If you want closed-back, wired headphones for focused listening while planning a hunting trip, choose Austrian Audio Hi-X20; if you need open-ear Bluetooth earbuds that keep you more aware of your surroundings, choose MINISO X15. For hunting itself, I’d favor the MINISO’s open-ear design for awareness, while recognizing that neither product is described as purpose-built hearing protection.
• Austrian Audio Hi-X20 strength: Closed-back, over-ear design with 44 mm drivers, a detachable cable, and folding, swiveling earcups. Trade-off: It is wired, so you need a compatible audio source and cable.
• MINISO X15 strength: Open-ear, hook-style wireless design with Bluetooth 5.4 and touch controls. Trade-off: Its open design does not block surrounding sound, and the listed noise control is none.
• Sound approach: Hi-X20 is specified for balanced mids and highs with clear bass; X15 has 14.2 mm dynamic drivers and is described as delivering balanced audio with low-frequency vibrations.
• For sound awareness: X15 leaves the ears open to nearby sounds. That may suit outdoor situations, but it does not replace dedicated hearing protection.
• For listening away from a phone: Neither sheet specifies built-in playback storage. X15 connects wirelessly to a Bluetooth source; Hi-X20 uses a cable.
• Who each suits: Choose Hi-X20 for wired, closed-back listening at home or in a studio; choose X15 for open-ear wireless listening where awareness matters.
The Hi-X20 is a wired, closed-back over-ear headphone built around 44 mm Hi-X drivers. Austrian Audio specifies balanced mids and highs with clear bass, a wide frequency range of 12 Hz to 24 kHz, and very low noise across frequencies. Those traits make it the more fitting option of these two for someone who wants a conventional headphone presentation for music or other listening at home. The product is also positioned for studio applications.
Its practical details lean toward a durable, packable setup: the earcups fold and swivel, the cable detaches, and metal components are included for stability. The package lists a carry bag and a 1/4-inch plug adapter. Replaceable memory foam earpads are another useful detail if you value a design with replaceable contact points.
How We Research
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-09 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
The MINISO X15 takes the opposite approach. It is an open-ear Bluetooth headphone with ear hooks, so the earbuds do not sit inside the ear canal. MINISO says this design leaves the ears open to surrounding sounds. That makes the X15 the more relevant pick for someone who wants music or calls without fully shutting out the environment—an important consideration when comparing headphones for hunting or other outdoor activity.
It connects through Bluetooth 5.4, with a listed range of up to 33 feet, and has touch controls for music and calls. Each earbud is listed at 8.5 g, and its hook uses flexible memory metal. The sheet also describes a 14.2 mm dynamic driver and an audio frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Those are specifications, not a guarantee of how the sound will suit every listener.
There are trade-offs. Open-ear listening means less isolation from your surroundings, and the listed noise control is none. The X15 has no headphone jack, so it depends on a Bluetooth connection. Its AI translation features require a phone app and an online connection, according to the product details. If you want a closed-back fit for focused listening, or a product explicitly specified for studio use, the Hi-X20 is the clearer match.
• Best for open-ear awareness → MINISO X15. Its design leaves the ears open, which can help you hear nearby activity. It is not hearing protection, so don’t treat it as a substitute for appropriate protective equipment.
• Best for a closed-back listening setup → Austrian Audio Hi-X20. Its closed design is the more natural choice if your goal is to limit outside sound while listening.
• Best for Bluetooth convenience → MINISO X15. It connects wirelessly, has touch controls, and lists a range of up to 33 feet. The Hi-X20 is wired.
• Best for a detachable cable and travel-friendly folding cups → Austrian Audio Hi-X20. Its cable detaches, and its earcups fold and swivel.
• Best if you want ear-hook earbuds rather than over-ear cups → MINISO X15. Its open-ear hooks are a different fit from the Hi-X20’s full-size over-ear design.
• Best for a stated studio and home use case → Austrian Audio Hi-X20. The product is described for studio and home applications and has a specified 44 mm Hi-X driver.
• Best for app-based translation features → MINISO X15. Its feature set includes translation through an app, with support described for 148 languages. The listed setup requires connecting the headset to the phone and then to the app.
• Best for a wired source with a 3.5 mm connection → Austrian Audio Hi-X20. It has a 3.5 mm jack and includes a 1/4-inch plug adapter. X15 has no headphone jack.
The hunting angle needs one extra distinction: “open ear” and “hearing protection” are not interchangeable. X15’s design may let more environmental sound reach you, while Hi-X20’s closed-back cups are aimed at a more isolated listening experience. Neither sheet provides a noise-reduction rating or identifies either product as protective equipment. If you’re around firearms or other hazardous noise, choose proper hearing protection designed for that risk and follow its guidance.
My Verdict
I would choose the MINISO X15 for hunting-related listening when staying aware of nearby sounds is the priority. Its open-ear design and wireless connection suit that goal better than the Hi-X20’s closed-back, wired format. But I would not rely on either headphone for hearing protection. For home or studio listening, I’d choose the Hi-X20 instead: its closed-back design, detachable cable, and stated sound profile make it the stronger fit for focused listening.
For open-ear awareness, I’d pick the MINISO X15: its design leaves the ears open and it connects over Bluetooth. That does not make it protective equipment. Neither product’s listed specifications identify it as hearing protection.
The product information lists a charging station but does not specify the charging connector. I would not assume it uses USB-C without checking the product details.
Which one has more bass?
The Hi-X20 is described as having clear bass alongside balanced mids and highs. The X15 is described as delivering low-frequency vibrations with balanced audio. The available specifications do not establish which one produces more bass or has an extra-bass tuning.
The MINISO X15 is the wireless option, with Bluetooth 5.4 and touch controls for calls and music. The Hi-X20 is wired and has a 3.5 mm connection, so it is not the match for someone specifically seeking Bluetooth convenience.
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