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Shure SRH440 Gen 2 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 Gen 2 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.3

Good

4.4

Poor

9.2

Exceptional

3.9
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
10
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
1.0
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
4.0
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
3.0
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
10
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
2.3
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
4.0
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

#339 in Best Wired Headphones
#564 in Best Over Ear Headphones

Verdict

The Shure SRH440A (Gen 2) is a professional closed-back studio headphone featuring 40mm neodymium dynamic drivers that deliver a transparent, natural sound signature across a 10 Hz to 22,000 Hz frequency range. Key specifications include a 40-ohm impedance, 97 dB/mW sensitivity, and a lightweight 268g design with an updated padded headband and memory foam ear pads for enhanced comfort during long monitoring or podcasting sessions. Main pros include its accurate audio reproduction, high-quality isolation, and a detachable 3-meter locking straight cable that ensures long-term durability. However, some users have noted cons such as a slightly sharp treble peak around 9kHz and a non-folding design that, while rotating flat, is less compact for travel than the original model.

Technical Specifications of Shure SRH440 Gen 2

Overall score

5.3

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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

5.0

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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

3.6

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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

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

4.2

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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

6.9

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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 Gen 2 vs the average headphone

Why is Shure SRH440 Gen 2 better than the average headphone?

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Clear call microphone
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
8 Hz lower bass extension
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 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 Gen 2 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 Gen 2 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 Gen 2 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
1.8 m more useful cable length
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 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 Gen 2 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
15% higher user score
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.20 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 Gen 2 has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.20 vs 8.000).9.2 vs 8
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 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 Gen 2 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
2.15x more popular
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 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 SRH440 Gen 2 is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).10 vs 4.65
Foldable design
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
1.8 m more useful cable length
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 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 Gen 2 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 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.
Clear call microphone
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.

Calls & Controls

Why is Shure SRH440 Gen 2 worse than the average headphone?

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22.9% higher weight
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 is heavier than the average headphone (268 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
No travel bag
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
5 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
13 dB lower max SPL
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (97 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
6 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (97 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
Not headset-ready
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No voice assistant support
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 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 Gen 2 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
22.9% higher weight
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 is heavier than the average headphone (268 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 Gen 2 is heavier than the average headphone (268 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.268 g vs 218 g
5 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (97 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 Gen 2 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Not headset-ready
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 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 SRH440 Gen 2 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.No vs yes
1 fewer microphones
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 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 Gen 2 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
No travel bag
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 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
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
13 dB lower max SPL
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (97 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 Gen 2 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (97 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.97 dB vs 110 dB
6 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (97 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=108 dB SPL
Shure SRH440 Gen 2 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (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

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Shure SRH440 Gen 2 and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Shure SRH440 Gen 2?

Neutral and transparent sound signature ideal for home recording and professional studio tracking
Improved comfort from the first generation with a lighter headband and padded ear cups
Durable, professional design with high-quality hard plastic construction
Excellent for monitoring vocals and podcasts due to clear midrange performance
Includes a long 3m detachable cable and 6.3mm gold-plated adapter
High sensitivity (119dB/V) allows it to be easily driven by portable devices like smartphones
Collapsible/fold-flat design for easier storage

What customers dislike about Shure SRH440 Gen 2?

Treble can be overly sharp or peaky (around 9kHz) for some listeners, causing ear fatigue
Lacks deep sub-bass extension, which may be disappointing for bass-heavy genres like EDM or rap
The 3m straight cable can be cumbersome for casual use and is noted for being microphonic
Narrow soundstage due to the closed-back design, which lacks the depth of open-back alternatives
Pleather ear pads may cause sweating during long listening sessions
Passive noise isolation is only average and may not block out loud environments effectively

Expert reviews

headphonecheck.com

08/02/2022

Shure SRH440A Review

The Shure SRH440A is an affordable, closed-back, over-ear headphone model tailored specifically for home recording, voice production, podcasting, and streaming. It features a modernized design compared to its predecessor, boasting internal cabling, a stitched faux leather headband, and 40mm neodymium dynamic drivers. Mechanically, it features 90-degree rotating ear cups for flat...Read more

bhphotovideo.com

06/01/2022

Shure SRH440A and SRH840A: Refreshed and Ready for Production

The B&H eXplora review highlights that the redesigned Shure SRH440A and SRH840A closed-back studio headphones offer improved comfort, aesthetics, and refined acoustics. The SRH440A features 40mm drivers aimed at content creators for transparent audio, while the premium SRH840A provides an expanded frequency response (5 Hz to 25 kHz) suited for critical monitoring. Both models boast...Read more

musictech.com

23/02/2022

Shure SRH440A & SRH840A review: Two headphones that deliver a balanced and smooth performance

The MusicTech review evaluates Shure's revamped closed-back, circumaural headphones, the SRH440AGo to product viewer dialog for this item. (priced at £89) and the SRH840AGo to product viewer dialog for this item. (priced at £135). Both models feature 40mm dynamic neodymium drivers, a detachable locking straight cable, a 6.3mm adapter, and exceptional build quality free of structural...Read more

bonedo.de

20/01/2022

Shure SRH440A Review - Bonedo

The Shure SRH440A is a dynamic, closed-back, over-ear studio headphone updated in 2022 as a revision to the original 2009 SRH440 model. Priced at a budget-friendly €65 to €74, it features 40mm neodymium drivers, a 10 to 22,000 Hz frequency response, and a smartphone-friendly 40-ohm impedance. It shares a nearly identical physical design with the more expensive SRH840A, but stands...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

27/01/2022

Shure SRH440A review on kopfhoerer.de

The Shure SRH440A is a closed-back, over-ear headphone designed primarily for monitoring voice applications such as home recording, podcasting, streaming, and video chats. It features a modern, high-quality aesthetic, 40mm dynamic drivers with neodymium magnets, and rotatable earcups for space-saving storage. On the positive side, it is nearly 70 grams lighter and significantly...Read more

son-video.com

11/01/2022

Shure SRH440A - Black Hi-Fi Headphones

The Shure SRH440A is a closed-back, circumaural hi-fi and studio monitoring headphone designed for natural, clear, and highly detailed sound reproduction. It succeeds the original SRH-440 with an updated, elegant aesthetic, lower harmonic distortion, and better left-right driver matching. Equipped with 40 mm dynamic neodymium drivers, it offers an extended frequency response ranging...Read more

fr.audiofanzine.com

16/05/2022

Review of the Shure SRH440A and SRH840A headphones

The Shure SRH440A and SRH840A are closed-back, circumaural studio headphones that share the same 40mm dynamic neodymium drivers, 40-ohm impedance, and 97 dB/mW sensitivity, yet deliver different sound profiles due to distinct acoustic treatments. The lower-priced SRH440A (€99) features a tighter internal resonance space and highlights the high-mids, making it well-suited for vocal...Read more

tweakers.net

13/05/2014

Shure SRH440 Black - Quint3n - Product reviews

The Shure SRH440, evaluated by a Tweakers user after two years, is praised as a neutral, analytical, and highly detailed studio tool featuring robust build quality and a detachable, locking coiled cable. Its primary pros include excellent passive sound isolation and a balanced sound signature, making it effective for monitoring and detailed listening. However, the review cites...Read more

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