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Shure SRH240a Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£45
Avg. price in US: ~$60
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Shure SRH240a review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.0

Good

3.9

Poor

9.2

Exceptional

0.2
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
0.0
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%
4.7
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
0.2
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
2.5
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
4.7
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#528 in Best Wired Headphones
#675 in Best Over Ear Headphones

Verdict

The Shure SRH240A is an entry-level professional headphone featuring 40mm neodymium dynamic drivers, a wide frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, and a sensitivity of 107 dB/mW. Designed with a closed-back circumaural layout and a 38-ohm impedance, it is well-suited for both home recording and everyday listening on mobile devices. Its primary advantages include excellent midrange detail, a lightweight 238g build, and high sensitivity that allows for loud playback even from lower-power sources. However, notable drawbacks include a non-detachable 2-meter cable, reported roll-off in the sub-bass frequencies, and a plastic construction that can feel somewhat fragile or prone to creaking during extended use.

Technical Specifications of Shure SRH240a

Overall score

5.0

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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.

Sound

4.9

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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

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

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

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

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Calls & Controls

1.1

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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

N/A

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

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

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

N/A

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

N/A

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Connectivity

2.9

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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

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

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Features

2.7

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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

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

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Battery

1.0

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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

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Design

5.3

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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

Shure

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

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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Shure SRH240a vs the average headphone

Why is Shure SRH240a better than the average headphone?

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5 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Shure SRH240a has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Shure SRH240a has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
0.8 m more useful cable length
Shure SRH240a offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.
Importance: LOW
Shure SRH240a offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.2 m vs 1.2 m
15.4% higher user score
Shure SRH240a has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.23 vs 8.000).
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.
Shure SRH240a has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.23 vs 8.000).9.23 vs 8
22 dB higher max SPL
Shure SRH240a has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (132 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
What it is: Maximum safe sound pressure level
When it matters: When high-volume headroom is part of your use case.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=116 dB
Shure SRH240a has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (132 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.132 dB vs 110 dB
2.15x more popular
Shure SRH240a is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 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.
Shure SRH240a is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).10 vs 4.65
0.8 m more useful cable length
Shure SRH240a offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
5 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Shure SRH240a has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
22 dB higher max SPL
Shure SRH240a has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (132 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.

Why is Shure SRH240a worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Shure SRH240a has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
3.5 higher clamp force
Shure SRH240a has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (7.8 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
5 mm tighter earcup height
Shure SRH240a has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (55 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
Tangle-prone cable
Shure SRH240a uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
9.2% higher weight
Shure SRH240a is heavier than the average headphone (238 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
3 mm tighter earcup width
Shure SRH240a has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (40 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
0.7 % higher distortion
Shure SRH240a has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Shure SRH240a has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
Not headset-ready
Shure SRH240a is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
Shure SRH240a has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Shure SRH240a does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No voice assistant support
Shure SRH240a 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
Shure SRH240a does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Shure SRH240a 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
Shure SRH240a has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
0.7 % higher distortion
Shure SRH240a has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (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%
Shure SRH240a has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.1 % vs 0.3 %
Not headset-ready
Shure SRH240a is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
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
Shure SRH240a is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
3.5 higher clamp force
Shure SRH240a has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (7.8 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
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
Shure SRH240a has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (7.8 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.7.8 vs 4.3
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Shure SRH240a 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
Shure SRH240a 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
1 fewer microphones
Shure SRH240a has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 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
Shure SRH240a has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
5 mm tighter earcup height
Shure SRH240a has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (55 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
Shure SRH240a has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (55 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.55 mm vs 60 mm

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Shure SRH240a and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Shure SRH240a?

Impressive mid-range accuracy and detail for the price point
Lightweight design suitable for long listening sessions
Excellent value for budget-conscious users looking for professional entry-level gear
High sensitivity makes them easy to drive with consumer devices like smartphones
Effective at reducing background noise due to closed-back, circumaural design
Replaceable ear pads extend the overall product life

What customers dislike about Shure SRH240a?

