Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Clean and revealing sound that's packed with detail
- Good with rhythms, and has a natural sense of rhythm
- Lightweight and good-looking in a modest kind of way
- Good standard of build and finish
- Comfortable for long listening sessions
Product Considerations
- Can be unforgiving of poor recordings and sources
- Slightly light in the bass, which may not satisfy bass enthusiasts
- A shorter cable option would be nice
- Midrange can push vocals too far to the fore, and seem piercing at louder volumes
- Acoustic isolation to the outside is rather unbalanced
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Røde NTH-100: The Røde NTH-100 provides a fuller, more ample lower-end signature, a generally more easygoing, undemanding appeal, and is more forgiving of poor-quality sources and recordings
- Vs Austrian Audio Hi-X15: The Hi-X20 fits seamlessly between the Hi-X15 and Hi-X25, but has a simpler color scheme
- Vs Grado SR80x: The Grado SR80x is a good alternative if you accept an open-back design
- Vs FiiO FT1 and SIVGA Oriole: The FiiO FT1 and SIVGA Oriole are worth considering at Hi-X20-adjacent money, and both feature wood quite prominently as a material
Takeaway: The Hi-X20 are well-made headphones with a sparklingly clear sound that delves deep into music's finer details, being an accomplished and thoroughly entertaining listen. They are a good option for those who enjoy direct, revealing sound and an understated look, also intending to listen for hours on end.
All
Hi-X20
reviews

Manufacturer details
- Type: Closed-back, Wired, Over-Ear
- Driver: 44 mm Hi-X (High Excursion) Dynamic Driver
- Frequency Range: 12 Hz – 24 kHz
- Sensitivity: 113 dB SPL/V
- Impedance: 25 Ω
- Input Power: 150 mW
- Cable: 3 m (9.84 ft), Detachable
- Connector: 3.5 mm (⅛″)
- Dimensions: 205 × 170 × 80 (units not specified by manufacturer)
- Weight (without cable): 255 g (0.56 lb / 9.0 oz)
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Austrian Audio aims for neutral, insightful sound signatures that prioritize accuracy and transparency, revealing recording nuances.
- The brand offers True Transient Technology in its amplifier, enhancing the clarity and precision of transient response for a more detailed listening experience.
Select products
PG16
- Positioning: An entry-level gaming headset designed for affordability and optimal functionality in competitive play.
- Description: Offers clear, immersive sound with high-excursion drivers and noise-suppressing closed-back cups ideal for gaming and streaming. While it lacks the advanced audiophile refinements of other models, it is perfectly suited for gamers with tight budgets and everyday communication needs.
HI-X25BT
- Positioning: A professional wireless over‐ear headphone built for studio-quality sound on the move.
- Description: Delivers excellent clarity and dynamic response using proprietary Hi-Xcursion technology with versatile connectivity options such as Bluetooth, USB-C, and analog. Compared to the entry-level PG16 or the more premium open-back models, it strikes a balance between performance and portability.
HI-X55
- Positioning: A high-quality closed-back headphone designed for detailed monitoring and critical listening in a mid-range price segment.
- Description: Features precise sound reproduction powered by Hi-Xcursion drivers and extra comfort from memory foam earpads for long sessions. In contrast to the lower-priced HI-X25BT and the open-back HI-X65, it provides a balanced, accurate sound profile.
HI-X65
- Positioning: A premium open-back headphone intended for critical listening, mixing, and mastering in professional settings.
- Description: Uses advanced Hi-Xcursion technology to create a wide, airy soundstage with exceptional detail and neutrality. Compared to the closed-back HI-X55 and the gaming-focused PG16, its spacious acoustic design and refined performance provide precise audio reproduction.
The Composer
- Positioning: A flagship reference headphone engineered for audiophiles and high-end studio professionals.
- Description: Features a new 49mm driver with a diamond-like carbon coated diaphragm and multiple detachable cable options that allow for ultimate performance and serviceability. When compared to the more affordable PG16 and the Hi-X series models, it delivers unmatched resolution and versatility.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Used
Austrian Audio
What if you spend more?
