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Audio-Technica ATH A990z Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£230
Avg. price in US: ~$250
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Audio-Technica ATH A990z review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.9

Poor

4.9

Poor

?

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
0.7
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
2.3
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
2.9
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
2.3
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~ £230

Best rankings

Verdict

The Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z is a closed-back dynamic Art Monitor headphone featuring hand-assembled 53mm large-aperture drivers and a Double Air Damping System (D.A.D.S.) for deep, extended bass reproduction. It is built with lightweight aluminum housings to reduce unwanted resonance and uses a self-adjusting 3D Wing Support system designed for long-wearing comfort. Key specifications include a wide frequency response of 5 – 42,000 Hz, 44 ohms impedance, 100 dB/mW sensitivity, and a 3.0m cloth-wrapped tangle-free cable. Main pros include its spacious soundstage for a closed-back design, high-resolution audio performance, and a comfortable, low-pressure fit. However, notable cons include its non-detachable cable, bulkiness that limits portability, and the 3D wing system which may feel loose or slide down for users with smaller heads.

Technical Specifications of Audio-Technica ATH A990z

Overall score

4.9

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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

2.8

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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

4.7

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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 A990z vs the average headphone

Why is Audio-Technica ATH A990z better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
Audio-Technica ATH A990z 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 A990z 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 A990z 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 A990z 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 A990z 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 A990z 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
22,000 Hz higher treble extension
Audio-Technica ATH A990z has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (42,000 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 A990z has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (42,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.42000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Audio-Technica ATH A990z 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 A990z includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
14 mm more spacious earcup width
Audio-Technica ATH A990z offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (57 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.
Importance: MEDIUM
Audio-Technica ATH A990z offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (57 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.57 mm vs 43 mm
1.8 m more useful cable length
Audio-Technica ATH A990z 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 A990z 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
20x higher input power handling
Audio-Technica ATH A990z 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.
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 A990z 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.2000 mW vs 100 mW
14 mm more spacious earcup width
Audio-Technica ATH A990z offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (57 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
1.8 m more useful cable length
Audio-Technica ATH A990z 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 A990z 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 A990z 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 A990z has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
22,000 Hz higher treble extension
Audio-Technica ATH A990z has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (42,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
20x higher input power handling
Audio-Technica ATH A990z 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.
23 dB higher max SPL
Audio-Technica ATH A990z has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (133 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Audio-Technica ATH A990z includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Why is Audio-Technica ATH A990z worse than the average headphone?

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53.7% higher weight
Audio-Technica ATH A990z is heavier than the average headphone (335 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Fixed cable
Audio-Technica ATH A990z has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
9.2 mm tighter earcup height
Audio-Technica ATH A990z has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (50.8 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
No travel bag
Audio-Technica ATH A990z does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Audio-Technica ATH A990z has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
1 fewer microphones
Audio-Technica ATH A990z has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Audio-Technica ATH A990z does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
53.7% higher weight
Audio-Technica ATH A990z is heavier than the average headphone (335 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 A990z is heavier than the average headphone (335 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.335 g vs 218 g
No voice assistant support
Audio-Technica ATH A990z 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 A990z does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Audio-Technica ATH A990z 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 A990z has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
9.2 mm tighter earcup height
Audio-Technica ATH A990z has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (50.8 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Audio-Technica ATH A990z has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (50.8 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.50.8 mm vs 60 mm
1 fewer microphones
Audio-Technica ATH A990z 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 A990z 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 A990z 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 A990z is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
No travel bag
Audio-Technica ATH A990z 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 A990z does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Audio-Technica ATH A990z has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (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 A990z has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Audio-Technica ATH A990z and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Audio-Technica ATH A990z?

Wide soundstage for a closed-back design due to the angled drivers
Warm, engaging sound signature with punchy bass and sparkling treble
Excellent comfort during long listening sessions due to the lightweight build
The 3D Wing Support system relieves pressure on the top of the head
Great passive noise isolation with minimal sound leakage
Easy to drive directly from laptops or smartphones without needing a powerful amplifier

What customers dislike about Audio-Technica ATH A990z?

The 3.0-metre cable is fixed and cannot be detached or easily replaced
Bulky footprint and lack of a folding design limit overall portability
The 3D Wing system can fit loosely or slide down on smaller or narrower heads
Stock earpads are relatively shallow, causing some users' ears to touch the driver housing
Cloth-wrapped cable can be stiff and prone to microphonics (cable noise rubbing against clothes)
Bass tuning can occasionally feel slightly bloated or boomy depending on the track mix

Video reviews

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