Bass response is often described as thin or lacking punch compared to higher-end models
High frequencies can become piercing or harsh during certain tracks
Permanent, non-detachable cable raises long-term durability concerns
Build quality feels somewhat plasticky and prone to creaking with head movement
Shiny finish on the ear cups is susceptible to fingerprints and scratches
Relatively narrow soundstage due to the closed-back design

Expert reviews

majorhifi.com

12/06/2016

Shure SRH240A Review - Major HiFi

The Major HiFi Review highlights the Shure SRH240A as an outstanding budget-friendly option priced at just $59. The primary pros of these headphones are their exceptional, highly accurate midrange detail, making male and female vocals sound nearly perfect and luscious for the money. Additionally, the soundstage provides an impressive sense of depth and instrument placement for a...Read more

rtings.com

05/09/2017

Shure SRH 240 Headphones Review - RTINGS.com

The Shure SRH240 headphones are rated as mediocre for mixed usage but above-average for neutral listening, featuring a lightweight, comfortable design and decent sound quality for the price. They offer reasonable bass and treble for entry-level, casual, or home listening. However, the headphones possess a cheap, creaky build, lack controls, and suffer from poor isolation with...Read more

soundgale.com

07/04/2025

Shure SRH240A, SRH440AGo to product viewer dialogue for this item., SRH840AGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. Review & Comparison

The Shure SRH series of closed-back headphones provides highly detailed and neutral sound profiles at accessible price points, making them excellent tools for both professional studio applications and everyday listening. The budget-friendly SRH240A surprises with the most balanced and linear frequency response of the lineup, featuring an elastic, articulate bass (starting around 30...Read more

equipboard.com

09/04/2026

Shure SRH240A Pro Headphones - What To Know & Where To Buy - Equipboard Are you looking for these headphones for home recording or everyday listening?

The Shure SRH240A Pro Headphones, priced around $59, are positioned as a balanced, closed-back option optimized for home tracking, casual listening, and budget-conscious users. They offer impressive midrange clarity, accurate vocals, and minimal sound spillage, coupled with a lightweight, comfortable design that outperforms competitors like the Audio Technica M20x in detail...Read more

diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com

02/02/2025

SRH-240A - DIY-Audio-Heaven Would you like a technical comparison between the original SRH240 and the re-engineered SRH240A model?

The DIY-Audio-Heaven review portrays the Shure SRH-240A (the 32Ω 2024 version) as a highly affordable budget entry entry costing between €50 and €65 that excels at playing exceptionally loud even from low-power smartphone headphone jacks due to its massive 121dBV sensitivity. Audio measurements reveal highly accurate, realistic, and extended bass performance sliding down cleanly to...Read more

whathifi.com

25/08/2009

Shure SRH240 review - What Hi-Fi?

The What Hi-Fi? review explains that the Shure SRH240 over-ear headphones deliver a clear and decently detailed sound, but they fail to meet the brand's usual high standards. On the positive side (pros), the earpads and headband provide a comfortable fit during long listening sessions. However, the negative side (cons) includes a cheap physical feel that does not live up to the...Read more

welt.de

16/07/2012

Pure Music Enjoyment: The Best Over-Ear Headphones Tested (6th Place: Shure SRH240A)

This review roundup from Computer Bild evaluates a wide selection of headband headphones divided into budget-friendly (30 to 60 Euro) and mid-to-high tier (80 to 140 Euro) price categories. In the entry-level segment, the Sennheiser HD 419 secured first place due to having the best sound quality in its class, featuring a warm tone and strong bass response. Its over-ear foam padding...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

27/09/2015

Shure SRH240A review at kopfhoerer.de

The kopfhoerer.de review characterizes the Shure SRH240A as a practical, entry-level over-ear model built for everyday utility and robust studio use rather than audiophile-grade enjoyment. Priced as Shure's most affordable professional-tier option, it features a sturdy, durable build capable of handling heavy daily wear. Additional pros include an easy-to-adjust headband design,...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

02/12/2009

Shure SRH 240 Review - Les Numériques

In their 3 out of 5-star review, Les Numériques evaluates the Shure SRH 240 as a consumer-oriented, closed-back, circum-aural headphone weighing 181 grams. On the positive side, the review highlights its lightweight design, comfortable fit that is not too tight on the head, and a visually appealing shape. Acoustically, it delivers powerful and deep bass that remains clean without...Read more

Video reviews

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