Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT is an over-ear Bluetooth headphone for buyers who value exceptionally long claimed battery life, straightforward multipoint connectivity and a wired fallback more than class-leading noise cancellation. Audio-Technica rates it for up to 90 hours with ANC off or 60 hours with ANC on, but those are maximum figures measured under stated operating conditions, not guarantees for every listening pattern. An independent 2024 review praised its sound and endurance while finding limits in severe noise and digital distortion in hear-through mode. It is a sensible mid-priced everyday headphone if battery anxiety is your main problem; commuters who need the strongest possible isolation should look more closely at comparative ANC testing before buying.
What the ATH-S300BT is
Audio-Technica announced the ATH-S300BT on June 13, 2024, with release scheduled for June 21, 2024. It is a conventional over-ear wireless headphone rather than an in-ear model, available in beige and black. The design combines Bluetooth playback with hybrid digital noise cancelling, a hear-through mode that feeds surrounding sound back into the headphones, and a low-latency mode intended to reduce the delay between video and audio.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The product sits in the mid-priced part of the market. A 2024 review discussed historical market pricing, but a current local price and stock position cannot be confirmed from the available information. Treat any old price as a reference point only and check a retailer serving your country before deciding whether the feature set represents good value.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →ATH-S300BT specifications at a glance
| Specification | Official or reported information | What it means in use |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Over-ear Bluetooth headphone with ANC and hear-through | The earcups surround the ears and provide both active processing and passive coverage. |
| Launch | June 21, 2024 release; announcement June 13, 2024 | It is a 2024 model, so newer comparison guides may place it beside more recently released rivals. |
| Colours | Beige and black | Colour availability can vary by country and retailer. |
| Drivers | 40 mm dynamic drivers | Large dynamic drivers handle the full-range sound; driver diameter alone does not predict tuning quality. |
| Wireless standard | Bluetooth 5.1 | It supports a current mainstream Bluetooth implementation, subject to the capabilities of the source device. |
| Codecs | AAC and SBC | There is no documented support here for higher-bandwidth codecs such as aptX or LDAC. |
| Multipoint | Connection to two Bluetooth devices | You can keep two sources connected, useful for moving between a phone and a computer. |
| Weight | Approximately 258 g | That is moderate for a wireless ANC over-ear model; clamp, pad shape and head size still determine comfort. |
| Battery claim | Up to 90 hours with ANC off; up to 60 hours with ANC on | These are manufacturer maximums. Volume, codec, radio conditions and operating mode affect actual runtime. |
| Charging | Approximately 2.5 hours; USB-C on the headphone | The supplied USB-A-to-USB-C cable handles charging. The documented information does not establish USB-C audio input. |
| Quick charge | About 2.5 hours of playback from a three-minute charge with ANC off | A short top-up can cover a commute, although the quick-charge figure is also condition-dependent. |
| Wired connection | 3.5 mm input with a supplied 1.2 m cable, inline microphone and control | You retain an analog listening option when the battery is empty or wireless audio is restricted. |
Battery life is the defining feature
The strongest reason to consider the ATH-S300BT is its stated endurance. Audio-Technica lists approximately 90 hours of playback with noise cancelling turned off and approximately 60 hours with it turned on. The figures come from the company’s 2024 product documentation and user manual, so they should be read as maximum operating claims rather than a promise that every unit will reach those totals.
#1 Best Overall
- Wireless over-ear headphones with digital hybrid noise-cancelling technology let you enjoy a private, high-quality sound space
- Class-leading battery life with up to 90 hours of continuous use on a full charge with ANC off and 60 hours with ANC on
- Hear-through function allows you to hear ambient sounds (plus your own unmuffled voice) so you can talk to others around you without removing your headphones
- High-quality, built-in microphone ensures crystal-clear calls as well as easy-touch buttons in the earcup to provide intuitive control of volume, music/video playback, calls, and to give you access to Siri and Google Assistant
- Includes 1.2 m (3.9"") cable with in-line mic and control for optional wired connection
Battery consumption changes with listening volume, Bluetooth conditions, codec selection, ANC or hear-through processing and the age of the battery. A person who listens loudly in a busy radio environment may see less than the headline number. Conversely, moderate volume in a stable connection with ANC disabled is the scenario most likely to approach the 90-hour claim. No independent laboratory battery figure was identified in the sources available for this review, so there is no third-party number to substitute for Audio-Technica’s ratings.
