Audio Technica has released a slew of new cans and I’m happy to get a chance to take a listen. This time, I’m taking a look at their new, affordable wireless can, the ATH-SR6BT. It goes for $150, which is right in line with a popular headphone by JBL, the E55BT. So how do these two headphones compare? Which ones are better for which type of person? Today I’ll try to find out with this Audio Technica ATH-SR6BT vs JBL E55BT comparison review.

Audio Technica ATH-SR6BT vs JBL E55BT Comparison Review

Design – Audio Technica ATH-SR6BT vs JBL E55BT Comparison Review

Look

At first glance, looking at the Audio Technica ATH-SR6BT and the JBL E55BT side by side, the ATH-SR6BT strikes me as a mature headphone. And while the feeling of both headphones on my head is quite similar, there are a few similarities.

Headband

Both the Audio Technica ATH-SR6BT and the JBL E55BT utilize metal extenders. However, the majority of the JBL E55BT’s construction is plastic whereas the ATH-SR6BT is metal. The headband of the E55BT doesn’t have much padding but is coated in cloth. On the other hand, the headband of the ATH-SR6BT has nice padding on its underside that is coated with soft pleather. Both headbands fold up for maximum portability. Additionally, both bands are flexible, although the ATH-SR6BT somehow feels even more flexible than the E55BT.

Earcups

The earcups of both the Audio Technica ATH-SR6BT and the JBL E55BT are oval shaped, although the ATH-SR6BT’s are slightly smaller. As a result, its overall weight is lighter and makes it a little more comfortable on my head. The housing of it is metal, whereas the E55BT’s housing is plastic. Both feel strong and durable. The ATH-SR6BT earcups rock generously in their yolks. The E55BT rocks slightly but with a shorter range of motion. Both have all the same controls on the earcup, although it is worth noting that the ATH-SR6BT’s volume control is separate from the listen device’s control. As a result, it won’t actually control the volume of your phone, for example. Rather, it is a separate volume control for just the headphones like a pair of speakers would be.

Earpads

Both the Audio Technica ATH-SR6BT and the JBL E55BT have very similar ear pads. They are both soft, cushiony foam that is coated in pleather. As a result, they feel very similar on the head.

Bluetooth

Both headphones were very easy to connect to my phone, although the JBL E55BT’s Bluetooth button gives me a sense of ease I don’t quite get from the Audio Technica ATH-SR6BT. It activates its Bluetooth pairing mode automatically once the headphones are turned on. However, both had strong connections. They stayed connected for about 30 feet, and even stayed connected past 30 feet so long as they had line of site with my phone. The ATH-SR6BT has an impressive 30 hour battery life whereas the E55BT lasts for 20 hours.

Sound – Audio Technica ATH-SR6BT vs JBL E55BT Comparison Review

The JBL E55BT has heavy bass and thick low mids. These heavy low mids contrast pretty abruptly with the brighter, more scooped sound of the Audio Technica ATH-SR6BT. When listening to them both side-by-side, I noticed the E55BT seemed to get cloudy in those thick low-mids, but also was a bit more impactful with music that likes a lot of bass like hip-hop, pop, and electronic music. On the other hand, the ATH-SR6BT had more high end detail which made acoustic instruments sound more realistic, and energetic.

Overview – Audio Technica ATH-SR6BT vs JBL E55BT Comparison Review

Overall, both the Audio Technica ATH-SR6BT and the JBL E55BT are great options for those looking for a quality pair of bluetooth headphones without breaking the bank. If you like a more bassy sound, you’ll enjoy the E55BT. However, if you like a more detailed high end, you’ll like the ATH-SR6BT.

Both the Audio Technica ATH-SR6BT and the JBL E55BT are available for the best price here:

Audio Technica ATH-SR6BT at Audio 46

Audio-Technica ATH-SR6BT on Amazon

JBL E55BT at Audio 46

JBL E55BT on Amazon

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