OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
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.
Explore Headphones Methodology v1.0

Shure SRH940 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£180Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Shure SRH940 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 SRH940
5.8/10

Overall score

Score
5.8/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
Score components

80%

5.5

Technical score

20%

7.4

User score

â–¼Worse than 72% of headphones
7.0

Value for money

Value for money
7.0/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Score components

70%

5.8

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

â–¼Worse than 73%
5.5

Technical score

Technical score
5.5/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Score components

52%

6.3

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

6.3

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

5.1

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 77%
7.4

User score

User score
7.4/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components

70%

7.8

User ratings

30%

6.3

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 78%
  • shure-srh940
  • shure-srh940
  • shure-srh940
  • shure-srh940
  • shure-srh940
  • shure-srh940
  • shure-srh940
  • shure-srh940
  • shure-srh940
shure-srh940
shure-srh940
shure-srh940
shure-srh940
shure-srh940
shure-srh940
shure-srh940
shure-srh940
shure-srh940
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.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Shure SRH940

Technical score
Technical score
5.5/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Score components:

52%

6.3

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

6.3

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

5.1

Calls & Controls

5.5
User score
User score
7.4/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components

70%

7.8

User ratings

30%

6.3

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.4
Popularity
Popularity
6.3/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 55% of models
Popularity:
Shure SRH940 has a popularity score of 6.3 points, which is higher than that of 55% of products in this category.
6.3
Value for money
Value for money
7.0/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Score components:

70%

5.8

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

7.0
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
322 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 322 g, heavier than 86.4% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
3.5
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 3.5, lower clamp force than 68.4% of headphones and equal to 5.3% of headphones.
Show more

Shure SRH940 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
  • 10,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • Sidetone support
    This pair of headphones supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
  • 1.3 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (2.5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    2.5 m vs 1.2 m
  • 0.8 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (3.5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    3.5 vs 4.3
  • 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
  • 20 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (130 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    130 dB vs 110 dB
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 1.3 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (2.5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    2.5 m vs 1.2 m
  • 0.8 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (3.5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    3.5 vs 4.3
  • 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
  • 10,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 10x higher input power handling
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    1,000 mW vs 100 mW
  • 20 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (130 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    130 dB vs 110 dB
  • Sidetone support
    This pair of headphones supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
  • 47.7% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (322 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    322 g vs 218 g
  • 1.7 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (2 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    2 % vs 0.3 %
  • 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
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 8.8% lower user score
    User score
    7.4/ 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
    Shure SRH940
    the average pair of headphones
    Shure SRH940 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.35 vs 8).
    7.35 vs 8
  • 8.8% lower user score
    User score
    7.4/ 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
    Shure SRH940
    the average pair of headphones
    Shure SRH940 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.35 vs 8).
    7.35 vs 8
  • 2x more expensive
    Shure SRH940 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£180 vs £90).
    £180 vs £90
  • 4.5% worse value for money
    Shure SRH940 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.96 vs 7.3).
    6.96 vs 7.27
  • 47.7% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (322 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    322 g vs 218 g
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 1.7 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (2 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    2 % vs 0.3 %
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 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.
  • 5 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2011 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    August 2011
    2011 vs 2016

Video reviews

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

9.0
Damir Franc
≈ estimated
21/01/2018
Hands-on review · sound, comfort and comparison tests
Verdict
Shure SRH940 is neutral, detailed and open-sounding, a clear recommendation at its price, though the fit can tire you.
9.0
Lord Victor Halgaard
≈ estimated
04/12/2014
Hands-on review · sound, build and comfort
Verdict
Shure SRH940 is a very good all-around studio headphone at a fairly low price, recommended despite its odd look.
8.0
Marco B (maurilio86)
≈ estimated
23/12/2014
Frequency response measurement · graph walkthrough
Verdict
Shure SRH940 is a very precise headphone with little to criticise, though more bass extension would be welcome.
Not graded
Brand video
Shop video
Not graded
Overview video
Not graded
Not graded
Shop video
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

