Best Headphones

Head to head · for music listening

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x vs Philips SHP9500

More people recommend the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x overall (74 vs 51). None of the 28 comments that name both says outright which one to buy, so read the loves and complaints and decide by taste.

Comments naming both
28
Say they own both
2
Choose the ATH-M40x
0
Choose the SHP9500
0

Counted across 12 review videos, harvested Sep 2026. A comment counts as a choice only when it says so in plain words (prefer X over Y, upgraded from Y to X); questions never count. Quotes are whole sentences of 12 words or fewer, linked to where they were said. How we count.

At a glance the better number on each row is highlighted
Audio-Technica ATH-M40xPhilips SHP9500
Typical price$109$80cheaper
Overall rank#9higher#14
People who recommend it74more51
Say they own it92more58
Mentions646more491
Typeclosed-back wiredopen-back wired
Known forClosed-backBudgetFlatFirst open-backSpaceNo amp
Best forThe cheapest closed-back that owners keep recommending for a first proper pair.First open-back headphone for someone who wants space and clarity on a tight budget.
BuyAmazon · $109DirectAmazon · $80

#9 overall

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

3 of the 28 comments naming both come from people who say they own this one.

What owners love

  • Flatter and less bassy than the M50x; several owners prefer it for the price
  • Detachable cable, folds, easy to drive from anything
  • A common first serious headphone that people keep for years

The complaints

  • Stock pads crack and crumble; most owners swap them for velour or sheepskin
  • Older units cracked at the hinge (Audio-Technica redesigned it)
  • Can sound a little sharp and boring for music; better with pad swaps

In their words

#14 overall

Philips SHP9500

2 of the 28 comments naming both come from people who say they own this one.

What owners love

  • The go-to open-back under $100 for years; wide, spacious sound
  • One AudioKarma owner says it gets close to the Sennheiser HD 58X for a third of the price
  • Comfortable and light; detachable cable

The complaints

  • Bass is light; several people call it weak in the low end
  • Treble can be a little sharp for some
  • Big, plain plastic build with large L/R markings

In their words

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