OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

Yamaha HPH MT120 Review | 93 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£110
  • Avg. price in US: ~$150
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Yamaha HPH MT120 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.1

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

4.2

Technical Score

20.0%

4.1

User score

Poor
4.2

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.8

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

4.7

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

2.9

Calls & Controls

Poor
4.1

User score

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 components:

70.0%

5.2

User reviews

30.0%

1.4

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
2.6
(4)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
2.6
(4)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Poor
  • 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%

    2.7

    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

  • 3.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    2.7

    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

  • yamaha-hph-mt120
  • yamaha-hph-mt120
  • yamaha-hph-mt120
  • yamaha-hph-mt120
yamaha-hph-mt120
yamaha-hph-mt120
yamaha-hph-mt120
yamaha-hph-mt120

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Yamaha HPH-MT120 is a professional closed-back, circumaural monitor headphone featuring 40mm dynamic drivers with copper-clad aluminium wire (CCAW) voice coils, engineered for high-resolution sound across a frequency response of 20 Hz – 22 kHz. Key technical specifications include an impedance of 65 ohms, a sensitivity of 96 dB SPL, and a high maximum input power of 1,600 mW, supported by a 3.4-metre straight cable and a durable ABS housing. Its main characteristics and pros include exceptional sonic accuracy faithful to the source, excellent noise isolation for studio tracking, and a comfortable, ergonomic design with three-dimensional arm pivots and large synthetic leather earpads. However, some users note potential cons such as a mid-forward sound signature that can occasionally feel 'rubbery' or 'dull' due to limited bass slam, and the non-detachable cable design which limits portability and ease of replacement.

Technical Specifications of Yamaha HPH MT120

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.8

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

4.7

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

2.9

Calls & Controls

4.2
Yamaha HPH MT120 has a technical score of 4.15 points, which is lower than that of 84.4% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

5.2

User reviews

30.0%

1.4

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
2.6
(4)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
2.6
(4)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

4.1
Yamaha HPH MT120 has a user score of 4.05 points, which is lower than that of 99.9% of products in this category.
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.
1.4
Yamaha HPH MT120 has a popularity of 1.4 points, which is lower than 70.6% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

4.1

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

5.9
Yamaha HPH MT120 has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.9 points, which is lower than 85.5% of products in this category.
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

no
Yamaha HPH MT120 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
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

40 mm
Yamaha HPH MT120 uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% of headphones.
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

1
Yamaha HPH MT120 uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
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

20 Hz
Yamaha HPH MT120 reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% of headphones.
Show more
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

no
Yamaha HPH MT120 does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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

yes
Yamaha HPH MT120 is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
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

N/A
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

no
Yamaha HPH MT120 does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
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
Show more
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

wired
Yamaha HPH MT120 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
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
Show more
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

no
Yamaha HPH MT120 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
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

no
Yamaha HPH MT120 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
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
Show more
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

Yamaha
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

320 g
Yamaha HPH MT120 weighs 320 g, heavier than 84.9% of headphones and equal to 1.4% of headphones.
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

?
Show more

Yamaha HPH MT120 vs the average headphone

  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Yamaha HPH MT120 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
    When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Yamaha HPH MT120 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 2.2 m more useful cable length
    Yamaha HPH MT120 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3.4 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

    Yamaha HPH MT120 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3.4 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.3.4 m vs 1.2 m
  • 16x higher input power handling
    Yamaha HPH MT120 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,600 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    What it is: Maximum input power the drivers can safely handle
    When it matters: When you pair the headphones with stronger sources or dedicated gear.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=300 mW

    Yamaha HPH MT120 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,600 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.1600 mW vs 100 mW
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Yamaha HPH MT120 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