headfonia.com
20/06/2011
Hands-on review · Monitoring headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH940 is a detailed, slightly dry monitoring headphone that is clearer than its predecessor, but it is picky about source and recording quality.
soundonsound.com
15/10/2011
Studio review · Monitoring headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH940 is a punchy, mid-focused studio headphone that suits guitar music and mixing, though its tight bass won't satisfy electronica fans.
tapeop.com
November/December 2011
Studio review · Mixing headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH940 is a neutral, smooth mixing headphone whose vocals translate well to other speakers, though it sounds lighter in bass for casual listening.
whathifi.com
01/11/2012
Listening review · Closed headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH940 is a fast, open and revealing headphone with a lively, detailed sound, but it can feel too eager for relaxed listening.
D
diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com
23/11/2022
Summary of the review
SRH-940 | DIY-Audio-Heaven Are you looking for technical specifications or user feedback on specific issues like the headband durability for this mode...
headfonics.com
14/08/2011
Comparison review · Closed headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH940 is a smooth, neutral headphone that comes close to the Sennheiser HD800 in detail, though it may sound bland to listeners who want punch.
uofmtiger.com
Not Dated
Personal review · Closed-back headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH-940 is an accurate, revealing closed headphone that rewards good recordings, but it won't suit fans of heavy bass.
bonedo.de
25/11/2013
Hands-on test · Studio headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH940 is a sturdy, comfortable studio headphone with a wide, even sound and plenty of accessories, though its design is bulkier and less appealing than the SRH840.
delamar.de
18/04/2011
Hands-on test · Studio headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH940 is a balanced, comfortable closed headphone with crisp bass and plenty of accessories; it suits mixing, but sound leaks out during vocal recording.
sonntagmorgen.com
12/04/2026
Hands-on test · Reference headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH940 is a very neutral, precise closed headphone with tight bass, ideal for studio work, though its bass shifts with earcup position.
A
avguide.ch
26/06/2014
Summary of the review
Test of eight really good headphones
(Translated)Show original
kopfhoerer.de
11/09/2015
Hands-on review · Studio headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH940 is a clean, well-balanced studio headphone with punchy bass and comfortable pads, though its weight may tire you over long listening sessions.
on-mag.fr
10/08/2012
Hands-on test · Studio headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH940 is a precise, highly detailed closed headphone for critical listening, but it needs a good source and high-quality recordings.
clubic.com
08/11/2011
Detailed review · Closed studio headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH940 is a neutral, detailed closed headphone that is very comfortable and well packed, though it is too quiet from a phone or portable player.
01net.com
01/08/2011
Hands-on test · Comfortable closed headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH940 is a comfortable headphone with wide, even sound and good isolation, but its plastic build doesn't feel premium and it is too big for travel.
on-mag.fr
10/08/2012
Hands-on test · Studio headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH940 is a precise, highly detailed closed headphone for critical listening, but it needs a good source and high-quality recordings.
stereo-head.it
23/07/2013
Hands-on review · Closed studio headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH940 is a linear, detailed closed headphone with a good midrange, best for listeners who don't want heavy bass.
estatica.it
23/12/2014
Hands-on test · Closed studio headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH940 is a closed, neutral headphone that brings out fine detail in games and music, but it needs a proper amp and can tire ears after four hours.
cuffie.pro
24/04/2017
Hands-on review · Studio headphones
Verdict
The Shure SRH940 is a comfortable, lightweight studio headphone with precise mids and highs, but its bass is thin and its build creaks.

Third-party reviews

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

What customers like about Shure SRH940

  • High level of detail retrieval and transparency, often described as a 'detail monster'
  • Flat, neutral sound signature ideal for professional monitoring, tracking, and mixing
  • Excellent soundstage and precise instrument localization for a closed-back design
  • Exceptional midrange and treble clarity, particularly well-suited for vocals, piano, and acoustic guitar
  • Generous accessory package including a hard travel case, spare velour ear pads, and both coiled and straight detachable cables
  • High sensitivity allows them to be driven easily by portable devices without an external amplifier

What customers don't like about Shure SRH940

  • Poor build quality characterized by brittle plastic that is prone to cracking or snapping at the headband and adjustment sliders
  • Bass response is tight and accurate but often perceived as lean or 'anemic' for bass-heavy genres like EDM or hip-hop
  • Significant treble spike can lead to sibilance, harshness, or listener fatigue over time
  • Headband design can cause discomfort or a 'hot spot' on the top of the head during long sessions due to uneven weight distribution
  • Highly revealing nature can make poorly recorded or highly compressed audio tracks sound unpleasant
  • Plastic construction can be noisy, producing audible creaks when moving the head

Verdict

The Shure SRH940 is a professional closed-back reference headphone designed for critical listening, mixing, and mastering, featuring 40mm neodymium dynamic drivers and a broad frequency response of 5 Hz to 30,000 Hz. These headphones are defined by their hyper-detailed sound signature, providing exceptional mid-range clarity and an airy, extended high-end with a sensitivity of 100 dB/mW and an impedance of 42 ohms. Main pros include a highly accurate, flat response that reveals subtle musical nuances, a lightweight 322g collapsible design with 90° swivel ear cups, and a generous accessory package featuring velour ear pads, a hard case, and detachable straight and coiled cables. However, notable cons include a plastic construction prone to durability issues and headband breakage, a sharp treble peak around 9 kHz that can cause listening fatigue, and a relatively lean bass response that may not satisfy those seeking a punchier low-end.

Compare Shure SRH940 with other products in the Headphones category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Shure SRH940 and other products in the Headphones category

No results found