Product Strengths
- Exquisite build quality with premium materials, like anodized aluminum, memory foam, lambskin leather, and high-quality polymer
- Very comfortable, generously padded with memory foam wrapped in lambskin, and the headband distributes pressure evenly
- Long battery life, up to 35 hours with ANC on and 40 hours with ANC off
- Sound quality is rich, refined, spacious, balanced, and impressively detailed
- Good voice pickup and decent noise suppression in moderately noisy environments
- Connectivity options are available
Product Considerations
- Round ear pads may pull down on ear cartilage and rest on ear lobes
- The HX can only be laid down flat, they are not fully collapsible
- ANC is good, but not quite at the level of industry leaders
- Touch panel is awkward to use, and touches are often not registered properly
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sony 1000XM4/XM5 and Bose 700, ANC on the HX is not quite at the level of these industry leaders
- Vs the H95, the HX are more sensible, and noticeably cheaper
- Vs the Sony XM3, the HX looks far more refined
- Vs the Apple AirPods Max, the HX has up to 15 hours of additional battery life, and are also 100g lighter
- Vs the Bowers & Wilkins PX7, the HX brings a slightly higher level of refinement, showcasing detail and nuances that are missed
Takeaway: The Beoplay HX are beautifully made headphones that deliver excellent sound quality and are highly comfortable. If the user values aesthetics as much as audio and is willing to pay a premium for quality, then the HX is worth consideration.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Flame maple housings are crafted with precision and look premium, adding both durability and aesthetic value
- Delivers exceptional clarity with detailed highs and a balanced mid-range
- Lightweight and comfortable, making them easy to wear for extended periods
- Offers a fast, tight, clean, and well-separated sound signature with a colorful and multidimensional soundstage
- Easy to drive, making them suitable for use with various portable sources
Product Considerations
- Bass response may feel a little too neutral for some listeners who prefer more emphasis on the low end
- The low midrange is somewhat recessed, which might rob male vocalists of presence and richness
- The included soft case may not be sufficient for protecting the headphones
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Focal Stelia or Sennheiser HD800S, the ATH-WP900 excels in build quality and high-frequency clarity, but those alternatives might be better for bass enthusiasts
- The WP900 has a natural sense of detail and energy, similar to Grado mids, but unlike a Grado, it delivers a fun, thumping bass line
- Compared to the Sennheiser HD-660S or the Beyerdynamic DT-1990 Pro, those alternatives offer a bit more warmth and bass presence, albeit with different designs
Takeaway: The ATH-WP900 headphones are a great choice for audiophiles who value clarity and a unique aesthetic design. The build quality and easy portability make them a set of headphones that is fun to use.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Comfortable for extended wear, with reviewers sometimes forgetting they are wearing headphones
- Sound reproduction is transparent and reliable, providing an accurate monitoring experience
- Good at isolation, making it easier to identify unwanted sounds in recordings
- Excellent build quality and handsome design using aluminum
- Midrange accuracy is a strong point, potentially comparable to the HD600
Product Considerations
- The bass can be a little bloated
- Some find the earpads stiff and uncomfortable initially
- Treble may be a bit too recessed
- Cable microphonics can be an issue
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Focal Allegias, the NDH 20 offers a more neutral tuning
- Compared to the Sennheiser HD 650, both models convey the midrange accuracy about the same, but the Sennheisers are lighter in the bass and a little brighter in the upper mid/treble area
Takeaway: The NDH 20 offers a combination of comfort, isolation, and accurate sound, making it a solid choice for studio use. It is a well-built and reliable tool for those needing a focused monitoring experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Good build quality and finish, with attention to detail and craftsmanship.
- Natural, organic, and well-balanced sound, with good detail.
- Spacious soundstage for a closed-back headphone.
- Very easy to drive and efficient, suitable for portable sources.
- Very good mid-range, with up-front vocals.
Product Considerations
- Treble can be a bit recessed or rolled-off.
- Burn-in time may be required before the sound settles.
- Can be critical of poor recording quality.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Tone balance is as good as HiFiMan Aria, but more dynamic and better with female vocals.
- Wider soundstage than Focal Celesti.
- Audeze LCD2 is darker.
- More high mid than beyerdynamic DT1770 Pro.
Takeaway: The Magni headphones are well-built and comfortable, offering a natural and enjoyable sound, with a surprising soundstage for closed-back headphones. It is a great choice for someone who wants a well-rounded headphone without needing a powerful amplifier.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent build quality with durable metal parts, making them suitable for studio work and portable use
- Comfortable for long listening sessions with soft memory foam earpads and a headband designed to reduce pressure
- Delivers a clean, neutral, and detailed sound, with good instrument separation and clarity
- Good passive noise isolation, which is beneficial for recording and front-of-house applications
- Decent bass that is deep, clean, and controlled
Product Considerations
- Isolation is average for closed backs, not extremely isolating compared to some competitors
- Treble may be too bright and thin for some listeners
- Some reviewers find the midrange a little recessed
- Bass dynamics are considered a little soft by some
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs AKG K371: Hi-X60 is built better, more comfortable, and has better coupling consistency, but similar sonic compromises
- Vs Austrian Audio Hi-X55: Hi-X60 offers a more open sound and is a significant sonic upgrade
- Vs beyerdynamic DT770 Pro: Technical performance is considered better on the DT770 Pro
- Vs HIFIMAN Edition XS: Hi-X60 sounds more U-shaped and analytical, while the Edition XS is smoother and mid-centric
- Vs KLH Ultimate One: Hi-X60 sounds more resolute and has a better soundstage, whereas the Ultimate One is more bass-heavy
- Vs Audeze Maxwell: Maxwell is a better sounding product overall and has more features, but the Hi-X60 is more comfortable
Takeaway: The Austrian Audio Hi-X60 is a well-built and comfortable closed-back headphone that delivers a detailed and neutral sound, making it a good choice for studio monitoring and critical listening. They are also durable enough to be used on the go, making them a versatile option for music enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good build quality, with a combination of metal and plastic that feels reliable, rugged, and sturdy
- Comfortable for long listening sessions due to replaceable ear pads and a head pad with velcro
- Design allows the headphones to be rotated flat to carry on the neck, and folded inside of the headband for compact storage
- Sound is detailed, natural, and musical, especially in the mid frequencies
- They are clean and clear sounding from the bass frequencies to the mid-range, to the tops
- A shorter cable would be better than the 3m stock cable for desktop amplifier usage
Product Considerations
- The mid-range can be unforgiving
- Can reveal flaws in your source chain
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Versus Sennheiser HDJ-6s, the Hi-X55 offers much more space around the head for a more comfortable listening experience
- Versus Sony MDR-7506s, the Hi-X55 is a step up and is the superior technical performer
- Beyerdynamic has a bit better developed treble because they are less energetic, and because of that, sounds a bit more balanced, but this model delivers more engaging and more natural low frequencies
Takeaway: The Hi-X55 is a well-built and comfortable headphone with a detailed, natural, and musical sound signature, making them great for studio use and casual listening. They are a very interesting newcomer into the mics and headphones world.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Wide range of connectivity options including analog via 3.5mm jack, digital via USB-C, and wireless via Bluetooth
- Long battery life of around 30 hours in wireless mode
- Good sound quality for the price, with clear highs and good speech intelligibility
- Lightweight and comfortable for extended listening sessions
- Extensive included accessories, including multiple cables and a carrying case
Product Considerations
- The SBC Bluetooth codec is a limitation, as APTX or AAC would have been preferred
- Touch controls can be overly sensitive and sometimes unresponsive
- There is no active noise cancelling (ANC)
- Bass may be leaner than some rivals, not satisfying bass-heads
- The battery is not replaceable
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Similar to the wired Hi-X15 in terms of sound balance in the mids, but sounds rounder overall with more present bass
- The Hi-X25BT provides a resplendently clean soundscape, like the budget Hi-X15
- Sound seems to be slightly more compressed in the bass, and the overall sound was a little warmer than the wired Hi-X15
- Versus the Sony WH-CH720N, the Austrian Audio Hi-X25BT offers insight and detail
Takeaway: The Hi-X25BT headphones offer numerous connectivity options, good sound, and comfort, making them a solid choice. They are a good pick for people who want wireless sound without spending too much.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Shockingly good for the money, a very well-tuned headphone for the price category
- Good bass response that is fun, with lots of thumpiness and impact in the lower sub-bass regions, while maintaining a clean mid-bass region
- Trouble response is fairly target-adherent with a chill character and not overly fatiguing
- Comes with a banger accessories package providing two cables, a carry case, more than a lot of companies are coming out with
- Delivers impressive sound quality across the board, backed by excellent build quality and a generous set of accessories
Product Considerations
- The actual earpad area for the ear is not super great, and it will be felt a little bit on the ear, might be more on-ear than fully over-ear if you have really large ears
- Sound staging is one area that could improve the most, because there is almost none, can sound almost claustrophobic, because everything is happening right here all the time
- Mid-range is not all that exciting to listen to, vocals can be shouty or honk-type sound to certain vocalists
- Build quality feels good for $150, but it would not pass the sniff test for $500, definitely feels like it's a budget device
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The AKG K361 has advantages over the FiiO FT1, like sound staging
- The FT1’s level of midrange fidelity is impressive, rivaling the best mid-fi headphones such as the Sennheiser HD6XX and the Sundara
- It outshines most closed-back classics, including the Sony MDR-7506, AKG K361, and beyerdynamic DT700 Pro X
- The smaller FiiO FT1 was enjoyed even more than the FiiO FT5, since it strikes the right balance between fun, warmth, and technicality, handling tough tracks with much more ease than anticipated
Takeaway: The FiiO FT1 is a surprisingly good closed-back headphone for the money and offers a well-tuned sound signature with good bass response. This headphone is priced at $150 and is surprisingly nice with some great terminations.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- ANC does not compete with Sony or Bose, even in the same price category, let alone their higher-end stuff.
- The Sennheiser HD 450BT and the Urbanista Los Angeles offer better ANC or a unique solar charging design, respectively, for a small price increase.
- More comfortable than the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 and Apple AirPods Max thanks to plush padding.
- The Edifier WH950NB hybrid ANC is well implemented, making it a legitimate reason to consider, even outside of the big price savings, as the Stax SPIRIT S3 does not feature any noise cancellation.
Takeaway: The Edifier WH950NB is a comfortable and feature-rich headphone that offers good noise cancellation and balanced sound, making it a solid choice for commuters or anyone seeking an immersive listening experience. With its long battery life and customizable app, these headphones are a great value for the price.
Video review
Our take on the brand
How to buy
Headphones
Search all hifi products
Explore our database of 10,000+ new and 25,000+ used hifi products.


























.png)
.png)
.png)











