OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
Headphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Shure SRH840 Review | 93 Data compared

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

Shure SRH840 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 SRH840
6.1/10

Overall score

Score
6.1/ 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
▼ Worse than 53% of models
Score components

80%

5.6

Technical score

20%

8.4

User score

▼Worse than 53% of headphones
7.3

Value for money

Value for money
7.3/ 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 51% of models
Score components

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

▼Worse than 51%
5.6

Technical score

Technical score
5.6/ 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
▼ Worse than 69% of models
Score components

52%

6.5

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

6.0

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

▼Worse than 69%
8.4

User score

User score
8.4/ 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 80% of models
Score components

70%

9.0

User ratings

30%

7.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
▲Better than 80%
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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 SRH840

Technical score
Technical score
5.6/ 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
▼ Worse than 69% of models
Score components:

52%

6.5

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

6.0

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

5.6
User score
User score
8.4/ 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 80% of models
Score components

70%

9.0

User ratings

30%

7.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.4
Popularity
Popularity
7.1/ 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 65% of models
Popularity:
Shure SRH840 has a popularity score of 7.1 points, which is higher than that of 65.4% of products in this category.
7.1
Value for money
Value for money
7.3/ 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 51% of models
Score components:

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

7.3
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
5 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 5 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 10.8% 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
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% 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
365 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 365 g, heavier than 92.7% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
2.5
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 2.5, lower clamp force than 88.3% of headphones and equal to 3.7% of headphones.
Show more

Shure SRH840 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 1.8 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (2.5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    2.5 vs 4.3
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 5,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 4.55 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (5.8 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    5.75 m vs 1.2 m
  • 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
  • 1.8 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (2.5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    2.5 vs 4.3
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 4.55 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (5.8 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    5.75 m vs 1.2 m
  • 4 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (64 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    64 mm vs 60 mm
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 5,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    25,000 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
  • 18 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (128 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    128 dB vs 110 dB
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 67.4% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (365 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    365 g vs 218 g
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 7 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2009 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    May 2009
    2009 vs 2016
  • 67.4% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (365 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    365 g vs 218 g
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 7 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2009 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    May 2009
    2009 vs 2016

Video reviews

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

7.0
Eynsomniacs Studios
≈ estimated
04/04/2022
Hands-on review · unboxing, comfort and sound impressions
Verdict
Shure SRH840 is a good option at its budget, though heavy and less suited to mixing than open-back models.
8.0
ReviewsAboutAnything
≈ estimated
03/06/2020
Two-month review · work use and sound comparison
Verdict
Shure SRH840 sounds neutral and feels lightweight and comfortable for long days, though the pads could be more comfortable.
7.0
metal571
≈ estimated
08/01/2019
Hands-on review · measurements and comparisons
Verdict
Shure SRH840 is very good as a monitoring headphone, but comfort, soundstage and build limit it for general use.
7.0
JawnMercernary
≈ estimated
30/04/2011
Long-term review · one month of daily podcast listening
Verdict
Shure SRH840 excels at vocals and podcasts, but it is heavy, tiring in long sessions and weak on bass-heavy music.
9.0
Your Home Recording
≈ estimated
30/04/2018
Hands-on review · comparison with previous model, comfort and sound
Verdict
Shure SRH840 suits checking recordings and tracking vocals and drums, but not mixing.
9.0
Zequoia
≈ estimated
11/12/2016
Short hands-on review · build, comfort and sound
Verdict
Shure SRH840 is well built with great sound for the price, and worth buying for gaming or music.
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