The 60-hour ANC-on figure is especially useful for comparisons. Many headphones advertise their longest runtime with ANC disabled, even though commuters and travellers generally leave ANC active. When judging alternatives, compare their ANC-on numbers with the ATH-S300BT’s 60-hour claim rather than comparing a competitor’s maximum ANC-off figure with Audio-Technica’s ANC-on result.
Charging is specified at approximately 2.5 hours. Audio-Technica also says a three-minute charge can provide about 2.5 hours of playback with ANC off. That quick-charge statement is useful when you discover an empty battery before leaving, but it does not mean three minutes produces the same result with ANC enabled or at every volume level.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Is the noise cancelling good?
The ATH-S300BT uses hybrid digital noise cancelling, but the available independent observations do not place it at the top of the ANC field. Tom’s Guide reviewer Shaun Prescott, writing on July 19, 2024, found that the cancellation could be insufficient in severe noise. That qualification matters if your main environment is a loud train carriage, aircraft cabin or road-adjacent traffic rather than a moderately noisy office.
A TechRadar comparison guide accessed on October 13, 2026 included the ATH-S300BT in reviewer testing and reported less convincing performance in traffic than some competing models. The guide lists 60 hours of ANC-on runtime and a 258 g weight for the Audio-Technica. Its traffic result is a test observation from that publication, not a universal ranking for every noise source or ear shape.
Rank #2
- Wireless over-ear headphones with digital hybrid noise-cancelling technology let you enjoy a private, high-quality sound space
- Class-leading battery life with up to 90 hours of continuous use on a full charge with ANC off and 60 hours with ANC on
- Hear-through function allows you to hear ambient sounds (plus your own unmuffled voice) so you can talk to others around you without removing your headphones
- High-quality, built-in microphone ensures crystal-clear calls as well as easy-touch buttons in the earcup to provide intuitive control of volume, music/video playback, calls, and to give you access to Siri and Google Assistant
- Includes 1.2 m (3.9"") cable with in-line mic and control for optional wired connection
In practical terms, the headphone is better suited to reducing a general background hum than to guaranteeing silence around sharp voices, horns or irregular street sounds. Fit has a major effect: a poor seal lets more sound in before the electronics can do anything. People who work in a quiet room, travel occasionally or want to soften engine rumble may find the ANC adequate. People who choose headphones primarily for maximum isolation should treat the ATH-S300BT as a battery-first compromise.
Hear-through mode has a documented drawback
Hear-through is designed for conversations, announcements and awareness of your surroundings without removing the headphones. Tom’s Guide reported digital distortion in this mode. That does not make the feature unusable, but it means voices and ambient sound may not seem as natural as they do with the headphones removed. For a short exchange, switching the mode on can still be convenient; for extended awareness while walking, the processed sound may be distracting.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Sound, comfort and build quality
Tom’s Guide praised the ATH-S300BT’s sound and battery life. The reviewer described it as a discreet, non-showy headphone and wrote in the verdict that it delivers superlative sound for its price while offering market-leading battery life. That wording is the reviewer’s opinion, not an independently measured industry ranking. There are no frequency-response measurements or controlled comparative listening results in the supplied material, so the sensible conclusion is that the publication found the tuning enjoyable rather than that it is objectively superior to every rival.
The approximately 258 g weight is neither exceptionally light nor unusually heavy for an over-ear ANC design. Prescott reported that the fit remained comfortable for hours during the review. Comfort is inherently individual: head width, glasses, hair, pad pressure and heat tolerance can change the experience. Use the reviewer’s result as an encouraging indication, not a guarantee.
Build quality was described as adequate rather than premium. That suggests a functional plastic construction aimed at keeping weight and price under control, not a luxury hinge-and-metal design. If the headphone will live in a backpack every day, inspect the hinge and yoke carefully when it arrives and avoid storing it loose with heavy objects.
Rank #3
- Lightweight, relaxed-fit headphones for extended comfort
- Long-lasting battery with up to 60 hours of use
- Impressive sound from any source. Experience powerful, realistic sound from any source, from music and videos to games and social networking
- Multipairing function for registering multiple devices
- The 1.2 m (3.9') included cable with in-line mic and control can be used whenever a wired connection is preferred. The cable also helps conserve battery power and makes connecting to a PC incredibly easy and quick
One practical omission is a carrying case. Tom’s Guide noted that none is included. The headphones can still be transported, but you will need to supply your own pouch or use a compartment that protects the earcups and folding joints.
