There's no shortage of similar-looking noise-canceling headphones on the market, and the Audio Technica ATH-ANC9 QuietPoint does little to separate itself from the group visually. Sonically, the $349.95 (list) headphones pack powerful bass response, and can be used in passive mode (without noise cancellation engaged) something that cannot be said of Bose's standard-setting QuietComfort line. The QuietPoint also delivers distortion-free audio, even at maximum volumes. The noise cancellation circuitry in the QuietPoint is decent, but can't match leaders, like the less-expensive Bose QuietComfort 15($599.99 at Amazon), making its price seem slightly inflated. DesignThe design and construction of the QuietPoint is anything but flashy—simple matte black plastic and memory foam cushioned-ear pads form a lightweight, comfortable fit. The headband adjusts with less ease than you might want, but it has built-in stops that make it easy to precisely adjust it and keep it in place. The ear c...

The Audio Technica ATH-ANC9 QuietPoint headphones deliver quality audio in passive and active modes, but noise-cancellation performance is not in line with the price.

Deep bass response, with no distortion at top volumes; Lightweight, comfortable construction; Outputs audio in passive mode; Removable cables—one with inline microphone and remote

Slightly overpriced; Noise cancellation mics sometimes allow low transient sounds into in-ear mix; Doesn't ship with a rechargeable battery

There's no shortage of similar looking noise cancelling headphones on the market, and the Audio Technica ATH-ANC9 QuietPoint does little to separate itself from the group visually.

Deep bass response with no distortion; Lightweight; comfortable construction; Outputs audio in passive mode

Slightly overpriced; Noise cancellation isn't perfect; Doesn't ship with a rechargeable battery

I really wanted to like these headphones! I had some of the anc7's ~4 years ago, and loved them! They were half the price of the b0se noise-cancelling headphones, and I figured the anc9's must be amazing; so much so that I returned the B0se phones that I had bought 3 weeks earlier.

3 modes of noise cancellation; for whatever that's worth

pretty flat sound

Love these headphones! I can wear them for 9 hours straight at work and they are still super comfortable. Noise cancelling works well and makes music sound even better when it is on. I definitely recommend these to anyone and everyone! Definitely a necessity if you work in an office.

Of the models I tested, Bose's QuietComfort 15 reigns supreme in noise-canceling performance and sound quality. I rank the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC9 second overall, though I really like the multiple cancelation modes and the ANC9's ability to function without battery power-features that might make it...

Comfortable fit, come with nice carrying case. I am extremely sound sensitive and wear these at work to help block out distracting noises. I like that they are able to cancel some background noise while still able to hear some speech.

noise reduction

I bought it right before a 5-hour flight. I wore it all along and they fit comfortably. I did feel the urge to lift them from time to time to refresh my ears, but I guess that is normal when you enclose them with something for that long.

Exactly what I was after - peace within a noisy office environment.

Very clear and comfortable to wear, great price and product. I would recommend these earphones for travel as they didn't miss a beat very easy to fold away when not in use. Not going to paid Excessive prices - that's the number one reason I purchased this product.

Noise-cancelling headphones have become a must for me on long-haul business trips. Oddly, I find them more helpful when I'm not listening to anything; music or film dialogue effectively drowns out engine noise, but while you're reading, eating or sleeping, then noise cancelling really does its bit.