Austrian Audio Hi-X20From real comments

Verdict distilled from 8 mentions across 7 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment63%
PROS 62%
CONS 38%

Rank based on 8 mentions across 7 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want an affordable closed-back headphone from Austrian Audio's lineup
  • You're switching from uncomfortable M50-style earcups and want a comfier alternative
  • You're fine with a synthetic-leather closed-back design at this price point

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You want an open-back or semi-open design, since only the pricier Hi-X65 offers that
  • You prefer a warmer, more 'alive' sound signature, as some feel Austrian Audio tuning is cold
  • You want velvet-like earpad material instead of synthetic leather

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Transparency ModeNoise CancellationSound QualityiOS/Apple Ecosystem Lock-inDurability/Crackling ConcernsHigh Price
Transparency Mode
Noise Cancellation
Sound Quality
iOS/Apple Ecosystem Lock-in
Durability/Crackling Concerns
High Price
2Mid
Signature haptic bass slider
Signature haptic bass slider
3Premium
Exceptional comfortStrong for gaming and imagingImprovement over HD 650/6XXIrritating L/R lettering inside padsBuild/pad quality issues reportedHigh price relative to alternatives
Exceptional comfort
Strong for gaming and imaging
Improvement over HD 650/6XX
Irritating L/R lettering inside pads
Build/pad quality issues reported
High price relative to alternatives
4Mid
Exceptional durabilityBalanced, quality soundFully repairable/modularCable-to-driver cutout issuesStrong clamping forceUnconventional cable entry side
Exceptional durability
Balanced, quality sound
Fully repairable/modular
Cable-to-driver cutout issues
Strong clamping force
Unconventional cable entry side
5Mid
Exceptional comfort
Exceptional comfort
Best value
6Premium
Smooth, detailed treble and clarityStrong perceived value and end-game satisfactionTight, deep bassHigh price pointSibilant or fatiguing treble for sensitive earsTight fit for larger ears
Smooth, detailed treble and clarity
Strong perceived value and end-game satisfaction
Tight, deep bass
High price point
Sibilant or fatiguing treble for sensitive ears
Tight fit for larger ears
7Premium
Excellent Call and Mic QualityAll-Day ComfortIndustry-Leading Noise CancellationHigh Price PointInconsistent Call Clarity in Certain EnvironmentsBluetooth Pairing Problems
Excellent Call and Mic Quality
All-Day Comfort
Industry-Leading Noise Cancellation
High Price Point
Inconsistent Call Clarity in Certain Environments
Bluetooth Pairing Problems
8Premium
Neutral, accurate soundExceptional comfortGreat detail and resolutionPerceived as 'boring' by some listenersElevated mid-bass/sub-bass not fully neutralSound highly dependent on seal and source
Neutral, accurate sound
Exceptional comfort
Great detail and resolution
Perceived as 'boring' by some listeners
Elevated mid-bass/sub-bass not fully neutral
Sound highly dependent on seal and source
9Budget
Exceptional value for moneyOutstanding comfortDetailed, neutral sound signatureLight or rolled-off bassCheap-feeling build qualityPerceived treble grain/sibilance
Exceptional value for money
Outstanding comfort
Detailed, neutral sound signature
Light or rolled-off bass
Cheap-feeling build quality
Perceived treble grain/sibilance
10Budget
Excellent Sound Quality for PriceComfortable for Extended UseNo Charging RequiredLimited Noise IsolationBuild Quality ConcernsNot Secure for Active Use
Excellent Sound Quality for Price
Comfortable for Extended Use
No Charging Required
Limited Noise Isolation
Build Quality Concerns
Not Secure for Active Use
You are here
31Budget
Austrian Audio Hi-X20
Budget-friendly pricingClosed, durable design appealComfortable alternative to rivalsLimited earpad material choiceNo open-back option at this priceSound seen as cold by some
Austrian Audio Hi-X20
Budget-friendly pricing
Closed, durable design appeal
Comfortable alternative to rivals
Limited earpad material choice
No open-back option at this price
Sound seen as cold by some

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Commenters see the Hi-X20 as a reasonably priced entry into the Austrian Audio lineup. One listener called the line 'reasonable priced Ohrwascheln' compared to pricier options like Neumann monitors costing over €1,000. Another shopper was hunting for a Black Friday deal and considered the pricier Hi-X65 as the only open-back alternative, noting it costs more than double. A third buyer said they were looking for closed, affordable, and durable over-ear headphones and felt the Hi-X20 fit that description. Together these comments frame the Hi-X20 as a budget-friendly option within the brand's range.

Early buyers report a pleasant listening experience and comfortable fit, though not everyone agrees. A new owner said their unit was 'sounding awesome' right out of the box, pairing it alongside their Hi-X25bt. Another commenter switched from Audio-Technica M50s, whose earcups dissolved yearly and felt less comfortable, calling the Hi-X20 'a great alternative.' However, not every impression is positive: one listener said they've 'never vibed' with Austrian Audio's sound, describing it as 'cold and lifeless,' suggesting the tuning may not suit every taste.

Viewers compared the Hi-X20's specs and materials to siblings in the lineup. One commenter concluded that, spec-wise, the Hi-X20 appears nearly identical to the Hi-X15 except for a longer cable and the absence of red accents. Another asked whether the earpads use anything besides synthetic leather, expressing a preference for the velvet-like fabric found on Beyerdynamic headphones, while a prospective buyer wondered if an open-back or semi-open variant might eventually arrive.

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