Bluetooth, codecs and multipoint
Bluetooth 5.1, AAC and SBC are the documented wireless features. AAC can be useful with compatible Apple devices, while SBC is the baseline codec supported by virtually all Bluetooth sources. The supplied information does not establish support for aptX-family codecs, LDAC or other higher-bandwidth options, so do not buy this model expecting those formats.
Multipoint is one of the most useful everyday features. Audio-Technica says the ATH-S300BT can connect to two Bluetooth devices. A typical arrangement is a phone and a work laptop: music can come from the phone, then a call or meeting on the laptop can take priority. Multipoint behaviour depends on the source devices and their operating systems, and some applications hold the audio connection open in ways that prevent an automatic hand-off.
Basic pairing and multipoint setup
- Charge the headphone with the supplied USB-A-to-USB-C cable before first use. The documented charging time is approximately 2.5 hours.
- Turn on the headphone and open the Bluetooth settings on the first source. Select the ATH-S300BT from the available-device list and complete pairing.
- Pause audio on the first source, then put the headphone into pairing mode again as described in the English user manual. On the second source, select the ATH-S300BT.
- Reconnect or enable the first source if it dropped during the second pairing. Confirm that both devices show an active connection before relying on automatic switching.
- If calls or notifications do not switch correctly, pause media on the device that is holding the connection, disconnect one source temporarily, or answer from the source that currently has audio focus.
The exact button sequence can vary with firmware and is best checked against the official manual rather than guessed from a different Audio-Technica model. There is no documented requirement for a companion application in the supplied specifications.
Wired listening and charging
The box includes a 1.2 m 3.5 mm cable with an inline microphone and control. This gives the ATH-S300BT a useful fallback when the battery is depleted, when a source bans Bluetooth, or when you want to avoid wireless transmission. Analog listening through that cable is established by the product documentation.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #4
- Advanced build quality and engineering; Designed for studio tracking and mixing
- 40 mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper clad aluminum wire voice coils
- Tuned for enhanced low frequency performance
- Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments
- Convenient single side cable exit
USB-C is documented as the charging connection, not as a digital audio input. Plugging a USB-C cable into the headphone should therefore be treated as charging only unless a later manual revision explicitly says otherwise. The included USB-A-to-USB-C lead is short and functional; it is not a substitute for the 3.5 mm audio cable.
The inline microphone and control can be useful with compatible phones, tablets and computers, but button behaviour may depend on the host device. If calls fail over the cable, check the source’s input selection and the plug’s seating before assuming the microphone is defective.
What is included in the box?
- ATH-S300BT over-ear headphones.
- USB-A-to-USB-C charging cable.
- 1.2 m 3.5 mm analog cable with inline microphone and control.
No carrying case is included according to Tom’s Guide’s review. Because both the charging lead and analog cable are supplied, buying replacement accessories immediately is unnecessary unless you need a longer cable, a different connector or a protective case.
How it fits common listening situations
| Situation | Why the ATH-S300BT may fit | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Daily office work | Multipoint can keep a computer and phone connected, while ANC can reduce steady HVAC noise. | Hear-through may sound digitally processed during conversations, and app-specific multipoint behaviour can vary. |
| Train or bus commute | Over-ear coverage, ANC and a claimed 60 hours with ANC on reduce the need to charge frequently. | Independent reviews found that severe noise and traffic are areas where cancellation is less convincing. |
| Air travel | Long endurance and a wired cable are useful on long journeys or on aircraft entertainment systems. | Do not expect the strongest isolation from voices and irregular cabin sounds; no case is supplied. |
| Home listening | Sound quality was praised by Tom’s Guide, and ANC can be left off to maximise runtime. | The 90-hour figure remains a maximum claim affected by volume and conditions. |
| Video and casual gaming | Low-latency mode is intended to reduce audio delay, and the analog cable offers another connection path. | The supplied information does not provide a measured latency figure or gaming-platform compatibility list. |
| Long calls | The wired cable includes an inline microphone and control, and the wireless design can remain connected to two devices. | Microphone quality and call switching depend on the connected host; no independent call test is documented. |
How to compare it with other headphones
The ATH-S300BT makes the most sense when you compare the right specifications instead of headline battery life alone. Use the following checklist when looking at another model or a retailer listing.
