Short answer: the Audio-Technica ATH-M60x. It ranks #178 of 481 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.7/5, at $239. The Fairphone Fairbuds XL ranks #265, rated 3.4/5, at $229.99, $9.01 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M60x is the better-sounding pick. Bass from 60 to 200 Hz and the upper mids sit within about 0.3 dB of the Harman target, so the core of the sound is well balanced. The tradeoff: Treble is rolled off, about 2.7 dB under target from 6 to 10 kHz and 3 dB under above that, with a deep 10.9 dB dip near 10.6 kHz that dulls cymbal shimmer and air.
The case for the Fairphone Fairbuds XL: Wireless with active noise cancelling, Bluetooth 5.1 and aptX HD, plus a 30 hour battery (26 hours with ANC on), so it covers travel and desk use. The tradeoff: The presence region from 3 to 6 kHz sits about 5.3 dB under target, with a 10.2 dB dip near 3.4 kHz, which pushes vocals and instrument attack back and makes music sound recessed.
Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-M60x. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $9.01 saving on the Fairphone Fairbuds XL is not enough to make up the difference.
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Bass from 60 to 200 Hz and the upper mids sit within about 0.3 dB of the Harman target, so the core of the sound is well balanced.
Amazon $239.00 eBay
Wireless with active noise cancelling, Bluetooth 5.1 and aptX HD, plus a 30 hour battery (26 hours with ANC on), so it covers travel and desk use.
Amazon $229.99 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Audio-Technica ATH-M60x | Fairphone Fairbuds XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $239.00 | $229.99 |
| Ranked | #178 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #265 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 76 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 69 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.73 dB standard deviation | 2.74 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.28 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.70 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.3 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+4.2 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wireless and wired |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 45mm dynamic | 1 x 40mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 38 ohms | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB/mW | 99 dB at 1kHz |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (220 g) | 0.7 lbs (330 g) |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 28kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Active Noise Cancelling | - | Yes |
| Battery Life | - | 30 hours (26 with ANC on, Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, aptX HD |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| IP Rating | - | IP54 |
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