If you want a lightweight, open-back sound for long listening sessions, choose Audio-Technica ATH-R70x; if you need closed-back isolation for studio work, choose Roland VMH-S100. For glasses wearers, I’d lean toward the R70x for its light build and breathable fabric earpads, while the VMH-S100 makes more sense when keeping outside sound at bay matters more.
• Audio-Technica ATH-R70x: Open-back aluminum honeycomb-mesh housings are designed for a natural, spacious sound; the trade-off is that the open design does not provide the VMH-S100’s sound isolation.
• Roland VMH-S100: Closed-back construction and sound isolation suit monitoring and composing; the trade-off is a more enclosed listening design than the R70x’s open-back approach.
• The R70x weighs approximately 210 g without its cable and has breathable fabric earpads; the VMH-S100 has 3D-sewn earpads, metal frames and shields, and replaceable earpads.
• Both are wired over-ear headphones with a stated frequency range of 5 Hz to 40 kHz.
• Choose the R70x for a lightweight, open-back reference headphone; choose the VMH-S100 for a closed-back headphone with sound isolation and a cable that can attach to either ear cup.
The ATH-R70x is an open-back reference headphone built around acoustically transparent aluminum honeycomb-mesh housings. Audio-Technica describes the design as supporting natural, spacious sound, while its high-efficiency magnets and pure alloy magnetic circuit are intended to reduce distortion and support extended high-frequency response. A carbon composite resin component adds structural rigidity for detailed transient response.
For glasses wearers, the case for the R70x is its approximately 210 g weight without the cable, breathable fabric earpads, and wing support intended for long-wearing comfort. Those details make it appealing for desk work, editing, or a long listening session where a lighter headphone and breathable pads sound preferable. It is wired, so it is not the pick for someone who specifically wants Bluetooth headphones.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-22 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
The main reason to skip it is the open-back design. Its airy, spacious presentation comes with less isolation than the closed-back Roland, so it is a poor fit when blocking surrounding sound is the priority. I’d also look elsewhere if you need a wireless option or a headphone described as suitable for sound-isolated monitoring.
The VMH-S100 is an over-ear, closed-back headphone designed for music production, monitoring, and composing. Roland highlights sound isolation and clarity of sound localization, along with newly developed 50 mm drivers and a stated frequency range of 5 Hz to 40 kHz. The cable can attach to either the left or right ear cup, which gives it a practical bit of flexibility in a studio or playing setup.
Its 3D-sewn earpads are designed for long-term comfort and reduced strain on the ears. Metal frames and shields add to the durable construction, and the earpads are replaceable. For glasses wearers who need a closed-back wired headphone, those are useful design details to weigh alongside its isolation.
The trade-off is that the VMH-S100 is not the lightweight open-back choice in this comparison: its listed information gives no weight figure, and its closed-back design differs from the R70x’s more open presentation. Choose it when isolation, cable placement, or replaceable pads matter more than the R70x’s specified light weight and breathable fabric pads.
• Best fit for a light, open-back design → Audio-Technica ATH-R70x. Its listed weight is approximately 210 g without the cable, and the housings use aluminum honeycomb mesh.
• Best fit for sound isolation → Roland VMH-S100. It is closed-back and specifically described as providing sound isolation.
• Best for a stated lightweight build → Audio-Technica ATH-R70x. Roland’s sheet does not provide a weight, so there is no direct weight comparison to make.
• Best for a cable that can connect on either side → Roland VMH-S100. Its cable attaches to either ear cup.
• Best for a cable designed to maintain stereo orientation → Audio-Technica ATH-R70x. Its dual-sided detachable locking cable is designed to keep the left and right signals properly oriented.
• Best for replaceable earpads → Roland VMH-S100. The pads are described as replaceable.
• Best for breathable fabric earpads → Audio-Technica ATH-R70x. Those pads, together with its wing support, are intended to help with longer wear.
• For glasses wearers choosing between open sound and isolation → R70x for the open-back design; VMH-S100 when blocking surrounding sound is the priority. Neither sheet gives a glasses-specific fit measurement, so I would not promise that one will suit every frame.
These are both wired over-ear headphones, and both list the same 5 Hz to 40 kHz frequency range. That figure alone does not settle the choice. The more useful distinction is how each design fits the listening environment: open-back for the R70x, closed-back isolation for the Roland.
My Verdict
I’d choose the Audio-Technica ATH-R70x for glasses wearers who value a lightweight build, breathable fabric earpads, and an open-back sound. Its listed weight and comfort-oriented details give me a clear reason to favor it for long sessions at a quiet desk.
I’d pick the Roland VMH-S100 instead when sound isolation, closed-back construction, and replaceable earpads are the deciding needs. For my overall pick in this comparison, though, I prefer the R70x’s specified low weight and breathable-pad design.
The R70x has a listed weight of approximately 210 g without the cable and breathable fabric earpads. The VMH-S100 offers closed-back isolation and 3D-sewn earpads, but neither product sheet gives a glasses-specific fit measurement.
The Roland VMH-S100 is the closed-back option and is described as providing sound isolation. The ATH-R70x uses an open-back design, so it is the less suitable choice when isolation is the main goal.
Are the ATH-R70x and VMH-S100 wireless?
The VMH-S100’s cable can attach to either the left or right ear cup. The R70x has a dual-sided detachable locking cable designed to maintain proper stereo orientation whichever way it is attached.
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