OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Audio-Technica ATH ANC9 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£220Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):yes

Audio-Technica ATH ANC9 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

7.1

Overall score

Score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 76% of models
Score components

80%

7.1

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–²Better than 76% of headphones
7.1

Technical score

Technical score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 77% of models
Score components

52%

8.8

Sound

20%

4.3

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.7

Battery

4%

9.3

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 77% of headphones
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

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Best prices

    N/A~ £220

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Audio-Technica ATH ANC9

Technical score
Technical score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 77% of models
Score components:

52%

8.8

Sound

20%

4.3

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.7

Battery

4%

9.3

Calls & Controls

7.1
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Audio-Technica ATH ANC9 has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 73.4% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 73% of models
Score components:

60%

7.1

Overall score

40%

9.4

Price

7.8
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
â–² Better than 73% of models
This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
Driver size
40 mm
â–² Better than 29% of models
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Number of drivers
1
â–¼ Worse than 4% of models
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
10 Hz
Lowest frequency
10 Hz
â–² Better than 67% of models
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.2% of headphones and equal to 12.6% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
â–² Better than 61% of models
This pair of headphones supports a noise-canceling microphone. 61.1% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
Can be used as a headset
yes
â–² Better than 15% of models
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
4
Number of microphones
4
â–² Better than 88% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 4 microphones, more microphones than 88% of headphones and equal to 5.1% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
Boom microphone
no
â–¼ Worse than 14% of models
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wired
Connectivity
wired
â–¼ Worse than 49% of models
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
Multipoint support
no
â–¼ Worse than 31% of models
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
Ambient sound mode
no
â–¼ Worse than 25% of models
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
EQ support
no
â–¼ Worse than 23% of models
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
Companion app
no
â–¼ Worse than 22% of models
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
3
Adjustable ANC levels
3
★ Better than 95% of models
Market range: <2 – >12
This pair of headphones offers 3 adjustable ANC levels, more adjustable ANC levels than 94.6% of headphones and equal to 2.7% of headphones.
Voice assistant support
no
Voice assistant support
no
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
25 hours
Battery life with ANC
25 hours
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
Market range: <15 hours – >55 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life with ANC of 25 hours, lower battery life with ANC than 61.3% of headphones and equal to 3.7% of headphones.
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
Quick charge
no
â–¼ Worse than 33% of models
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Audio-Technica
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
220 g
Weight
220 g
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 220 g, heavier than 50.3% of headphones and equal to 1.4% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
4
Clamp force
4
â–² Better than 51% of models
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 4, lower clamp force than 51.2% of headphones and equal to 7.4% of headphones.
Show more

Audio-Technica ATH ANC9 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Active noise cancellation
    Active noise cancellation (ANC)
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Hi-Res Audio certification
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • Clear call microphone
    Noise-canceling microphone
    yes
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    10 Hz
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • On-device controls
    On-device controls
    yes
    â–² Better than 53% of models
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • In-line controls
    In-line controls
    yes
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 20 mm more spacious earcup height
    Earcup inner height
    80 mm
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    Market range: <43 mm – >73 mm
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (80 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    80 mm vs 60 mm
  • 3 more microphones
    Number of microphones
    4
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This pair of headphones has more microphones than the average pair of headphones (4 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    4 vs 1
  • 20 mm more spacious earcup height
    Earcup inner height
    80 mm
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    Market range: <43 mm – >73 mm
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (80 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    80 mm vs 60 mm
  • Active noise cancellation
    Active noise cancellation (ANC)
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Hi-Res Audio certification
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    10 Hz
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 5,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Highest frequency
    25,000 Hz
    â–² Better than 70% of models
    Market range: <20k Hz – >40k Hz
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (25000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20000 Hz.
    25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • Removable battery
    Removable battery
    yes
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    This pair of headphones has a removable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 7.8% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • Clear call microphone
    Noise-canceling microphone
    yes
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    On-device controls
    yes
    â–² Better than 53% of models
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • In-line controls
    In-line controls
    yes
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 3 more microphones
    Number of microphones
    4
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This pair of headphones has more microphones than the average pair of headphones (4 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    4 vs 1
  • Wind noise reduction
    Wind noise reduction
    yes
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • 2.7 % higher distortion
    THD (Total Harmonic Distortion)
    3 %
    â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
    Market range: <0.08 % – >3 %
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (3 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    3 % vs 0.3 %
  • No voice assistant support
    Voice assistant support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 5.87x less popular
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC9 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    100 dB/mW
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Tangle-free cable
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 2.44x more expensive
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC9 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£220 vs £90).
    £220 vs £90
  • 5 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Battery life with ANC
    25 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <15 hours – >55 hours
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life with ANC than the average pair of headphones (25 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    25 hours vs 30 hours
  • 4 older release date
    Release date
    2012
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2012 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    May 2012
    2012 vs 2016
  • 5.87x less popular
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC9 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 2.44x more expensive
    Audio-Technica ATH ANC9 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£220 vs £90).
    £220 vs £90
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Tangle-free cable
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 2.7 % higher distortion
    THD (Total Harmonic Distortion)
    3 %
    â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
    Market range: <0.08 % – >3 %
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (3 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    3 % vs 0.3 %
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    100 dB/mW
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 5 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Battery life with ANC
    25 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <15 hours – >55 hours
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life with ANC than the average pair of headphones (25 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    25 hours vs 30 hours
  • No voice assistant support
    Voice assistant support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 4 older release date
    Release date
    2012
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2012 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    May 2012
    2012 vs 2016

Video reviews

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

Third-party reviews

What we like about Audio-Technica ATH ANC9

  • Good sound quality with clear highs and deep, well-defined bass
  • Highly comfortable for long listening sessions due to soft memory foam padding
  • Effective Tri-Level Cancellation with three customizable active noise-cancelling modes (Airplane, Office, and Study)
  • Can still play music in passive audio mode when the battery dies
  • Includes a rugged, premium protective hard carrying case with plenty of travel accessories
  • Long battery life, lasting up to 30 to 50 hours on a single AAA battery
  • Features a detachable cable system, including one with an inline microphone and remote controls

What we don't like about Audio-Technica ATH ANC9

  • Relatively high price tag compared to the overall performance offered
  • The build is mostly plastic, making it feel less sturdy and durable than competitors
  • Does not use a rechargeable internal battery, requiring users to carry replacement AAA batteries
  • Active noise cancellation performance is weaker against low-frequency droning and voices when compared to top-tier rivals like Bose
  • Lacks on-board volume controls and features a slightly confusing or awkward button layout
  • Audio quality degrades or flattens significantly when noise cancellation is turned off

Verdict

The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC9 QuietPoint is a wired, over-ear headphone featuring 40mm dynamic drivers that deliver a wide frequency response of 10–25,000 Hz with 100 ohms impedance and 100 dB sensitivity. Its standout characteristic is the Tri-Level Cancellation technology, which offers three distinct active noise-cancelling modes (Airplane, Office, and Study) capable of reducing ambient noise by up to 95% (30 dB). Main pros include a lightweight 220g design with luxurious memory foam padding, the ability to operate in passive mode without battery power, and a long battery life of up to 35 hours from a single AAA lithium battery. However, notable cons include a primarily plastic build that may feel less durable, a lack of on-board volume controls, and a button layout that some users find ergonomically confusing.

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