Which is better for commuting?

The Hesh 540 ANC. It has active noise canceling, Bluetooth multipoint and up to 65 hours of battery. The ATH-M40x is wired and has no ANC.

Which sounds better for mixing music?

The ATH-M40x. It is tuned as a studio monitor for flat, critical listening. The Hesh 540 ANC adds spatial audio and bass presets aimed at casual listening.

Is the Hesh 540 ANC worth it at $60?

Yes, if you want wireless ANC. It is $60.00 at eBay as of November 6, 2026, against a $159.99 high on October 31, so the current price is strong for the feature set.

Which lasts longer on a charge?

The Hesh 540 ANC, at up to 65 hours with ANC off and 50 with ANC on. The ATH-M40x has no battery and runs from a wired source.

Can I take calls on the ATH-M40x?

Not well. It is a wired monitor headphone, not a call headset. The Hesh 540 ANC has a Clear Voice Smart Mic and sidetone for calls.

Which is more durable?

The ATH-M40x has the sturdier studio build. Hesh 540 ANC owners report the swivel area breaking, so treat it gently.

Skullcandy Hesh 540 ANC vs Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

Buy the Skullcandy Hesh 540 ANC if you want wireless noise canceling, long battery life and spatial audio for commuting or gaming. Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x if you want a wired studio monitor for mixing, tracking or critical listening. The Hesh 540 ANC is $60.00 at eBay as of November 6, 2026, well below its $159.99 high on October 31. The ATH-M40x is a wired-only headphone, so it is a different tool rather than a direct upgrade.

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