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Shure SRH440 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£90
Avg. price in US: ~$100
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Shure SRH440 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.2

Good

4.3

Poor

8.8

Excellent

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
0.8
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
2.9
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
3.1
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
2.9
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

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Verdict

The Shure SRH440 is a professional closed-back, circumaural studio headphone featuring 40mm neodymium dynamic drivers that deliver a balanced frequency response of 10 Hz to 22 kHz. With an impedance of 44 ohms, a sensitivity of 105 dB/mW, and a maximum power handling of 500 mW, these headphones are optimized for accurate monitoring, field recording, and home studio use. Main characteristics include a collapsible design for portability, a detachable 3-meter coiled cable with a secure bayonet lock, and high-quality passive noise isolation. Pros include its clear, 'warmish-neutral' sound signature, excellent detail across an extended range, and user-replaceable ear pads. However, common cons include a bulky plastic build that may feel heavy at approximately 311g and potential discomfort during long sessions due to minimal headband padding and shallow ear cup depth.

Technical Specifications of Shure SRH440

Overall score

5.2

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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

5.1

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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

2.8

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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

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

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

6.5

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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 SRH440 vs the average headphone

Why is Shure SRH440 better than the average headphone?

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8 Hz lower bass extension
Shure SRH440 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 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 SRH440 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.10 Hz vs 18 Hz
Foldable design
Shure SRH440 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.
Importance: LOW
Shure SRH440 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
1.3 lower clamp force
Shure SRH440 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3 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 SRH440 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.3 vs 4.3
1.8 m more useful cable length
Shure SRH440 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 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 SRH440 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.3 m vs 1.2 m
3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Shure SRH440 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 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 SRH440 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
22 dB higher max SPL
Shure SRH440 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 SRH440 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
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
Shure SRH440 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 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
Shure SRH440 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.22000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
9.4% higher user score
Shure SRH440 has a higher user score than the average headphone (8.75 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 SRH440 has a higher user score than the average headphone (8.75 vs 8.000).8.75 vs 8
Foldable design
Shure SRH440 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
1.3 lower clamp force
Shure SRH440 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
1.8 m more useful cable length
Shure SRH440 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
8 Hz lower bass extension
Shure SRH440 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Shure SRH440 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
22 dB higher max SPL
Shure SRH440 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (132 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
Shure SRH440 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.

Why is Shure SRH440 worse than the average headphone?

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42.7% higher weight
Shure SRH440 is heavier than the average headphone (311 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Tangle-prone cable
Shure SRH440 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
1 fewer microphones
Shure SRH440 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Shure SRH440 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
8 years older release date
Shure SRH440 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,009 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
June 2009
42.7% higher weight
Shure SRH440 is heavier than the average headphone (311 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
Shure SRH440 is heavier than the average headphone (311 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.311 g vs 218 g
No voice assistant support
Shure SRH440 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 SRH440 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
1 fewer microphones
Shure SRH440 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 SRH440 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
Tangle-prone cable
Shure SRH440 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.
Importance: LOW
Shure SRH440 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
8 years older release date
Shure SRH440 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,009 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
June 2009
What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2020
Shure SRH440 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,009 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2009 vs 2017

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Shure SRH440 and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Shure SRH440?

Neutral and balanced sound signature ideal for home studio recording and critical listening
Excellent clarity and detail retrieval across the frequency range
Strong passive noise isolation that effectively blocks external environments
Detachable and replaceable cable system for increased longevity
Replaceable earpads and foldable design for improved portability
Highly affordable price point for professional-grade audio quality

What customers dislike about Shure SRH440?

Poor overall comfort, especially during long listening sessions, due to a heavy and rigid headband
Stock earpads are shallow and can cause ears to touch the drivers, leading to irritation
Plasticky build quality that feels cheap and is prone to creaking or breaking at the hinges
Bass may feel lacking or 'rolled off' for casual listeners or bass enthusiasts
Noticeable treble spikes that can sound sharp or fatiguing on certain tracks
Exposed thin wires between the headband and earcups are vulnerable to damage

Expert reviews

uk.pcmag.com

07/06/2011

Shure SRH440 - Review 2011 - PCMag UK

The Shure SRH440 Professional Studio Headphones are highly rated over-ear, circumaural headphones that offer an excellent balance of audio performance and value, making them well-suited for both studio recording and general music listening. Priced around $99.99, they feature a solid, attractive design with a detachable and easily replaceable cable—a rare premium addition for...Read more

whathifi.com

21/01/2010

Shure SRH440 review - What Hi-Fi?

The Shure SRH440 professional headphones are energetic closed-back cans tested at £130.00, targeting "music obsessives" looking for a powerful sound profile. According to the What Hi-Fi? review, their primary strength is their immense power and highly energetic delivery, which makes them an appealing option for fans of dance music. However, this heavy emphasis on drive and power...Read more

head-fi.org

05/05/2010

Shure SRH 440 Professional Studio Headphones - Reviews Would you like a comparison of the sound signatures mentioned in these specific reviews?

