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Shure SRH1840 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£410Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):yes

Shure SRH1840 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Shure SRH1840
6.5/10

Overall score

Score
6.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 64% of models
Score components

80%

6.1

Technical score

20%

8.1

User score

▲Better than 64% of headphones
7.1

Value for money

Value for money
7.1/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

8.4

Price

▼Worse than 67%
6.1

Technical score

Technical score
6.1/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 62% of models
Score components

52%

7.7

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

6.5

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

▲Better than 62%
8.1

User score

User score
8.1/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 71% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

6.8

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
▲Better than 71%
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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 Shure SRH1840

Technical score
Technical score
6.1/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 62% of models
Score components:

52%

7.7

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

6.5

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

6.1
User score
User score
8.1/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 71% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

6.8

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.1
Popularity
Popularity
6.8/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 62% of models
Popularity:
Shure SRH1840 has a popularity score of 6.8 points, which is higher than that of 61.7% of products in this category.
6.8
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components:

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

8.4

Price

7.1
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% 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
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
no
This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while 15.1% is. 84.9% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% 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
N/A
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
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
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
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
Shure
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
268 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 268 g, heavier than 69.6% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

Shure SRH1840 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Active noise cancellation
    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
    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
    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
  • 10,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 0.9 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (2.1 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    2.1 m vs 1.2 m
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 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
  • 0.9 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (2.1 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    2.1 m vs 1.2 m
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • Active noise cancellation
    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
    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
    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
  • 10,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    30,000 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
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 22.9% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (268 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    268 g vs 218 g
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 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.
  • 4.56x more expensive
    Shure SRH1840 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£410 vs £90).
    £410 vs £90
  • 4.56x more expensive
    Shure SRH1840 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£410 vs £90).
    £410 vs £90
  • 2.7% worse value for money
    Shure SRH1840 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (7.08 vs 7.3).
    7.08 vs 7.27
  • 22.9% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (268 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    268 g vs 218 g
  • Tangle-prone cable
    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.
  • 4 mm tighter earcup width
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (40 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    40 mm vs 44 mm
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 7 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (96 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    96 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.
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    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
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2012 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    March 2012
    2012 vs 2016

Video reviews

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

9.0
Eargasmic
≈ estimated
07/09/2025
Hands-on review · sound, staging and comfort
Verdict
Shure SRH1840 has excellent imaging and staging, but its bass is lean and it isn't a reference-style sound.
9.0
askdrtk
≈ estimated
19/10/2022
Hands-on review · frequency tests, gaming and build quality
Verdict
Shure SRH1840 is accurate and well built and worth considering at this price, though not meant for portable use.
9.0
Damir Franc
≈ estimated
12/12/2017
Hands-on review · listening tests and comparison
Verdict
Shure SRH1840 is very neutral and relaxing, well worth the price for critical listening, though not a one-for-everything pick.
8.0
Mad Steex
≈ estimated
07/05/2022
Short first impressions · comfort and listening notes
Verdict
Shure SRH1840 is light, comfortable and balanced, with good sound and slightly soft bass.
9.0
Mitch Michelle
≈ estimated
07/12/2017
Short review · mixing and monitoring use
Verdict
Shure SRH1840 is accurate, neutral monitoring that suits mixing, and well worth it for that purpose.
9.0
Marco B (maurilio86)
≈ estimated
06/04/2015
Short review · game and music listening impressions
Verdict
Shure SRH1840 is a strong open-back pick for games and music, among the better options on the market.
Shop video
Brand video
Not graded
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

