Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

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

  • 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.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

Hi-X25BT

reviews

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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Frequency range: 12Hz - 24kHZ
  • Sensitivity: 113dBsl/V
  • Impedance: 25Ω
  • Input Power: 150mW
  • Run Time: 30h
  • Bluetooth Version: 5.0
  • Cable length: 1.4m (analog), 1.2m (USB-C)
  • Dimensions: 205 x 170 x 80 mm
  • Weight: 270g (without cable)
Whether you're mixing on the go or enjoying premium sound anywhere, the Austrian Audio Hi-X25BT wireless headphones go the distance. Our proprietary High Excursion Drivers give you an unmatched listening experience with impressive clarity and impactful low end, while the closed-back, over-ear design blocks outside noise to keep you fully focused on the music—not your surroundings. The Hi-X25BT features Bluetooth, USB-C, or standard analog connections.
Manufacturer Site

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.

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.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
0
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
810
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
9
Founding Year
2017

Our take on the brand

Austrian Audio, founded by the former AKG Vienna core team, manufactures its own ceramic CKR12 capsules and Hi-X headphone drivers in-house in Vienna. Their capsule consistency is so precise that any two microphones can be used as a stereo pair without matching. The brand's microphones feature unique tech, including dual-output mode for reshaping polar patterns in post-production, and real-time wireless polar pattern control via Bluetooth.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

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?

From our interview with
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Brand Page

Used

Austrian Audio

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What if you spend more?

Product image
Bang & Olufsen
Beoplay HX
749
749
/
10
Reviews
Bang & Olufsen is a luxury hifi speaker brand known for its Acoustic Lens Technology, which delivers 180° horizontal sound dispersion—features like the BeoLab 90's 18 individually amplified drivers offer user-selectable beam patterns. The Danish company distinguishes itself through vertically integrated aluminum manufacturing in Struer, a factory-led program that restores and modernizes its classic products, and transparent engineering documentation led by in-house tonmeister Geoff Martin.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

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

Bang & Olufsen is a luxury hifi speaker brand known for its Acoustic Lens Technology, which delivers 180° horizontal sound dispersion—features like the BeoLab 90's 18 individually amplified drivers offer user-selectable beam patterns. The Danish company distinguishes itself through vertically integrated aluminum manufacturing in Struer, a factory-led program that restores and modernizes its classic products, and transparent engineering documentation led by in-house tonmeister Geoff Martin.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Master & Dynamic
MW75
599
599
/
7
Reviews
Master & Dynamic is a hifi audio brand that uses unconventional materials, including beryllium drivers across their entire lineup, tempered glass ear cups on headphones, and sapphire glass on earbuds, with handcrafted acetate shells reminiscent of luxury eyewear. They've also created unique products, such as a 35-pound wireless speaker with a concrete composite enclosure, and integrated EEG sensors into headphones to track focus and trigger brain-break prompts.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Premium build quality with materials like lambskin leather, aluminum, and tempered glass, gives it a solid and luxurious feel
  • Comfortable for extended wear, due to soft memory foam padding on earcups and headband, and a balanced headband
  • Balanced sound signature with warm bass, clean mids, and well-defined treble, making it suitable for various music genres
  • Effective active noise cancellation (ANC) significantly reduces low-frequency sounds
  • Comprehensive package includes various adapters for different connections, and a hard-shell carrying case for protection

Product Considerations

  • The earcup size might be too small for some users, potentially affecting comfort and seal
  • Some reviewers found the clamping force to be loose, which could be an issue for active use
  • Audible hiss can be noticeable when ANC is activated
  • The app lacks a customizable graphic EQ
  • Ambient mode is subtle and might not let in as much surrounding sound as competing models

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Sony WH-1000XM5, the Master & Dynamic MW75 delivers above-average ANC performance, but it is not class-leading
  • Compared to the Bose QuietComfort 45, the Master & Dynamic MW75 has an audible ANC hiss

Takeaway: The Master & Dynamic MW75 are stylish and comfortable headphones that deliver excellent audio quality and decent noise cancellation. They are a great choice for those looking for a premium listening experience and appreciate high-quality materials.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Master & Dynamic is a hifi audio brand that uses unconventional materials, including beryllium drivers across their entire lineup, tempered glass ear cups on headphones, and sapphire glass on earbuds, with handcrafted acetate shells reminiscent of luxury eyewear. They've also created unique products, such as a 35-pound wireless speaker with a concrete composite enclosure, and integrated EEG sensors into headphones to track focus and trigger brain-break prompts.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Edifier
WH950NB
179
/
Released
2023
The WH950NB headphones are equipped with intelligent, active noise cancellation algorithms that remove surrounding noise. There are two active noise cancellation mode selections that meet everyone's needs. Furthermore, users can choose between ambient sound or wind reduction in different scenarios to create their ideal environment.
Check Amazon
Edifier, a hifi audio brand, horn-loaded ribbon tweeters to affordable active monitors through their Airpulse series. The brand achieved the first Hi-Res Audio certified true wireless earbuds with their NeoBuds Pro and in 2010 became China's first publicly listed audio speaker company.
Expand Details

