OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x Review | 93 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£90
  • Avg. price in US: ~$100
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

6.4

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%

6.4

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
6.4

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%

8.4

Sound

20.0%

2.2

Features

10.0%

7.1

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

8.0

Battery

4.0%

5.0

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

  • 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

  • 4.0
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    5.8

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    1.0

    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

  • 3.9
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.8

    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

  • audio-technica-ath-anc27x
  • audio-technica-ath-anc27x
  • audio-technica-ath-anc27x
  • audio-technica-ath-anc27x
  • audio-technica-ath-anc27x
  • audio-technica-ath-anc27x
  • audio-technica-ath-anc27x
audio-technica-ath-anc27x
audio-technica-ath-anc27x
audio-technica-ath-anc27x
audio-technica-ath-anc27x
audio-technica-ath-anc27x
audio-technica-ath-anc27x
audio-technica-ath-anc27x

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £90

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-ANC27x is a wired over-ear headphone featuring QuietPoint active noise cancellation (ANC) designed to reduce environmental noise by up to 85% (18 dB). It is equipped with large 40 mm drivers, a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, an impedance of 33 ohms, and a sensitivity of 106 dB/mW. Key characteristics include a lightweight 192g build, a detachable 1.2-meter cable that allows the ANC to be used without audio, and the ability to play music passively even if the required AAA battery is depleted. Main pros consist of its affordability, excellent tracking balance, and travel-friendly features like a fold-flat design and included hard-shell case. However, notable cons include a flimsy build quality, subpar isolation performance in loud environments, and a sound profile that can be excessively bass-heavy or distorted at low frequencies when ANC is active.

Technical Specifications of Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x

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

6.4
Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x has a technical score of 6.44 points, which is higher than that of 76.3% 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 ANC27x 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%

6.4

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.5
Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.5 points, which is higher than 74.3% 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 ANC27x 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

40 mm
Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% 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 ANC27x 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 ANC27x 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

no
Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% 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

yes
Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% 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 ANC27x 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

no
Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% 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
Show more
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 ANC27x 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 ANC27x 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 ANC27x 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 ANC27x 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

40 hours
Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x offers battery life with ANC of 40 hours, higher battery life with ANC than 61.4% of headphones and equal to 11.4% 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
Show more
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

192 g
Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x weighs 192 g, lighter than 58.6% 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

?
Show more

Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x vs the average headphone

  • Active noise cancellation
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x 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 ANC27x supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 0.22 % lower distortion
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
    When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=1%

    Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.085 % vs 0.3 %
  • On-device controls
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
    What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
    When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 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 ANC27x has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 1 more microphones
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x 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 ANC27x has more microphones than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.2 vs 1
  • USB-C charging
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
    What it is: Uses USB-C connector for charging or data
    When it matters: When you want to charge with the same cable family used by your phone, tablet, laptop, or other daily devices.

    Importance: LOW

    Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • 10 hours longer ANC battery life
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x has a higher battery life with ANC than the average headphone (40 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 ANC27x has a higher battery life with ANC than the average headphone (40 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.40 hours vs 30 hours
  • Removable battery
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
    uses replaceable AAA/AA batteries
    What it is: Battery can be detached and replaced
    When it matters: When long-term serviceability or battery replacement matters to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • 11.9% lower weight
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x is lighter than the average headphone (192 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Active noise cancellation
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 0.22 % lower distortion
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • USB-C charging
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • 10 hours longer ANC battery life
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x has a higher battery life with ANC than the average headphone (40 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
  • Removable battery
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • On-device controls
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 1 more microphones
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x has more microphones than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.

Total
Design
Sound
Battery
Calls & Controls
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • No voice assistant support
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • No voice assistant support
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x 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 ANC27x does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x 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 ANC27x 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 ANC27x 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 ANC27x is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
Total
Overall
Sound
Features

Graphic comparison of Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x?

  • Good overall sound quality with satisfying, prominent bass response
  • Fairly affordable pricing for a pair of active noise-cancelling headphones
  • Cushy and padded ear cups that offer decent immediate padding
  • Features a detachable audio cable which is convenient for travel and replacement
  • Low audio leakage prevents disturbing nearby people even at higher volumes

What customers dislike about Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x?

  • Active noise cancellation is relatively weak and struggles to block out loud ambient noise
  • Flimsy, lightweight plastic construction that looks and feels a bit cheap
  • Comfort issues due to a tight clamping force and a stiff headband that can press harshly on the head
  • Ear cups are on the smaller side and do not fully envelope larger ears
  • Sound signature is overly skewed toward the bass, resulting in an uneven or muddy balance for critical listening

Best alternatives

sony-wh-1000xm4
Sony WH 1000XM4

Headphones

9.0
jbl-tour-one-m3
JBL Tour One M3

Headphones

9.0
sony-wh-1000xm6
Sony WH 1000XM6

Headphones

9.0
qcy-h3-pro
QCY H3 Pro

Headphones

8.9
baseus-bh1
Baseus BH1

Headphones

8.9
sony-wh-ult900n
Sony WH ULT900N

Headphones

8.9
nothing-headphone-1
Nothing Headphone 1

Headphones

8.8
sony-wh-1000xm5
Sony WH 1000XM5

Headphones

8.8
jbl-tour-one
JBL Tour One

Headphones

8.7
huawei-freebuds-studio
Huawei Freebuds Studio

Headphones

8.7
sennheiser-momentum
Sennheiser Momentum

Headphones

8.7
jbl-tour-one-m2
JBL Tour One M2

Headphones

8.7

Compare Audio-Technica ATH ANC27x with

VS
VS

Compare