Audio-Technica ATH-ANC3

Who's It For

Audiophiles

Audiophiles will probably balk at the over-emphasized segments on our frequency response chart. Active cancellation will screw around with the sound too much, either by adding distortion or noise.

Portable User

While they’re not as portable as other in-ears, the ATH-ANC3 headphones are still very portable. They don’t isolate as well as other in-ears, even with active cancellation on, which can either be good or bad, depending on how you want to use them.

Airplane Traveler

We’re a bit torn on this one, but due to their poor noise cancellation, we’re disinclined to recommend them for airplane rides. In most cases, you’d be better off with regular in-ear headphones.

Home / Office Use

Although the lengthy cord can certainly let you hook up your ATH-ANC3s to a nearby stereo in a pinch, we typically don’t recommend in-ear headphones for a home theater setup. Over-ears are the way to go, since they can provide a much more immersive soundstage and often have neat features like surround sound.

Conclusion

The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC3 headphones are an interesting set of in-ears. They didn’t sparkle on our audio tests, they’re more versatile than the average set of in-ears, and they’d probably be better off without their main feature. Though they’re far from perfect, the ATH-ANC3 headphones are by no means a pair of headphones you should totally discount when you’re looking for a new set of in-ears. We’ve said it a few times in the review, but we can really see the ATH-ANC3s being enjoyed by fans of drums & bass, or other genres that focus on those instruments. Regardless, we think they’re worth a listen. Also, if you’re a jogger but want to hear those oncoming trucks and trains, the ATH-ANC3s are a pair of in-ears that won’t fall out easily but will still let you hear a great deal of outside noise.