Short answer: the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x. It ranks #85 of 216 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.9/5, at $109. The Thinksound ov21 ranks #93, rated 3.8/5, at $97, $12 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
What the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x does well: The closed back keeps outside noise down and sound in, and at 0.5 lbs (240 g) it is the lightest closed back in this group. The tradeoff: Treble from 6 to 10 kHz is about 2 dB hot and the top octave 4.5 dB above target, with a 5.5 dB peak near 8.3 kHz, so cymbals and sibilants can sound sharp and splashy.
The case for the Thinksound ov21: Sub-bass under 60 Hz sits about 4 dB above the Harman target and the 60 to 200 Hz bass about 2 dB above, so kick drums and bass lines have real weight and rumble. The tradeoff: A dip of about 6 dB near 7 kHz followed by a 5 dB peak near 12 kHz leaves cymbals and sibilance uneven, dull in one place and glassy in another.
Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $12 you would save on the Thinksound ov21 does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audio-Technica ATH-M40x | Thinksound ov21 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109.00 | $97.00 |
| Ranked | #85 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones | #93 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 79 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 78 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.14 dB standard deviation | 2.79 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.57 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.12 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-0.9 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+6.0 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Impedance | 35 ohms | 50 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB | 99 dB/mW |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (240 g) | 1 lbs (453 g) |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 5Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | - | 1 x 45mm dynamic |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
Related Headphone Comparisons
How Audio-Technica ATH-M40x compares with other leading options:
- HIFIMAN HE400se vs Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
- Audio-Technica ATH-M40x vs Philips SHP9500
- Audio-Technica ATH-M40x vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Philips SHP9500 vs Thinksound ov21
- Thinksound ov21 vs Tanchjim Rita
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Headphones In Full
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x: $109.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: The closed back keeps outside noise down and sound in, and at 240 g it is the lightest closed back in this group. Bass from 60 to 200 Hz sits about 3 dB above target while sub-bass is nearly on target, giving punchy, full low end with a preference score of 79. At 35 ohms and 98 dB sensitivity a phone drives it without an amp, and it ties the Philips SHP9500 on rating at a slightly higher street price.
Cons: Treble from 6 to 10 kHz is about 2 dB hot and the top octave 4.5 dB above target, with a 5.5 dB peak near 8.3 kHz, so cymbals and sibilants can sound sharp and splashy. A 3 dB dip near 5 kHz can blur vocal detail slightly. The bass emphasis is too much for listeners who want a neutral balance.
Full Audio-Technica ATH-M40x review and specifications →
| Released | Feb 2014 (12 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.14 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 79 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 35 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-0.9 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.57 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (240 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -5.6 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +17.6 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 48 Hz | -16.9 dB | 0.29 |
| Peak | 348 Hz | +6.0 dB | 0.87 |
| Peak | 5,150 Hz | +3.3 dB | 4.10 |
| Peak | 2,979 Hz | +1.8 dB | 1.99 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -6.9 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 1,378 Hz | -1.4 dB | 2.13 |
| Peak | 796 Hz | +0.6 dB | 1.67 |
| Peak | 6,306 Hz | +1.6 dB | 5.10 |
| Peak | 2,225 Hz | +0.8 dB | 3.70 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Thinksound ov21: $97.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Sub-bass under 60 Hz sits about 4 dB above the Harman target and the 60 to 200 Hz bass about 2 dB above, so kick drums and bass lines have real weight and rumble. At 50 ohms and 99 dB/mW it runs loudly from a phone or laptop without an amp. The closed back isolates from room noise, and an inline microphone allows calls.
Cons: A dip of about 6 dB near 7 kHz followed by a 5 dB peak near 12 kHz leaves cymbals and sibilance uneven, dull in one place and glassy in another. Low mids are about 2.5 dB under target, which thins male vocals and guitar body. At 453 g it is the heaviest of its closest rivals, and the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x holds a higher rating at a similar price.
Full Thinksound ov21 review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2021 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.79 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 45mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 78 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 50 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+6.0 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.12 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 1 lbs (453 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -4.4 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | -4.2 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 241 Hz | +5.0 dB | 0.79 |
| Peak | 122 Hz | -4.5 dB | 1.90 |
| Peak | 2,933 Hz | -4.2 dB | 1.60 |
| Peak | 5,637 Hz | -4.4 dB | 5.53 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -7.2 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 8,185 Hz | +3.2 dB | 2.20 |
| Peak | 1,045 Hz | -1.7 dB | 2.30 |
| Peak | 57 Hz | +1.3 dB | 3.71 |
| Peak | 498 Hz | +0.8 dB | 2.38 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons