The good:The Audio-Technica ATH-M35 Headphones offer good build quality and detailed, natural sound with good bass. They're also very comfortable, have a fold-up design, and are a bargain at around $60.
The bad:There's no integrated microphone for making cell phone calls; extra-long cord makes the headphones less suitable for mobile use; the cord isn't detachable.
The bottom line:While they're not in the same league as the step-up ATH-M50, the Audio-Technica ATH-M35 costs a lot less and offers impressive performance and decent build quality for the money -- plus it has the fold-up element that's missing from the ATH-M30.
Audio-Technica's ATH-M35 is a newer version of the company's ATH-M30 headphones. The only difference is that the ATH-M35 has an additional hinge that allows you to fold up the headphones for more compact storage in an included pouch. Otherwise, the two models are the same, offering identical performance and features at very similar price points.
I considered the ATH-M30 an excellent bargain at its price point (around $60), and the ATH-M35 costs the same or even slightly less. The only serious drawback of both models is their extra-long 11-foot cord, which isn't detachable from the earcup. While the cord is extra thick -- a positive -- its extra length makes it a bit unwieldy for mobile use.
Because of the ATH-M35's fold-up design, I'd personally buy it over the M30. Please refer to my review of the M30 for a full assessment of this model's performance and features.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M35 is a better choice than the ATH-M30 because it has a fold-up design and includes a carrying pouch.
Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable e-reader and e-publishing expert. He's also the author of the novels Knife Music and The Big Exit. Both titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, and Nook e-books. Full Bio
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