H
head-fi.org
07/05/2010
Summary of the review
Shure SRH840 - Reviews - Head-Fi
cnet.com
25/08/2010
Expert review · Studio over-ear headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH840 is a well-built, detailed headphone that should outlast consumer models, but it can press on big ears and rival pro models offer better value.
theabsolutesound.com
25/08/2009
Expert review · Studio monitoring headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH840 is a detailed, dynamic headphone that holds its own against much pricier rivals, though those wanting top-end openness and neutrality should look elsewhere.
headphonereview.com
21/04/2017
Long-term use · Over-ear studio headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH840 is a comfortable, natural-sounding over-ear headphone with good value, though it is heavy and its thin cables can break.
tapeop.com
01/07/2010
Hands-on test · Studio headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH840 gives an accurate, punchy low end and clear vocals for mixing, but its awkward folding and exposed wires make it less pleasant to handle.
headfonia.com
20/11/2009
Long-term listening · Amplifier pairing
Verdict
The Shure SRH840 is a neutral, clean-sounding headphone that pairs well with almost any amplifier, but it needs more than 300 hours of use to settle.
kopfhoerer.de
20/08/2014
Studio test · Closed-back monitoring
Verdict
The Shure SRH840 is a neutral, solid studio headphone with good monitoring, but its small cups press on large ears and it suits home more than travel.
bonedo.de
25/11/2013
Group test · Closed studio headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH840 is a sturdy, comfortable studio headphone with a direct, balanced sound, though its treble is boosted and it is somewhat bulky.
hifitest.de
15/03/2011
Comparison test · Closed studio headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH840 is a faithful studio headphone that is very comfortable for long sessions, but it sounds a little less lively than the test winner.
L
lesnumeriques.com
02/12/2009
Summary of the review
Shure SRH 840 Review - Les Numériques
(Translated)Show original
journaldugeek.com
22/11/2009
Listening test · Closed headphones for home
Verdict
The Shure SRH840 is a natural, smooth-sounding home headphone that is very comfortable, but it is too big for travel and needs a proper headphone amplifier.
on-mag.fr
29/12/2010
Hi-fi review · Home listening headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH840 is one of the best-sounding closed headphones in its class, lively and detailed at home, though it is too big to wear outdoors.
S
son-video.com
02/04/2010
Summary of the review
Shure SRH840 Black Hi-Fi Headphones - Reviews and Tests
(Translated)Show original
musicoff.com
27/04/2018
Budget studio test · Closed studio headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH840 is a sturdy, balanced studio headphone with good value, though it is heavy, its pads make you sweat and its isolation is only average.
estatica.it
23/12/2014
Hands-on review · Closed-back headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH840 is a comfortable, precise closed-back headphone that suits music and portable use well, though its narrow soundstage makes game enemies sound close.

Third-party reviews

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

What customers like about Shure SRH840

  • Detailed and accurate sound signature suitable for studio monitoring
  • Excellent value for money, often described as punching above its price class
  • Smooth and rich mid-range, making it ideal for vocal and acoustic recordings
  • Punchy and well-defined bass that is present without being overpowering
  • Good noise isolation for a closed-back design
  • Comes with useful accessories like replacement ear pads and a detachable coiled cable

What customers don't like about Shure SRH840

  • Significant weight can lead to fatigue or discomfort during long sessions
  • Fragile build quality with multiple reports of the headband or hinges snapping over time
  • Bulky design and loose headband may cause the headphones to slide if you tilt your head
  • Exposed wiring between the ear cups and headband is a potential point of failure
  • Bass response may be too lean for 'bassheads' or casual listeners preferring more boom
  • Pleather ear pads and headband can degrade or become hot and sweaty after extended use

Verdict

The Shure SRH840 is a professional closed-back circumaural headphone featuring 40mm dynamic neodymium drivers designed for critical studio monitoring. Key specifications include a wide frequency response of 5 Hz to 25,000 Hz, a sensitivity of 102 dB/mW, and a 44-ohm impedance that allows for easy driving by various audio sources. Its main characteristics include a collapsible design for portability, a 3-meter detachable coiled cable, and a padded headband for comfort during long sessions. Primary pros are its accurate, well-balanced sound signature with rich bass and clear mids, excellent noise isolation, and the inclusion of a spare set of earpads. Notable cons include its relatively heavy 365g weight, exposed external wiring that may be prone to snagging, and a tendency for the headband to cause discomfort over extended periods due to its clamping force and bulk.

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