Shure SRH440 professional studio headphones are recognized as a budget-friendly option, offering balanced audio with impressive detail, tight bass, and a wide soundstage for a closed-back design. Users frequently praise the durable construction, detachable cable system, and strong passive noise isolation suitable for professional studio or office use. Key drawbacks identified in...Read more

wired.com

05/04/2012

Review: Shure SRH440 - WIRED

The Shure SRH440 is a studio-focused, closed-back headphone that delivers a neutral, well-balanced tonal signature with clean and articulate sound. Unlike competing models that can sound distant or tinny, these headphones offer sparkling highs, accurate mids, and tight, well-regulated bass that prevents audio tracks from feeling bloated or overbearing. They provide great value, an...Read more

head-fi.org

25/05/2012

Shure SRH440 Review - Head-Fi

The Shure SRH440 review on Head-Fi highlights a highly balanced, slightly warm, and non-fatiguing sound signature characterized by crisp guitars, realistic female vocals, and crystal-clear mids without bass bleed. Proponents note its spot-on timbre, stellar instrument separation, and precise imaging as standout features for an all-arounder. Head-Fi.orgConversely, the review notes...Read more

cnet.com

20/12/2010

Shure SRH440 review: Shure SRH440 - CNET

The Shure SRH440 Professional Studio Headphones ($100) are a bulky, closed-back, over-ear set of cans that balance pro-studio utility with consumer accessibility. They excel in audio performance, delivering a clean, exceptionally balanced, and neutral yet rich sound signature that covers most of the frequency spectrum. They are highly versatile across various musical genres—such as...Read more

homestudiobasics.com

02/12/2025

Shure SRH440 Review: Underrated in 2025? Key Information for the SRH440Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. Target Use: Designed primarily for...

The Shure SRH440 is a highly recommended, entry-level closed-back studio headphone that stands out for its excellent, mostly neutral sound profile and impressive sound isolation. It features a mostly flat and honest frequency response with tight, accurate, and clean bass that includes a minor 5-7dB shelf, alongside crisp, clear treble that offers good sparkle without becoming harsh....Read more

rtings.com

29/08/2017

Shure SRH 440 Headphones Review - RTINGS.com

The Shure SRH 440 headphones are praised for offering accurate, neutral sound with exceptional mid-range and controlled bass, making them ideal for critical listening, according to RTINGS.com. They feature a durable, foldable design with a detachable cable and provide a comfortable fit for stationary studio or desktop use. However, the review notes significant limitations, including...Read more

xander51.medium.com

31/12/2016

Shure SRH440 Headphone Review: An alternate studio headphone that's built like a brick wall

In a Medium review, the Shure SRH440 is praised for its exceptional durability and, compared to the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, features a smoother sound signature and robust, high-quality detachable cable system. The headphones are highly sensitive, providing solid studio-grade audio that is easily driven by laptops or phones without needing extra amplification. Medium· However, the...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

20/07/2009

Shure SRH440 review on kopfhoerer.de", "Shure SRH440 tested by kopfhoerer.de

The Shure SRH440 is a reliable, closed-back studio headphone designed primarily for monitoring and tracking tasks rather than casual listening. Its standout strength is a highly balanced, neutral sound signature that doesn't artificially color the frequency ranges. Additionally, it features exceptional passive isolation, ensuring that very little sound leaks out during loud tracking...Read more

voyard.free.fr

30/09/2014

Choosing the right headphones

The reviewer evaluates several headphones in search of an extremely accurate, linear, and comfortable headset for audio recording, rejecting the common industry trend toward artificially boosted bass. The Sennheiser HD25 was quickly rejected due to excessive clamping force, overpowering low-end frequencies ( dB between 25 and 200 Hz), and sharp treble peaks that heavily distorted...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

28/05/2013

Shure SRH 440 Review - Les Numériques

The Les Numériques review of the Shure SRH 440 awards the closed-back monitoring headphones a 3 out of 5-star rating, identifying it as a hybrid product that sits between studio monitoring and portable use. On the positive side, the review praises its design as a highly transportable monitoring solution featuring a foldable frame and an included carrying pouch. In terms of audio...Read more

nextgentech.it

21/01/2017

Shure SRH440 Review – Professional Headphones

The Shure SRH440 is a pair of professional closed-back, circumaural studio headphones that offers high-end performance and a premium package for under €100. Designed by the Illinois-based audio manufacturer Shure, this model is specifically engineered for studio music monitoring but adapts remarkably well to portable use. Despite weighing over 300 grams due to its thick plastic...Read more

head-fi.org

05/05/2010

Shure SRH440 Professional Studio Headphones - Reviews - Head-Fi

The Shure SRH440 Professional Studio Headphones are lauded for their exceptional build quality, featuring a robust, utilitarian design with thick ear pads and a durable, detachable coiled cable. Reviewers highlight a precise, flat sound signature characterized by tight, accurate bass and excellent, detailed imaging for critical listening. Key advantages include its portability,...Read more

tweakers.net

13/05/2014

Shure SRH440 Black - Quint3n - Product reviews - Tweakers

The Shure SRH440 review on Tweakers praises the headphones for offering excellent, analytical sound quality with good instrument separation at a low price point. Key physical advantages noted after long-term use include a durable build, effective noise isolation, and a replaceable, detachable cable. Conversely, the review highlights significant comfort issues, citing a heavy design,...Read more

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