OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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REVIEWS
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Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£45Form factor:in-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):yes

Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.6

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 66% of models
Score components

80%

6.6

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–²Better than 66% of headphones
6.6

Technical score

Technical score
6.6/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 71% of models
Score components

52%

7.7

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

7.5

Battery

4%

7.1

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 71% of headphones
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

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audio-technica-ath-anc23bk

Best prices

    N/A~ £45

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk

Technical score
Technical score
6.6/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 71% of models
Score components:

52%

7.7

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

7.5

Battery

4%

7.1

Calls & Controls

6.6
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 73.4% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 66% of models
Score components:

60%

6.6

Overall score

40%

10

Price

7.6
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
â–² Better than 73% of models
This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
13 mm
Driver size
13 mm
â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 13 mm, smaller driver size than 85.7% of headphones and equal to 0.5% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Number of drivers
1
â–¼ Worse than 4% of models
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
20 Hz
Lowest frequency
20 Hz
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 47.3% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
â–² Better than 61% of models
This pair of headphones supports a noise-canceling microphone. 61.1% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
no
Can be used as a headset
no
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while 15.1% is. 84.9% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
2
Number of microphones
2
â–² Better than 78% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 2 microphones, more microphones than 77.9% of headphones and equal to 8.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
Boom microphone
no
â–¼ Worse than 14% of models
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
Show more
Connectivity
wired
Connectivity
wired
â–¼ Worse than 49% of models
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
Multipoint support
no
â–¼ Worse than 31% of models
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
Ambient sound mode
no
â–¼ Worse than 25% of models
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
EQ support
no
â–¼ Worse than 23% of models
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
Companion app
no
â–¼ Worse than 22% of models
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
Voice assistant support
no
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
60 hours
Battery life with ANC
60 hours
★ Better than 91% of models
Market range: <15 hours – >55 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life with ANC of 60 hours, higher battery life with ANC than 91.1% of headphones and equal to 3.7% of headphones.
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
Quick charge
no
â–¼ Worse than 33% of models
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Audio-Technica
Form factor
in-ear
Weight
26 g
Weight
26 g
â–² Better than 83% of models
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 26 g, lighter than 83.5% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
N/A
Show more

Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Active noise cancellation
    Active noise cancellation (ANC)
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 88.1% lower weight
    Weight
    26 g
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <14 g – >340 g
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (26 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    26 g vs 218 g
  • 30 hours longer ANC battery life
    Battery life with ANC
    60 hours
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <15 hours – >55 hours
    This pair of headphones has a higher battery life with ANC than the average pair of headphones (60 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    60 hours vs 30 hours
  • Clear call microphone
    Noise-canceling microphone
    yes
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Has a 3.5mm male connector
    yes
    â–² Better than 60% of models
    This pair of headphones 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.
  • In-line controls
    In-line controls
    yes
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Wind noise reduction
    yes
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • 1 more microphones
    Number of microphones
    2
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This pair of headphones has more microphones than the average pair of headphones (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    2 vs 1
  • 88.1% lower weight
    Weight
    26 g
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <14 g – >340 g
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (26 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    26 g vs 218 g
  • Active noise cancellation
    Active noise cancellation (ANC)
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    105 dB/mW
    â–² Better than 60% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 30 hours longer ANC battery life
    Battery life with ANC
    60 hours
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <15 hours – >55 hours
    This pair of headphones has a higher battery life with ANC than the average pair of headphones (60 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    60 hours vs 30 hours
  • Play while charging
    Play while charging
    yes
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This pair of headphones can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
  • Removable battery
    Removable battery
    yes
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    This pair of headphones has a removable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 7.8% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Has a 3.5mm male connector
    yes
    â–² Better than 60% of models
    This pair of headphones 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.
  • Clear call microphone
    Noise-canceling microphone
    yes
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • In-line controls
    In-line controls
    yes
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 1 more microphones
    Number of microphones
    2
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This pair of headphones has more microphones than the average pair of headphones (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    2 vs 1
  • Wind noise reduction
    Wind noise reduction
    yes
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • 27 mm smaller driver size
    Driver size
    13 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (13 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    13 mm vs 40 mm
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    Replaceable earpads
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • No voice assistant support
    Voice assistant support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Detachable cable
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Not headset-ready
    Can be used as a headset
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    20 Hz
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • No battery indicator
    Battery level indicator
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 5.87x less popular
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 5.87x less popular
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    Replaceable earpads
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • Fixed cable
    Detachable cable
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 27 mm smaller driver size
    Driver size
    13 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (13 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    13 mm vs 40 mm
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    20 Hz
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • No battery indicator
    Battery level indicator
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    This pair of headphones 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
    Can be used as a headset
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • No voice assistant support
    Voice assistant support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 5 older release date
    Release date
    2011
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2011 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    February 2011
    2011 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Third-party reviews

What we like about Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk

  • Excellent value for money and highly affordable compared to top-tier brands
  • Impressive overall sound quality with a warm and clear audio profile
  • Good passive sound isolation when using the included Comply foam ear tips
  • Effective at canceling continuous low-frequency drones like airplane engines and train noise
  • Audio continues to play even if the battery runs completely out
  • Comfortable fit that remains virtually painless during long-haul travel

What we don't like about Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk

  • Active noise cancellation is weaker against voices and sudden, sharp ambient sounds
  • The cord-mounted battery/control box is relatively bulky and heavy
  • Cables are prone to microphonics, easily transferring physical cord friction noise to the ears
  • The rubbery plastic coating on the cables makes them prone to tangling in pockets
  • Lacks a monitor or ambient-passthrough button to quickly hear external surroundings
  • Midrange and higher frequencies can occasionally feel unrefined or recessed

Verdict

The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23BK QuietPoint in-ear headphones feature 12.5mm drivers that deliver a balanced frequency response of 20–20,000 Hz, 32 ohms impedance, and a sensitivity of 105 dB. Its active noise-cancelling technology effectively reduces background noise by up to 20 dB (approximately 90%) and is powered by a single AAA battery that provides up to 60 hours of use. Main pros include the ability to operate in passive mode without a battery, a compact design ideal for travel, and the inclusion of premium Comply foam tips for superior isolation. However, some users note cons such as a bulky inline control box that can feel heavy, short cable length, and potential microphonics when the cord rubs against clothing.

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