OVERALL

SPECS

VS AVERAGE

REVIEWS

ALTERNATIVES

Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£880
Avg. price in US: ~$1,100
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.0

Poor

4.0

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
1.0
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
4.2
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%
4.2
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~ £880

Best rankings

Verdict

The Audio-Technica ATH-ADX3000 is a premium open-air dynamic headphone featuring massive 58 mm integrated driver units with tungsten-coated diaphragms and a Core Mount Technology design that optimizes airflow. Hand-assembled in Tokyo, these audiophile cans boast a wide frequency response of 5 to 45,000 Hz, an impedance of 50 ohms, and a sensitivity of 98 dB/mW, all while maintaining an incredibly lightweight magnesium alloy frame weighing just 257g. Its main characteristics include an exceptionally expansive soundstage, precise imaging, and a detailed, 'north-of-neutral' sound signature that excels in transparency and transient response. Main pros include its class-leading comfort for long sessions, lifelike tonality for vocals, and its relative ease to drive compared to other flagship models. However, notable cons include a bright treble peak that may be fatiguing for sensitive listeners, a lack of deep sub-bass punch typical of fully open designs, and the use of proprietary A2DC connectors which limits third-party cable options.

Technical Specifications of Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000

Overall score

4.0

Show more

Hide

?

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

4.5

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

Calls & Controls

2.8

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

Connectivity

2.9

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

Features

2.7

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

Battery

1.0

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

Design

7.0

Show more

Hide

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

open-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

Show more

Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 vs the average headphone

Why is Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 better than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

Hi-Res Audio certification
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 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 ADX3000 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
18 mm larger driver size
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (58 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 ADX3000 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (58 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.58 mm vs 40 mm
Spatial audio support
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
What it is: Supports immersive surround sound playback
When it matters: When movies, games, and immersive mixes are part of your listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
13 Hz lower bass extension
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 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 ADX3000 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
25,000 Hz higher treble extension
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (45,000 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 ADX3000 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (45,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.45000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
Foldable design
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 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 ADX3000 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Open-back design
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.
Importance: MEDIUM
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
1.8 m more useful cable length
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 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 ADX3000 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
Foldable design
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
1.8 m more useful cable length
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 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.
Open-back design
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
1 lower clamp force
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3.3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
18 mm larger driver size
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (58 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
Spatial audio support
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
13 Hz lower bass extension
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
25,000 Hz higher treble extension
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (45,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
16 dB higher max SPL
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (126 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
7 years newer release date
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 was released more recently than the average headphone (2,024 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.

Why is Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 worse than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

17.9% higher weight
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 is heavier than the average headphone (257 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
No passive noise reduction
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
5 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
1 fewer microphones
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No passive noise reduction
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.
Importance: MEDIUM
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
No voice assistant support
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 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 ADX3000 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 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 ADX3000 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
17.9% higher weight
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 is heavier than the average headphone (257 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 ADX3000 is heavier than the average headphone (257 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.257 g vs 218 g
9.78x more expensive
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 is more expensive than the average headphone (£880 vs £90).
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 is more expensive than the average headphone (£880 vs £90).£880 vs £90
47.7% worse value for money
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 has worse value for money than the average headphone (4.56 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 ADX3000 has worse value for money than the average headphone (4.56 vs 6.736).4.56 vs 6.74
1 fewer microphones
Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 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 ADX3000 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 ADX3000 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 ADX3000 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000?

Exceptionally lightweight design (257g) utilizing a magnesium alloy frame.
Outstanding vocal and instrumental clarity with excellent detail retrieval.
Expansive and wide open-back soundstage with highly precise imaging.
Very easy to drive compared to older flagships like the ADX5000.
Highly breathable and comfortable velour earpads suitable for long listening sessions.
Punchy, tight, and responsive bass articulation.

What customers dislike about Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000?

Bright treble response that can feel harsh, splashy, or fatiguing for treble-sensitive listeners.
Noticeable initial headband clamping force, which can create pressure hotspots over time.
Uses Audio-Technica's proprietary A2DC cable connector, making third-party replacements harder to find.
The included stock rubber cable is prone to microphonic noise and feels somewhat cheap.
Provides virtually zero passive noise isolation and leaks a significant amount of audio due to the open-back mesh.
The bundled hard storage case is bulky and mostly plastic, making it impractical for travel.

Video reviews

Best alternatives

Sony WH 1000XM4

Headphones

JBL Tour One M3

Headphones

Sony WH 1000XM6

Headphones

Headphones

Headphones

Sony WH ULT900N

Headphones

Nothing Headphone 1

Headphones

Sony WH 1000XM5

Headphones

Headphones

Huawei Freebuds Studio

Headphones

Sennheiser Momentum

Headphones

JBL Tour One M2

Headphones

Compare Audio-Technica ATH ADX3000 with

Compare