whathifi.com
26/03/2012
Listening test · Open-back hi-fi
Verdict
The Shure SRH1840 is an open-back pair with detailed, musical sound and a very comfortable fit, but it needs a good headphone amplifier to shine.
pcmag.com
06/08/2025
Studio review · Open-back monitors
Verdict
The Shure SRH1840 is a neutral, accurate open-back pair for studio work, though its flat sound may lack excitement and rivals cost less.
cnet.com
14/06/2012
Listening review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH1840 is a light, comfortable pair with accurate, musical sound and wide stereo imaging, but it is expensive and best suited to home or studio use.
soundonsound.com
15/07/2012
Studio review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH1840 is a neutral, musical pair for mixing and listening, comfortable for long sessions, but it is a big investment.
majorhifi.com
30/07/2016
Audiophile review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH1840 is a safe bet for most listeners, with detailed, controlled sound and a sturdy build, though its soundstage feels slightly closed in.
headphoneer.com
25/05/2025
Pad swap test · Replacement pads
Verdict
The Shure SRH1840 is a lively, midrange-focused headphone whose stock bass distorts, but with third-party Hybrid Pads its bass and clarity improve considerably.
stereophile.com
24/03/2012
Listening review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH1840 is a smooth, airy, very comfortable pair with a near-flawless midrange, though it is too quiet for portable players.
H
headfonia.com
20/04/2012
Summary of the review
Open Back Shures: SRH1440 and SRH1840 - Headfonia
earmass.wordpress.com
13/10/2013
Personal review · Flagship open-back
Verdict
The Shure SRH1840 is a light, very comfortable flagship with a warm, musical, spacious sound, though it needs a good amp to shine.
theabsolutesound.com
10/10/2012
Listening review · Flagship open-back
Verdict
The Shure SRH1840 offers excellent clarity and openness, but its bass lacks weight and the earcups only tilt vertically.
tapeop.com
01/06/2012
Mixing review · Open-back studio headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH1840 is a smooth, transparent pair with nearly flat response that suits critical mixing, though its low bass falls away below 50 Hz.
higherhz.org
11/02/2026
Studio review · Mixing headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH1840 is a neutral, comfortable pair for mixing and critical listening that is worth its expense, though open cups offer little isolation.
blog.hifiheadphones.co.uk
31/10/2014
Listening review · Open-back flagship
Verdict
The Shure SRH1840 is a warm, detailed open-back pair that sounds great and comes with spare pads and cable, but it needs an amp for best results.
headphonecheck.com
08/06/2016
Listening test · Studio open-back
Verdict
The Shure SRH1840 is a natural, spacious open-back pair for studio and high-end home listening, but it needs a proper amp and lets noise in during recording.
me.pcmag.com
06/08/2025
Hands-on review · Open-back studio
Verdict
The Shure SRH1840 is an accurate, comfortable open-back pair for studio work, but its flat sound lacks excitement and it costs more than rival choices.
what-it-is.com
29/04/2016
Lab and listening test · Open-back reference
Verdict
The Shure SRH1840 is a spacious, precise open-back pair for critical listening at home, but it leaks sound and cannot give the body-felt rumble of a subwoofer.
thegreatestsong.com
03/10/2022
Lab and listening test · Reference open-back
Verdict
The Shure SRH1840 is a neutral, very detailed open-back pair for mixing and quiet home listening, but it leaks sound and its bass sounds weak next to consumer headphones.
homedjstudio.com
05/11/2021
Hands-on review · Open-back studio
Verdict
The Shure SRH1840 is a flat, spacious open-back pair, worth its high price for long mixing sessions, though it leaks sound too much for commuting.
kopfhoerer.de
20/03/2012
Lab test · Open-back studio
Verdict
The Shure SRH1840 is a natural-sounding reference headphone that is quiet on portable players and best suited to home or studio use.
delamar.de
14/11/2013
Hands-on test · Open studio headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH1840 is a premium open-back pair with detailed sound, controlled bass and very comfortable wear, though its slightly bright tone takes some getting used to.

Third-party reviews

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

What customers like about Shure SRH1840

  • Exceptionally natural and neutral sound signature
  • Expansive, airy soundstage with precise imaging
  • Lightweight and comfortable for long studio sessions
  • Highly detailed midrange and smooth high-end extension
  • Durable build with premium materials like aircraft-grade aluminum
  • Generous accessory package including spare pads and cables
  • Replaceable components ensure long-term longevity

What customers don't like about Shure SRH1840

  • Noticeable roll-off and lack of impact in deep sub-bass
  • Measured harmonic distortion issues in the low frequencies
  • Earcups only swivel vertically, lacking horizontal adjustment for fit
  • Relatively high price compared to newer studio competitors
  • Open-back design provides zero noise isolation
  • Flat, clinical response may lack 'excitement' for casual listening
  • Proprietary MMCX cable connectors can be difficult to replace with third-party options

Verdict

The Shure SRH1840 is a professional open-back circumaural headphone featuring individually matched 40mm neodymium drivers designed for critical listening and mastering. It offers a wide frequency range of 10 Hz to 30,000 Hz, an impedance of 65 Ohms, and a sensitivity of 96 dB/mW, all housed in a lightweight 268g frame constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy and stainless steel. Its main pros include an exceptionally natural soundstage with precise stereo imaging, smooth extended highs, and a highly accurate, neutral midrange that provides outstanding vocal clarity and comfort for long sessions. However, some users note cons such as a noticeable roll-off in deep sub-bass frequencies and potential harmonic distortion at high volume levels.

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