OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is Review | 93 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£80
  • Avg. price in US: ~$80
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

6.7

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%

6.7

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
6.7

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%

7.8

Sound

20.0%

2.2

Features

10.0%

8.2

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

9.1

Battery

4.0%

9.0

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

  • 3.2
    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%

    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

  • 5.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    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

  • 5.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    9.9

    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-anc33is
audio-technica-ath-anc33is

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £80

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-ANC33iS QuietPoint is a wired in-ear headphone featuring 13mm drivers, a frequency response of 20Hz to 20,000Hz, and a sensitivity of 105 dB. Its defining characteristic is active noise cancellation (ANC) powered by a single AAA battery that reduces ambient noise by up to 90% (20 dB) for approximately 60 hours. Key pros include the ability to operate in passive mode when the battery dies, an inline microphone with a 1.3m cable, and included Comply foam tips for superior isolation. However, cons involve the bulky external control module that may feel heavy on the cable and reports of ANC performance being less effective against high-pitched, unpredictable sounds compared to newer high-end models.

Technical Specifications of Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is

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

6.7
Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is has a technical score of 6.69 points, which is higher than that of 79% 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 ANC33is 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%

6.7

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.7
Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.7 points, which is higher than 78.9% 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 ANC33is 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

13 mm
Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is uses a driver size of 13 mm, smaller driver size than 85.7% of headphones and equal to 0.4% 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 ANC33is 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 ANC33is 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 ANC33is 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

yes
Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is 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

3
Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is has 3 microphones, more microphones than 87.1% of headphones and equal to 1.1% 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 ANC33is 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

?
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 ANC33is 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 ANC33is 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 ANC33is 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 ANC33is 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 ANC33is 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
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

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 ANC33is 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 ANC33is vs the average headphone

  • Active noise cancellation
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is 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 ANC33is supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 88.1% lower weight
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is 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 ANC33is 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 ANC33is 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 ANC33is 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 ANC33is 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 ANC33is 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 ANC33is 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 ANC33is includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • On-device controls
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is 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 ANC33is includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • In-line controls
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is 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 ANC33is includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 2 more microphones
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is has more microphones than the average headphone (3 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 ANC33is has more microphones than the average headphone (3 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.3 vs 1
  • 88.1% lower weight
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is 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 ANC33is 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 ANC33is 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 ANC33is 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 ANC33is has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • Play while charging
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is 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 ANC33is offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • In-line controls
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 2 more microphones
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is has more microphones than the average headphone (3 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.

Total
Design
Sound
Battery
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 27 mm smaller driver size
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is has smaller driver size than the average headphone (13 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is 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 ANC33is does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 4 older release date
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    January 2013
  • 27 mm smaller driver size
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is has smaller driver size than the average headphone (13 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 ANC33is has smaller driver size than the average headphone (13 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.13 mm vs 40 mm
  • No voice assistant support
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is 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 ANC33is does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is 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 ANC33is has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is 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 ANC33is 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 ANC33is 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 ANC33is is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 4 older release date
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    January 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 ANC33is 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 ANC33is and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is?

  • Highly affordable pricing and great entry-level value for active noise cancellation
  • Compact and lightweight in-ear design making them very portable for travel
  • Respectable battery life when using the active noise cancellation feature
  • Balanced mid-to-high sound frequencies providing decent everyday audio reproduction
  • Includes a variety of ear tips including premium Comply foam tips for a snug fit
  • Ability to play music passively even when the AAA battery is completely drained
  • Comfortable fit that allows users to easily lie on their side while resting or sleeping

What customers dislike about Audio-Technica ATH ANC33is?

  • Active noise cancellation is weak against high-pitched sounds and office chatter
  • The physical battery module adds bulk and can drag the earbuds out of the ears
  • Build quality feels somewhat cheap with frequent complaints about the clothing clip snapping
  • Bass response is noticeably weak and lacks depth compared to competing models
  • Mixed feedback regarding long-term reliability and some out-of-box defects
  • The integrated microphone captures a noticeable amount of background noise

Video reviews

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 ANC33is with

VS
VS

Compare