    Yamaha HPH MT120 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
  • 2.2 m more useful cable length
    Yamaha HPH MT120 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3.4 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
  • 16x higher input power handling
    Yamaha HPH MT120 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,600 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Yamaha HPH MT120 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.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Yamaha HPH MT120 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Total
Design
Sound
Connectivity
  • 46.8% higher weight
    Yamaha HPH MT120 is heavier than the average headphone (320 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Fixed cable
    Yamaha HPH MT120 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Yamaha HPH MT120 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Yamaha HPH MT120 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 14 dB lower max SPL
    Yamaha HPH MT120 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (96 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • 7 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Yamaha HPH MT120 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (96 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • No voice assistant support
    Yamaha HPH MT120 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 4 years older release date
    Yamaha HPH MT120 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    November 2013
  • 46.8% higher weight
    Yamaha HPH MT120 is heavier than the average headphone (320 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

    Yamaha HPH MT120 is heavier than the average headphone (320 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.320 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    Yamaha HPH MT120 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

    Yamaha HPH MT120 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Yamaha HPH MT120 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Yamaha HPH MT120 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Yamaha HPH MT120 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 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

    Yamaha HPH MT120 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Yamaha HPH MT120 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Yamaha HPH MT120 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 97.4% lower user score
    Yamaha HPH MT120 has a lower user score than the average headphone (4.05 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.
    Yamaha HPH MT120 has a lower user score than the average headphone (4.05 vs 8.000).4.05 vs 8
  • 14.6% worse value for money
    Yamaha HPH MT120 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.88 vs 6.736).
    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.
    Yamaha HPH MT120 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.88 vs 6.736).5.88 vs 6.74
  • 14 dB lower max SPL
    Yamaha HPH MT120 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (96 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

    Yamaha HPH MT120 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (96 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.96 dB vs 110 dB
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Features

Graphic comparison of Yamaha HPH MT120 and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
2.6
4 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
2.6
4 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Yamaha HPH MT120?

  • Faithful and accurate sound reproduction suitable for studio monitoring and music production
  • Detailed high-resolution audio with clarity over the full frequency range
  • Robust and sturdy construction with durable ABS housing
  • Comfortable for extended sessions due to large synthetic leather earpads and adjustable lateral pressure
  • Versatile design featuring 3D arm pivots and 180-degree rotatable cups for single-ear monitoring
  • Good passive noise isolation provided by the closed-back, circumaural design
  • Excellent performance for digital piano monitoring

What customers dislike about Yamaha HPH MT120?

  • Vocals can become aggressive and too forward at high volumes
  • Bass and treble definition may feel lacking compared to competitors like the Audio-Technica M50
  • Features a fixed, non-detachable straight cable which may be less convenient for some users
  • The 3.4-metre cable length might be excessively long for portable or casual use
  • Ear pads may eventually wear out from heavy use and require restoration or replacement

Expert reviews

R
reference-audio-analyzer.pro
12/01/2014
Yamaha HPH-MT 120 (report for a pro) - Reference Audio Analyzer

The Yamaha HPH-MT 120 professional measurement report shows a highly sensitive headphone set with an average sensitivity of 107.8 dB/V SPL (95.9 dB/mW SPL) and a nominal average impedance of 64.3 ohms. Performance tests reveal a minor channel variance, with the left channel measuring 62.7 ohms and the right channel at 66.0 ohms. To reach a standard reference volume of 90 dB SPL, the...Read more

Video reviews

Best alternatives

sony-wh-1000xm4
Sony WH 1000XM4

Headphones

9.0
jbl-tour-one-m3
JBL Tour One M3

Headphones

9.0
sony-wh-1000xm6
Sony WH 1000XM6

Headphones

9.0
qcy-h3-pro
QCY H3 Pro

Headphones

8.9
baseus-bh1
Baseus BH1

Headphones

8.9
sony-wh-ult900n
Sony WH ULT900N

Headphones

8.9
nothing-headphone-1
Nothing Headphone 1

Headphones

8.8
sony-wh-1000xm5
Sony WH 1000XM5

Headphones

8.8
jbl-tour-one
JBL Tour One

Headphones

8.7
huawei-freebuds-studio
Huawei Freebuds Studio

Headphones

8.7
sennheiser-momentum
Sennheiser Momentum

Headphones

8.7
jbl-tour-one-m2
JBL Tour One M2

Headphones

8.7

Compare Yamaha HPH MT120 with

VS
VS

Compare