If you want a lighter, more refined open-back reference sound for remote work, choose Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA; if you need the established R70x design with its breathable fabric earpads and spacious open-back presentation, choose Audio-Technica ATH-R70x. For most listeners choosing between these two, I’d pick the ATH-R70XA for its 199 g weight and updated focus on detail—provided an open-back, wired headphone suits the workday.
Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA vs Audio-Technica ATH-R70x at a Glance
• ATH-R70x: lightweight construction, breathable fabric earpads and aluminum honeycomb-mesh housings for a natural, spacious presentation. Trade-off: at about 210 g without its cable, it weighs slightly more than the ATH-R70XA.
• Pick the ATH-R70XA if lower listed weight and a more explicitly refined reference sound matter most.
• Pick the ATH-R70x if its familiar open-back design, fabric earpads and spacious presentation better suit your listening setup.
• Both are wired, open-back, over-ear headphones with 45 mm dynamic drivers and 470-ohm impedance. Neither product’s listed features include a microphone or wireless audio.
The ATH-R70XA is the more compelling fit for someone who wants a reference headphone for careful listening, editing or music work. Audio-Technica describes its sound as natural and balanced, with refined accuracy, imaging and depth. Its fully open construction is designed to let the drivers do the work without relying on acoustic cavities to shape the sound. That design goal should appeal to listeners who want a natural, transparent presentation rather than a headset built around isolation.
The practical details support long desk sessions: it weighs 199 g, uses replaceable velour earpads and has a metal-reinforced construction with a redesigned headband. The dual-sided, detachable 3.0 m locking cable maintains left-right signal orientation. Its 470-ohm impedance is also worth considering: check that the audio output you intend to use is suitable for these headphones.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-09 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
For remote work, I’d choose it when calls are only one part of the day and focused listening, editing or production is the priority. I’d skip it if you need a built-in mic, wireless freedom, or a closed design that helps keep your audio private. “Best crystal clear calls wireless earbuds for remote work” describes a different kind of product: the ATH-R70XA is neither wireless nor specified with a microphone.
Audio-Technica ATH-R70x: Who It's For
The ATH-R70x is a strong option for listeners who value a natural, spacious open-back sound and a lightweight professional design. Its aluminum honeycomb-mesh housings are described as acoustically transparent, while its driver and magnetic circuit are designed for accurate response and reduced distortion. Like the ATH-R70XA, it uses 45 mm dynamic drivers and has a stated impedance of 470 ohms.
Comfort features include breathable fabric earpads and Audio-Technica’s wing-support design. The listed weight is approximately 210 g without the cable, making it light in absolute terms, though a little heavier than the ATH-R70XA’s stated 199 g. Its detachable, dual-sided locking cable is designed to preserve correct stereo orientation whichever way it is attached.
For remote work, the ATH-R70x makes sense if your desk setup already has a suitable wired audio connection and you want headphones for listening between calls. It is not a microphone-equipped work headset, though, and an open-back design is not aimed at blocking outside sound. If your search is for “best head phones for remote work,” first decide whether you mean reference listening headphones or a headset for calls. The ATH-R70x fits the former category.
• Lower listed headphone weight → Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA. It is 199 g; the ATH-R70x is approximately 210 g without cable. Both are designed to be lightweight, but the difference favors the XA.
• Refined reference listening → Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA. Its description emphasizes added accuracy and detail while retaining a natural, balanced character.
• Spacious open-back presentation → Either, with different design cues. The R70x specifically uses aluminum honeycomb-mesh housings for a natural, spacious sound. The R70XA emphasizes unrestricted airflow and realistic staging.
• Replaceable velour earpads → Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA. That feature is specified for the XA; the R70x instead lists breathable fabric earpads.
• Breathable fabric earpads and wing support → Audio-Technica ATH-R70x. Those comfort details are part of its design.
• A long cable included in the listed specifications → Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA. Its dual-sided detachable locking cable is specified as 3.0 m (9.8 ft). Both models use a detachable locking cable, but a length for the R70x is not provided here.
• Wireless calls or a built-in microphone → Neither. Both are wired open-back headphones, and neither product’s listed features include a microphone. Look for a dedicated headset if calls are the central need.
• Use where sound isolation matters → Neither is the obvious fit. These are open-back reference headphones, not closed headphones designed to isolate the listener from surrounding noise.
One important point gets lost when shoppers focus on “newer versus older”: these are both specialized listening tools. Their open-back construction can make sense in a quiet room, but it is not a substitute for a call headset. Sound can travel both ways through an open design, and neither spec sheet describes active noise cancellation or a built-in microphone.
My Verdict
In my opinion, I’d buy the Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA for its lower listed weight, replaceable velour earpads and emphasis on refined detail. For remote work, I’d use it at a quiet desk when listening accuracy matters more than call convenience. If I needed a microphone or wireless freedom, I’d choose a dedicated headset instead; neither of these headphones is specified for that job.
No. Both are listed as wired headphones with detachable cables. Neither is described as a wireless audio model.
Neither is listed with a built-in microphone, so neither is a complete call headset. For a “with mic kids headset for remote work,” look for a product that explicitly includes a microphone and suits the intended user.
They are open-back headphones, not noise-isolating models. Their design prioritizes an open, natural listening presentation rather than blocking surrounding sounds.
Check that your audio source can work with the listed 470-ohm impedance, and consider whether an open-back, wired headphone suits your space. For current pricing, check the product page using the page’s price button.
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