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Audio-Technica ATH WS99 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£220
  • Avg. price in US: ~$250
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: Wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Audio-Technica ATH WS99 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.6

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

4.6

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.6

Technical Score

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

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

Score components:

52.0%

5.3

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

5.4

Design

8.0%

5.9

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

4.5

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

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

  • 1.1
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    4.4

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    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

  • 4.1
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.4

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    7.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • audio-technica-ath-ws99
audio-technica-ath-ws99

Best prices in UK

    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.

Verdict

The Audio-Technica ATH-WS99 is a closed-back dynamic headphone from the Solid Bass series featuring large 53 mm drivers, a frequency response of 8 – 25,000 Hz, an impedance of 37 ohms, and a sensitivity of 102 dB/mW. Its primary characteristic is the Double Air Chamber System, which provides deep, textured bass while maintaining clarity through direct-mounted high-rigidity aluminum housings that minimize unwanted vibrations. Main pros include its durable yet lightweight 250 g build, comfortable leatherette earpads, and the inclusion of two detachable cables, one of which offers smartphone remote and mic functionality. However, some users note cons such as a somewhat ordinary design for its price point, a bulky in-line volume slider, and occasional sound leakage from the air chamber vents despite its closed-back classification.

Technical Specifications of Audio-Technica ATH WS99

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

4.6
Audio-Technica ATH WS99 has a technical score of 4.55 points, which is lower than that of 69.5% 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 WS99 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%

4.6

Overall score

40.0%

9.4

Price

6.0
Audio-Technica ATH WS99 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6 points, which is lower than 82.8% 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

no
Audio-Technica ATH WS99 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% 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

53 mm
Audio-Technica ATH WS99 uses a driver size of 53 mm, larger driver size than 94.8% of headphones and equal to 1.6% 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 WS99 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

8 Hz
Audio-Technica ATH WS99 reaches a lowest frequency of 8 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 80.4% of headphones and equal to 2.8% 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 WS99 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 WS99 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

1
Audio-Technica ATH WS99 has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% 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 WS99 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

?
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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 WS99 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 WS99 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

N/A
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 WS99 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 WS99 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

N/A
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

250 g
Audio-Technica ATH WS99 weighs 250 g, heavier than 61.3% of headphones and equal to 1.5% 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

?
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Audio-Technica ATH WS99 vs the average headphone

  • 13 mm larger driver size
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (53 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 WS99 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (53 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.53 mm vs 40 mm
  • 10 Hz lower bass extension
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (8 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 WS99 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (8 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.8 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 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 WS99 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 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 WS99 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 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 WS99 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 %
  • 5,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.25000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • Better IP rating
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 has a better IP rating than the average headphone (IPX5 vs none). The average headphones have an IP rating of none.
    What it is: Level of dust and water protection rating
    When it matters: When sweat, rain, or dust exposure is part of how you use the headphones.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 has a better IP rating than the average headphone (IPX5 vs none). The average headphones have an IP rating of none.IPX5 vs none
  • 10x higher input power handling
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    What it is: Maximum input power the drivers can safely handle
    When it matters: When you pair the headphones with stronger sources or dedicated gear.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=300 mW

    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.1000 mW vs 100 mW
  • Better IP rating
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 has a better IP rating than the average headphone (IPX5 vs none). The average headphones have an IP rating of none.
  • 13 mm larger driver size
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (53 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 10 Hz lower bass extension
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (8 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 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 %.
  • 5,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 22 dB higher max SPL
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (132 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • 10x higher input power handling
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Total
Design
Sound
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 15 mm tighter earcup height
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (45 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • 14.7% higher weight
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 is heavier than the average headphone (250 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • No travel bag
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • No voice assistant support
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 4 years older release date
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    May 2013
  • No voice assistant support
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 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 WS99 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 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 WS99 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 15 mm tighter earcup height
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (45 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (45 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.45 mm vs 60 mm
  • 14.7% higher weight
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 is heavier than the average headphone (250 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 WS99 is heavier than the average headphone (250 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.250 g vs 218 g
  • 4.65x less popular
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 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 WS99 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • No travel bag
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
    What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
    When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.

    Importance: LOW

    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 12.4% worse value for money
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.99 vs 6.736).
    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.
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.99 vs 6.736).5.99 vs 6.74
  • 2.44x more expensive
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 is more expensive than the average headphone (£220 vs £90).
    Audio-Technica ATH WS99 is more expensive than the average headphone (£220 vs £90).£220 vs £90
Total
Overall
Design
Features

Graphic comparison of Audio-Technica ATH WS99 and

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Audio-Technica ATH WS99?

  • Powerful, deep, and punchy bass that manages to avoid bleeding into the midrange
  • Surprisingly warm, clear, and well-balanced mid and treble frequencies for a bass-focused model
  • Comfortable fit for long-term wear due to soft, thick foam leatherette ear padding
  • Sturdy and flexible headband build quality utilizing lightweight aluminum and durable plastics
  • Convenient swivel-cup design that allows the headphones to lay flat for easier storage

What customers dislike about Audio-Technica ATH WS99?

  • Fails to include a protective carrying pouch or case in the box
  • Passive noise isolation is somewhat weak, leading to minor sound leakage at high volumes
  • The 3.5mm stock cable features a bulky inline volume slider with abrupt adjustments
  • Aesthetic design looks relatively plain and lacks a luxury premium appearance for its original price class
  • Soundstage lacks expansive spaciousness and can feel somewhat narrow or intimate

Video reviews

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