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Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£45
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

6.6

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%

6.6

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
6.6

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

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

Score components:

52.0%

7.7

Sound

20.0%

2.2

Features

10.0%

8.2

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

9.0

Battery

4.0%

6.4

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

  • 1.4
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 4.7
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    9.9

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    1.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 3.0
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 5.8
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    9.9

    Weight

    24.0%

    9.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

  • audio-technica-ath-anc23bk
  • audio-technica-ath-anc23bk
  • audio-technica-ath-anc23bk
  • audio-technica-ath-anc23bk
  • audio-technica-ath-anc23bk
audio-technica-ath-anc23bk
audio-technica-ath-anc23bk
audio-technica-ath-anc23bk
audio-technica-ath-anc23bk
audio-technica-ath-anc23bk

Best prices in UK

    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.

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.

Technical Specifications of Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

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

6.6
Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk has a technical score of 6.58 points, which is higher than that of 77.8% 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 ANC23bk has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% 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%

6.6

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.6
Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.6 points, which is higher than 76.6% 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

yes
Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% 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: 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

12.5 mm
Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk uses a driver size of 12.5 mm, smaller driver size than 86.2% of headphones and equal to 0.1% 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 ANC23bk uses 1 drivers, 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

20 Hz
Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% of headphones.
Show more
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

yes
Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk supports a noise-canceling microphone. 54.5% 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: MEDIUM

no
Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% 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

2
Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk has 2 microphones, more microphones than 78.2% of headphones and equal to 8.8% 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

N/A
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

?
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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

wired
Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% 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: 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
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 ANC23bk does not offer ambient sound mode. 76.9% 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 ANC23bk does not support EQ customization. 23.3% 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

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

no
Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
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

60 hours
Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk offers battery life with ANC of 60 hours, higher battery life with ANC than 91.4% of headphones and equal to 3.8% of headphones.
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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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

in-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

26 g
Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk weighs 26 g, lighter than 83.5% of headphones and equal to 0.2% 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: 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

N/A
Show more

Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk vs the average headphone

  • Active noise cancellation
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
    What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
    When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

    Importance: HIGH

    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 88.1% lower weight
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk is lighter than the average headphone (26 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 ANC23bk is lighter than the average headphone (26 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.26 g vs 218 g
  • 30 hours longer ANC battery life
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk has a higher battery life with ANC than the average headphone (60 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    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

    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk has a higher battery life with ANC than the average headphone (60 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.60 hours vs 30 hours
  • Clear call microphone
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
    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

    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk 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 ANC23bk includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
    What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
    When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.

    Importance: LOW

    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
    What it is: Reduces wind interference for clearer outdoor calls
    When it matters: When you take calls outdoors while walking, cycling, or commuting.

    Importance: LOW

    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • 1 more microphones
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk has more microphones than the average headphone (2 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 ANC23bk has more microphones than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.2 vs 1
  • 88.1% lower weight
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk is lighter than the average headphone (26 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Active noise cancellation
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 30 hours longer ANC battery life
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk has a higher battery life with ANC than the average headphone (60 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
  • Removable battery
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • Play while charging
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Clear call microphone
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • In-line controls
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • 1 more microphones
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk has more microphones than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.

Total
Design
Sound
Battery
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 27.5 mm smaller driver size
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk has smaller driver size than the average headphone (12.5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • Not headset-ready
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • No voice assistant support
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 6 older release date
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    February 2011
  • 27.5 mm smaller driver size
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk has smaller driver size than the average headphone (12.5 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 ANC23bk has smaller driver size than the average headphone (12.5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.12.5 mm vs 40 mm
  • No voice assistant support
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk 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 ANC23bk does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk 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 ANC23bk has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Not headset-ready
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% 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: MEDIUM

    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 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 ANC23bk has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 4.65x less popular
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk 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 ANC23bk is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 6 older release date
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    February 2011
    What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
    When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2020

    Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2011 vs 2017
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Audio-Technica ATH ANC23bk and

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

What customers 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 customers dislike 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

Video reviews

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