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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Onkyo ES CTI300 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£130Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Onkyo ES CTI300 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Onkyo ES CTI300
6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 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 56% of models
Score components

80%

6.4

Technical score

20%

5.9

User score

â–²Better than 56% of headphones
7.4

Value for money

Value for money
7.4/ 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 56% of models
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

â–²Better than 56%
6.4

Technical score

Technical score
6.4/ 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 68% of models
Score components

52%

6.9

Sound

20%

6.0

Features

10%

7.3

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

7.4

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 68%
5.9

User score

User score
5.9/ 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 98% of models
Score components

70%

6.8

User ratings

30%

3.8

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 98%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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 Onkyo ES CTI300

Technical score
Technical score
6.4/ 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 68% of models
Score components:

52%

6.9

Sound

20%

6.0

Features

10%

7.3

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

7.4

Calls & Controls

6.4
User score
User score
5.9/ 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 98% of models
Score components

70%

6.8

User ratings

30%

3.8

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
5.9
Popularity
Popularity
3.8/ 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 67% of models
Popularity:
Onkyo ES CTI300 has a popularity score of 3.8 points, which is lower than that of 66.9% of products in this category.
3.8
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 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 56% of models
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

7.4
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
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
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
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
?
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 1 microphones, more microphones than 26.9% of headphones and equal to 50.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wired
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
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
yes
This pair of headphones supports EQ customization. 76.8% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
?
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
yes
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Onkyo
Form factor
on-ear
Weight
235 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 235 g, heavier than 55.5% of headphones and equal to 0.9% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

Onkyo ES CTI300 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    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.
  • EQ customization
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • 0.24 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.06 % vs 0.3 %
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    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
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 7,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (27,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    27,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    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.
  • 0.24 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.06 % vs 0.3 %
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    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
  • 7,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (27,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    27,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 10x higher input power handling
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    1,000 mW vs 100 mW
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • EQ customization
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • 5 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 34.7% lower user score
    User score
    5.9/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Onkyo ES CTI300
    the average pair of headphones
    Onkyo ES CTI300 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (5.94 vs 8).
    5.94 vs 8
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 7.8% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (235 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    235 g vs 218 g
  • 6 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (97 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    97 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 52.9% less popular
    Onkyo ES CTI300 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (3.84 vs 5.9).
    3.84 vs 5.87
  • 34.7% lower user score
    User score
    5.9/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Onkyo ES CTI300
    the average pair of headphones
    Onkyo ES CTI300 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (5.94 vs 8).
    5.94 vs 8
  • 52.9% less popular
    Onkyo ES CTI300 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (3.84 vs 5.9).
    3.84 vs 5.87
  • 7.8% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (235 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    235 g vs 218 g
  • 5 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 6 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (97 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    97 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.

Video reviews

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

9.0
Gus Gus
≈ estimated
21/08/2015
Hands-on review · design, comfort and sound
Verdict
Onkyo ES-CTI300 looks good, is comfortable and sounds well, with only minor complaints about bass and cord.
Not graded

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Onkyo ES CTI300

  • Balanced sound profile with deep, tight, and punchy bass performance
  • Excellent build quality featuring anodized aluminum ear cups and sturdy frame
  • Integrated iOS remote and high-quality microphone for clear calls
  • Sleek and stylish aesthetic design often compared to high-end audio gear
  • Lightweight and comfortable for shorter listening sessions and commuting
  • Detachable, tangle-free flat cable for improved portability and easier replacement

What customers don't like about Onkyo ES CTI300

  • Proprietary MMCX connectors are prone to becoming intermittent or failing quickly
  • Stock cable is relatively short, which may not be ideal for home receiver use
  • White version of leatherette can become yellowish or stained with extended wear
  • In-line controls are positioned below the chin, making them difficult to see during use
  • On-ear design may cause uncomfortable pressure on the ears during long sessions
  • The headband does not fold, although the ear cups do rotate flat

Verdict

The Onkyo ES-CTI300 is a premium on-ear wired headphone featuring 40mm titanium drivers and a 10Hz–27kHz frequency response, delivering a balanced sound profile with punchy, deep bass and clear trebles. These headphones are specifically iOS-certified, including a 1.2m detachable 6N oxygen-free copper cable with an inline microphone and controls for Apple devices. They are praised for their stylish aluminum housing, lightweight 235g build, and comfortable memory foam ear pads. However, the proprietary gold-plated MMCX connectors have been widely criticised by users for being prone to intermittent connection issues over time, and the inline remote is exclusively fully functional with iOS hardware.

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