
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (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: HIGH

    Audio-Technica ATH A550z uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (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 A550z has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (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 A550z has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 15,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (35,000 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: LOW

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Audio-Technica ATH A550z has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (35,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.35000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% 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: LOW

    Audio-Technica ATH A550z includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 1.8 m longer cable length
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (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 A550z offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.3 m vs 1.2 m
  • 11 mm more spacious earcup width
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (55 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.

    Importance: LOW

    Audio-Technica ATH A550z offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (55 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.55 mm vs 44 mm
  • 10x higher input power handling
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    What it is: Maximum input power the drivers can safely handle
    When it matters: When you pair the headphones with stronger sources or dedicated gear.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=300 mW

    Audio-Technica ATH A550z has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.1000 mW vs 100 mW
  • 1.8 m longer cable length
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
  • 11 mm more spacious earcup width
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (55 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 13 mm larger driver size
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (53 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 15,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (35,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 10x higher input power handling
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 37.6% higher weight
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z is heavier than the average pair of headphones (300 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Fixed cable
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No travel bag
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • No battery indicator
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • Not headset-ready
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • 37.6% higher weight
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z is heavier than the average pair of headphones (300 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: HIGH

    Good value: <150 g

    Audio-Technica ATH A550z is heavier than the average pair of headphones (300 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.300 g vs 218 g
  • Fixed cable
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones 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: LOW

    Audio-Technica ATH A550z has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Not headset-ready
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    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: LOW

    Audio-Technica ATH A550z is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • No battery indicator
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
    What it is: Shows remaining battery charge visually or audibly
    When it matters: When you dislike unexpected shutdowns and want clearer warning before leaving home, boarding a flight, or joining a call.

    Importance: LOW

    Audio-Technica ATH A550z does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (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 A550z has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 5.87x less popular
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1.00 vs 5.869).
    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 A550z is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1.00 vs 5.869).1 vs 5.87
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Audio-Technica ATH A550z has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • No travel bag
    Audio-Technica ATH A550z does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% 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 A550z does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Audio-Technica ATH A550z?

  • Wide soundstage that feels expansive and open for a closed-back headphone
  • Great price-to-performance ratio offering high-fidelity sound on a budget
  • Lightweight and comfortable design suitable for long listening sessions
  • Good instrument separation and clear positional tracking within the audio
  • Plush, soft earpads with a self-adjusting 3D wing support system
  • Effective passive noise isolation that minimizes sound leakage

What customers dislike about Audio-Technica ATH A550z?

  • Non-removable, overly long 3-meter cable that gets in the way during portable use
  • Comically oversized and bulky footprint making them poor for travel
  • Earpads lack breathability and can cause ears to feel hot or sweaty over time
  • 3D wing support system springs can feel too soft or slide down on narrower heads
  • Some users report a slightly dark tuning, recessed vocals, or mid-bass distortion
  • Requires a powerful amplifier or high-power audio source to perform at its best

Video reviews

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