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

Edifier, a hifi audio brand, horn-loaded ribbon tweeters to affordable active monitors through their Airpulse series. The brand achieved the first Hi-Res Audio certified true wireless earbuds with their NeoBuds Pro and in 2010 became China's first publicly listed audio speaker company.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Audio-Technica
ATH-M50xBT2
219
/
Released
2021
The ATH-M50xBT2 is the second generation of our critically acclaimed M-Series wireless over-ear headphones. These headphones feature 45 mm large aperture drivers in a wireless design, so listeners will enjoy the same sonic signature of the legendary ATH-M50x studio headphones.
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Audio-Technica is a Japanese hifi brand that stands out with their Direct Power System phono cartridges, which place coils directly above the stylus tip for faster transients; their Pure Digital Drive wireless headphones that bypass internal DACs; and their proprietary A2DC connector system for more secure connections. The brand maintains exceptional in-house manufacturing depth, with hand-assembled wooden headphones crafted from Japanese woods in Tokyo and phono cartridge production at their Fukui plant.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Neutral and balanced sound profile makes it suitable for studio monitoring and critical listening
  • Comfortable for extended use due to soft padding on the earcups and headband
  • Sturdy and robust build quality uses metal in key areas
  • Long battery life often exceeds the advertised 50 hours in tests
  • USB-C charging and a quick charge feature, providing multiple hours of playback with a short charge, are also highlighted
  • The Audio-Technica Connect app enables users to customize the sound profile using an equalizer and presets, adjust L/R balance, customize voice assistant preference, customize volume, and other settings
  • Flexibility of both Bluetooth wireless and wired connectivity via a 3.5mm audio jack
  • Multipoint pairing, allowing simultaneous connection to two devices, is also a valuable feature

Product Considerations

  • Absence of ANC is a common point of concern
  • While the headphones offer decent passive isolation due to their over-ear design, they do not block out noise as effectively as ANC-equipped alternatives
  • Heat can build up after longer listening sessions
  • The earcups can sometimes be backward when putting on the headphones
  • Tight fit may be uncomfortable for users who wear glasses or have larger heads
  • Inconsistent bass and treble delivery, and are sensitive to the fit, seal, and positioning of the headphones on the head

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Bose QC35: The ATH-M50xBT2 has a slightly shorter battery life, but unlike the Bose, it lacks noise cancelling
  • Vs Sennheiser HD450BT: The ATH-M50xBT2 has a slightly shorter battery life than the Sennheiser HD450BT, but unlike the Sennheiser, it lacks noise cancelling
  • Vs Sony WH-1000XM4: The Sony WH-1000XM4 is more comfortable and well-built, and unlike the Audio-Technica, it features an ANC feature
  • Vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT: The ATH-M50xBT2 has a longer continuous battery life and better recording quality
  • Vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT: The ATH-M50xBT2 also features sound customization options and multi-device pairing
  • Vs Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless: The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless feature an ANC feature, unlike the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Wireless

Takeaway: The ATH-M50xBT2 headphones are a solid choice for those seeking balanced sound, comfort, and versatility in both wireless and wired modes. These headphones are suitable for listening to music, working from home, or in the office.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Audio-Technica is a Japanese hifi brand that stands out with their Direct Power System phono cartridges, which place coils directly above the stylus tip for faster transients; their Pure Digital Drive wireless headphones that bypass internal DACs; and their proprietary A2DC connector system for more secure connections. The brand maintains exceptional in-house manufacturing depth, with hand-assembled wooden headphones crafted from Japanese woods in Tokyo and phono cartridge production at their Fukui plant.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Sennheiser
Momentum 4 Wireless
449
/
Released
2022
The MOMENTUM 4 Wireless combines audiophile-inspired sound, Adaptive Noise Cancellation, 60-hour battery life, and supreme comfort in a fold-flat wireless headphone.
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Sennheiser pioneered the world's first open-back headphones with the HD 414 in 1968, which became the bestselling full-size headphone of all time, and later developed the HD 25, evolving from 1980s broadcast use to become the industry standard in DJ booths worldwide. The brand is known for unique engineering approaches, such as integrating high-voltage amplifiers directly into earcups with Carrara marble chassis in the HE 1, developing proprietary ring-radiator transducers and absorber technology to eliminate resonances, and creating the long-running MD 421 microphone that has remained in production since 1960.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Sound quality is excellent; multiple reviewers describe sound quality as impressive right out of the box (no EQ)
  • Good battery life, lasting over 55 hours with ANC on
  • Connectivity options include wired listening over USB-C and the standard TRS jack