| Decision axis | ATH-S300BT evidence | Question to ask about an alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Noise reduction | Hybrid digital ANC; independent reports identify limitations in severe noise and traffic. | Was cancellation tested in traffic, offices, aircraft-like noise or only described by the manufacturer? |
| Battery with ANC on | Approximately 60 hours claimed by Audio-Technica; TechRadar lists 60 hours in its comparison. | Is the competing figure measured with ANC enabled, and under what volume and codec conditions? |
| Battery with ANC off | Up to approximately 90 hours, subject to operating conditions. | Is the longer number useful for your routine, or will you normally leave ANC on? |
| Weight and fit | Approximately 258 g; one reviewer found it comfortable for hours. | How do the pads, clamp and headband fit you, and is there a return window? |
| Wired fallback | Supplied 1.2 m 3.5 mm cable with inline microphone and control. | Does the other model include an analog cable, and does wired use work when its battery is empty? |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.1, AAC/SBC and two-device multipoint. | Does it support the codecs and simultaneous devices your phone and computer use? |
| Accessories | Charging and analog cables included; no case reported. | Will you need to budget for a case or replacement lead? |
| Price | Current local price is not verified; 2024 pricing is historical only. | What is the live price in your country, and does the seller provide a practical return and warranty policy? |
Strengths and trade-offs
Reasons to buy
- The unusually high official battery claims reduce charging frequency.
- Sixty hours with ANC enabled is more relevant to everyday commuting than an ANC-off number alone.
- Two-device multipoint supports a phone-and-computer workflow.
- A 3.5 mm cable is included for wired listening, with an inline microphone and control.
- Tom’s Guide found the sound enjoyable and the fit comfortable for extended sessions.
- Bluetooth 5.1, AAC and SBC cover common phone and laptop use.
Reasons to hesitate
- Independent observations do not show best-in-class cancellation in severe noise or traffic.
- Hear-through mode was reported to have digital distortion.
- The build was judged adequate rather than premium.
- No carrying case is included.
- There is no independent laboratory battery figure to validate the 90-hour maximum claim.
- Current price and availability vary by region and are not established here.
Buying guidance and availability
Do not treat a 2024 review price or a comparison guide’s price table as a live offer. As of October 2026, the available information does not verify a current local price or stock position for the ATH-S300BT. Check a retailer in your country, confirm whether the beige or black version is actually available, and verify the seller’s return and warranty terms.
Best Value
- Critically acclaimed sonic performance praised by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers
- Proprietary 45 millimeter large aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper clad aluminum wire voice coils
- Exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with deep, accurate bass response
- Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments
- 90 degree swiveling earcups for easy, one ear monitoring, and professional grade earpad and headband material delivers more durability and comfort
At a price that undercuts premium ANC models, the ATH-S300BT’s trade-off is easy to understand: you receive very long stated runtime, multipoint and a wired cable, while accepting less convincing noise reduction in difficult environments and a less polished hear-through experience. If a sale price brings it close to headphones with demonstrably stronger traffic or aircraft ANC, the battery advantage may not justify the compromise.
Care and troubleshooting
Runtime is below expectation
Check whether ANC or hear-through is active, reduce unusually high volume, confirm that the headphone completed its charge, and remember that the 90-hour figure is a maximum claim. Aged batteries gradually lose capacity. Compare runtime over several full cycles rather than judging it from one short session.
Multipoint will not switch
Pause media on the first device, confirm both devices still show the ATH-S300BT as connected, and disconnect one source temporarily to identify which device is holding audio focus. Some phone and computer applications keep a silent audio stream open.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallANC seems weak
Check that the earcups fully seal around your ears and that the intended ANC mode is active. Test with steady background noise before judging performance against irregular voices or traffic, which independent reviewers identified as challenging conditions.
Hear-through sounds unnatural
Digital processing is part of the mode, and Tom’s Guide specifically reported distortion. For a natural conversation, remove one earcup or switch the mode off rather than assuming the headphone is damaged.
Wired audio does not play
Use the supplied 3.5 mm cable in the headphone’s analog input and select the correct output on the source. Do not assume a USB-C connection carries audio; the documented USB-C function is charging.
Verdict
The Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT is a battery-first ANC headphone. Its approximately 90-hour ANC-off and 60-hour ANC-on claims, two-device multipoint, AAC/SBC Bluetooth and included analog cable make it unusually practical for people who dislike charging. Tom’s Guide’s positive comments on sound and long-session comfort strengthen that case. The compromises are equally clear: ANC is not established as best in class for severe noise or traffic, hear-through can sound digitally distorted, the construction is merely adequate, and there is no case in the box. Choose it when endurance and everyday flexibility matter most; choose another model when maximum isolation is the deciding requirement.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
