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Audio-Technica ATH ANC29 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • 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 ANC29 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%

7.5

Design

8.0%

2.8

Connectivity

6.0%

7.3

Battery

4.0%

5.1

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-anc29
audio-technica-ath-anc29

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-ANC29 is a wired over-ear headphone featuring 40 mm dynamic drivers and QuietPoint® active noise cancellation designed to reduce environmental noise by up to 87% (18 dB). It offers a frequency response of 20–20,000 Hz, an impedance of 33 ohms, and a sensitivity of 106 dB, all powered by a single AAA battery that provides approximately 40 hours of operation. Key characteristics include a lightweight 192g build, a detachable 1.2m cable for flexible use, and the ability to continue functioning in passive mode even when the battery is depleted. Main pros highlighted by users include its clear high-resolution audio, portability for travel, and impactful bass response. However, common cons include a relatively weak noise cancellation performance in very loud environments, a lack of deep sub-bass extension, and a plastic construction that some find less durable or slightly uncomfortable over long sessions.

Technical Specifications of Audio-Technica ATH ANC29

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 ANC29 has a technical score of 6.43 points, which is higher than that of 76.1% 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 ANC29 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 ANC29 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 ANC29 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 ANC29 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 ANC29 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 ANC29 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 ANC29 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 ANC29 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 ANC29 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 ANC29 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
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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 ANC29 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

10 m
Audio-Technica ATH ANC29 offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.6% of headphones and equal to 79.9% of headphones.
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 ANC29 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 ANC29 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 ANC29 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 ANC29 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
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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

192 g
Audio-Technica ATH ANC29 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 ANC29 vs the average headphone

  • Active noise cancellation
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC29 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 ANC29 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • On-device controls
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC29 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 ANC29 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC29 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 ANC29 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 %.0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC29 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 ANC29 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
  • Foldable design
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC29 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 ANC29 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 1 more microphones
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC29 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 ANC29 has more microphones than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.2 vs 1
  • 10 hours longer ANC battery life
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC29 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 ANC29 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 ANC29 has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
    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 ANC29 has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • Foldable design
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC29 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 11.9% lower weight
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC29 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 ANC29 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC29 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 ANC29 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 10 hours longer ANC battery life
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC29 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 ANC29 has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • On-device controls
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC29 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 1 more microphones
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC29 has more microphones than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.

Total
Design
Sound
Battery
Calls & Controls
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC29 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC29 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 ANC29 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 4 older release date
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC29 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    April 2013
  • No voice assistant support
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC29 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 ANC29 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC29 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 ANC29 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 ANC29 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 ANC29 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC29 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
    What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
    When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.

    Importance: LOW

    Audio-Technica ATH ANC29 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 4 older release date
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC29 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    April 2013
    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 ANC29 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2013 vs 2017
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Features

Graphic comparison of Audio-Technica ATH ANC29 and

Attribute category
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Audio-Technica ATH ANC29?

  • Good value for money at its price point
  • Audio functions normally even when the AAA battery runs out
  • Lightweight design with comfortable padding on the headband
  • Clear mid and high-range sound reproduction
  • Detachable 3.5mm audio cable provides extra convenience
  • Effective at cutting out low-frequency ambient sounds like airplane and train engines

What customers dislike about Audio-Technica ATH ANC29?

  • Subpar active noise cancellation compared to premium brands
  • Cheap plastic build quality and low-grade faux leather materials
  • Odd or small earcup size can be uncomfortable for some users
  • Lacks deep low-end bass extension
  • Sound can become unpredictable when the battery runs low
  • No built-in control options or volume sliders on the unit

Video reviews

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