If you want straightforward wired monitoring for Xbox, choose Audio-Technica ATH-M30x; if you need inline music and call controls for everyday listening around your Xbox setup, choose Sennheiser HD 400S.
Neither is a wireless Xbox headset: both use a cable, so the choice is about listening priorities and the device connection you need. I’d lean toward the ATH-M30x for focused, detail-oriented listening, while the HD 400S adds a remote and mic for compatible phones.
Neither is a wireless Xbox headset: both use a cable, so the choice is about listening priorities and the device connection you need. I’d lean toward the ATH-M30x for focused, detail-oriented listening, while the HD 400S adds a remote and mic for compatible phones.
Audio-Technica ATH-M30x vs Sennheiser HD 400S at a Glance
• ATH-M30x strength: 40 mm drivers and a tuning aimed at detail and midrange definition. Trade-off: no listed inline remote or microphone.
• HD 400S strength: inline one-button remote and mic for music controls and calls. Trade-off: its listed driver size is 32 mm, rather than the ATH-M30x’s 40 mm.
• Both are closed-back, over-ear wired headphones with passive noise reduction and a stated frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.
• The ATH-M30x has a single-side cable exit and folds for compact storage; the HD 400S folds and is designed for commuting and everyday carry.
• Choose the ATH-M30x for monitoring-focused listening; choose the HD 400S if the inline remote and mic are useful in your routine.
The ATH-M30x is the more monitoring-oriented option here. Its 40 mm drivers are tuned for detail and midrange definition, and the closed, circumaural design surrounds the ears to help reduce outside sound. That combination suits listening where speech, dialogue, and other midrange detail matter. Audio-Technica describes it for uses such as field recording, video editing, and studio tracking.
How We Research
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-21 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
For Xbox, its wired design keeps the setup simple if your intended connection supports its 3.5 mm headphone jack. The single-side cable exit may also feel tidier than a cable coming from both sides. Its foldable construction helps when you want to put the headphones away between sessions, and a 6.3 mm adapter is included for compatible equipment.
The HD 400S combines a closed-back, over-ear design with balanced tuning described as having clear mids, detailed highs, and controlled bass. Its 32 mm dynamic drivers and 20 Hz–20,000 Hz stated frequency range make it a wired choice for general listening, while its passive noise reduction can help limit ambient sound around you.
Its standout practical feature is the one-button inline remote with a mic. The controls are described for music playback, track skipping, and calls, which makes the HD 400S more convenient when connected to a compatible phone or other suitable device. The folding headband supports packing it for a commute or storing it between uses.
For Xbox, the HD 400S may suit someone who also wants one wired pair for casual listening and phone calls. Check the connection your setup requires: this model is listed with a 2.5 mm headphone jack, while the ATH-M30x has a 3.5 mm jack. I would not choose the HD 400S expecting wireless play or assuming its inline mic and remote will work with every device.
• Best for monitoring-focused listening → Audio-Technica ATH-M30x. Its 40 mm drivers are specifically described as tuned for detail and midrange definition.
• Best for inline music and call controls → Sennheiser HD 400S. It includes a one-button remote and mic for the listed functions.
• Best if a single-side cable exit matters → Audio-Technica ATH-M30x. That cable layout is explicitly part of its design.
• Best for a listed 2.5 mm headphone jack → Sennheiser HD 400S. Confirm that the connection suits the device or adapter setup you plan to use.
• Best for folding away between uses → Either. Both fold, though the HD 400S is specifically described for commuting and everyday carry.
• Best for Xbox when you want a wired pair → Either, subject to connection compatibility. Neither model is described as wireless, so check how your console or controller connects to headphones.
• Best if you want true wireless earbuds for Xbox or fast charging sports earbuds for Xbox → Neither. These are over-ear wired headphones, not earbuds, and the provided specifications do not describe wireless charging or fast charging.
• Best if you are specifically looking for USB-C charging wireless headphones for Xbox → Neither. Neither has a battery or USB-C charging feature listed; both connect by cable.
My Verdict
In my opinion, I’d buy the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x for an Xbox setup where the priority is focused, detail-oriented listening and a straightforward wired design. Its 40 mm drivers, midrange emphasis, and single-side cable exit make the more compelling case for that use.
I’d choose the HD 400S instead if its inline remote and mic would see regular use with a compatible phone.
For Xbox, I’d check the required connection before deciding, since the models list different headphone-jack sizes.
FAQ
I’d give the ATH-M30x the edge if you prioritize its stated detail-oriented tuning and 40 mm drivers. The HD 400S is more appealing if you also want an inline remote and mic for compatible devices. Check your Xbox connection setup before choosing.
The ATH-M30x emphasizes detail and midrange definition and has a single-side cable exit. The HD 400S adds an inline remote and mic, with controls described for music and calls. Their listed headphone-jack sizes also differ: 3.5 mm for the ATH-M30x and 2.5 mm for the HD 400S.
Both use a closed-back, over-ear design and passive noise reduction. The ATH-M30x is described as tuned for detail and midrange definition, while the HD 400S is described as having clear mids, detailed highs, and controlled bass. Those descriptions indicate different listening priorities, not a measured head-to-head result.
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