Product Considerations

  • ANC performance is not as strong as competitors, reducing outside noise and loudness by about 76% across all the samples that were taken, while the Apple AirPods Max can achieve something like 88%
  • Touch controls can be too sensitive and can be triggered by mistake
  • There are some unexpected rough edges; sometimes the touch controls just do not work when first starting the headphones

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Sony XM5: The Sennheiser Momentum 4 outperforms the Sony WH-1000XM5 in terms of sound quality
  • Vs Apple AirPods Max: Transparency mode is not as good
  • Vs Sennheiser Momentum 3: The Momentum 4 provides improvements in vocal clarity compared to the Momentum 3
  • Vs Bose QC45: The Bose QuietComfort 45 have better ANC

Takeaway: The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones offer flagship sound, comfort, and long battery life. They could be a good choice for anyone who values sound quality and extended battery life.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Sennheiser pioneered the world's first open-back headphones with the HD 414 in 1968, which became the bestselling full-size headphone of all time, and later developed the HD 25, evolving from 1980s broadcast use to become the industry standard in DJ booths worldwide. The brand is known for unique engineering approaches, such as integrating high-voltage amplifiers directly into earcups with Carrara marble chassis in the HE 1, developing proprietary ring-radiator transducers and absorber technology to eliminate resonances, and creating the long-running MD 421 microphone that has remained in production since 1960.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Sony
INZONE H9
349
/
Released
2022
A lightweight (~260 g) premium wireless gaming headset with active noise cancelling, detachable boom mic, dual wireless connectivity (2.4 GHz and Bluetooth), 3.5 mm input, designed for long gaming sessions with comfort and clear audio.
Check Amazon
Sony developed the LDAC Bluetooth codec enabling wireless streaming at up to 990 kbps and 360 Reality Audio that personalizes playback by analyzing photos of your ears to tailor spatial imaging. They've given a lot to the hifi audio industry, and manufacture some of the most popular wireless headphone models available today.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Very comfortable to wear for long gaming sessions due to good padding and flexibility
  • Simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity
  • Active Noise Cancellation is effective

Product Considerations

  • Microphone quality is disappointing for the price, and can sound muffled
  • The H9 can accumulate heat on the surface of the ear cups
  • Battery life indication is lacking
  • Sound quality depends on the device being used

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Corsair HS80 has better microphone quality
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless are better built
  • The H9 has leatherette padding instead of cloth like the H7, and an ANC system

Takeaway: The INZONE H9 is a comfy headset with useful features like active noise cancelling and simultaneous device connectivity, making it enjoyable for both gaming and everyday use. It could be a good match if you want it to match your PlayStation 5.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Sony developed the LDAC Bluetooth codec enabling wireless streaming at up to 990 kbps and 360 Reality Audio that personalizes playback by analyzing photos of your ears to tailor spatial imaging. They've given a lot to the hifi audio industry, and manufacture some of the most popular wireless headphone models available today.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
1 More
SonoFlow SE
49
/
Released
2023
Embrace remarkable sound clarity and enhanced bass with the 1MORE cutting-edge 40mm diamond-like-carbon DLC dynamic driver, delivering immersive audio that sets new standards for premium sound quality.
Check Amazon
1MORE is a hifi audio brand known for headphones that achieved multiple industry firsts, including the first THX-certified headphones and true wireless earbuds. The brand offers distinctive features like QuietMax ANC technology, affordable head-tracked spatial audio, and multi-driver configurations, such as their five-driver hybrid with four planar drivers.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Active noise cancelling (ANC) performs as well as other sub-$100 headphones and better than most in its price range
  • Outstanding battery life, providing up to 60 hours of playback with ANC on and up to 90 hours with ANC off
  • Considered good value for money because of its features and audio quality at its price point
  • Warm sound signature with a lifted upper midrange that pushes vocals forward
  • The 1MORE Music app allows switching ANC modes, toggling spatial audio and gaming modes, updating firmware, accessing EQ settings, as well as enabling LDAC, for higher-resolution audio

Product Considerations

  • Lacks an aux connection or 3.5 audio cable connection
  • Made entirely of plastic, and the build quality may not be the strongest
  • No continuous power light and no visual indication of device connection
  • Not IP rated and not sweat resistant
  • The upper midrange can be a little shouty on some EQ presets

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Soundcore Q20i has more presets, is thicker making it more durable, and has a 3.5 audio jack

Takeaway: The 1More Sonoflow SE is a solid choice for those wanting good sound, noise canceling, and great battery life without spending too much. This product provides good features at an affordable price.

Video review

Our take on the brand

1MORE is a hifi audio brand known for headphones that achieved multiple industry firsts, including the first THX-certified headphones and true wireless earbuds. The brand offers distinctive features like QuietMax ANC technology, affordable head-tracked spatial audio, and multi-driver configurations, such as their five-driver hybrid with four planar drivers.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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