Master & Dynamic has consistently made some of the best headphones over the past few years. We reviewed the original Master & Dynamic MH40 headphones almost three years ago, but now the company is back with a follow-up — the Master & Dynamic MH40 Wireless headphones.
But the headphones aren’t necessarily just a wireless version of the original MH40 headphones. They also offer a few design tweaks and other new features. Are the Master & Dynamic MH40 headphones worth buying at $300? We’ve been using them for a while now to find out.
Design
The Master & Dynamic MH40 Wireless headphones offer a very similar design compared to the previous-generation MH40 Wireless headphones. You’ll get the same industrial, classy design, with premium materials and a strong build.
On the right ear cup, you’ll get a normal control setup, along with a USB-C. At first glance, you might assume that the headphones can’t connect to your listening device through a wire — but in the box, you’ll get a USB-C to 3.5mm cable that you can use with your devices. It’s a nice touch, and means that the design is even more refined than it otherwise would be.
Generally speaking, the Master & Dynamic MH40 Wireless headphones are beautifully-designed. We loved the general look and feel of the headphones, and the use of the fabric-type material on the headband and ear cups looks great.
In the box, apart from the headphones themselves, you’ll get a nice carry bag, along with a USB-C to USB-A charging cable and a USB-C to 3.5mm cable. We would have preferred that Master & Dynamic included a standard USB-C cable and an adapter here, like it has with other headphones.
Comfort
The Master & Dynamic MH40 Wireless headphones are lightweight, offer plenty of padding, and are more than comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time. The padding in the headphones is a nice memory foam, and while a little more padding in the headband may have been nice, it doesn’t get overly uncomfortable by any means.
Sound
We’ve loved the sound-quality of Master & Dynamic headphones in the past, and these headphones are no exception to that rule.
The bass, for starters, may not be as pumping as some would like — but it’s generally natural and well-tuned for others. The bass is perhaps the weakest frequency range on offer here — but we still found that it was fine.
The mids are well-tuned too. The low mids are relatively warm, but not over the top — ensuring there’s no muddiness. The high mids are well-tuned too. Again, high mids don’t go over the top — but they do offer plenty of response for things vocals and guitars.
High frequencies are the best part of these headphones, offering a clear and detailed response that should give any music life. Generally speaking, audio isn’t as detailed through a wireless connection as it is through a wired connection — but clarity here is relatively impressive.
Performance
The Master & Dynamic MH40 Wireless headphones connect to your listening device through Bluetooth 5.0, and we found that the headphones retained a good connection throughout listening.
The battery life on the headphones comes in at 18 hours, which is fine, but on the low end. We would have liked to see a slightly longer battery life on the headphones, but 18 hours will still probably be fine for most.
Conclusions
Ultimately, the Master & Dynamic MH40 Wireless headphones sound great, offer a stunning design, and a comfortable fit.
Of course, the headphones are a little pricey. But are they the best in their price range? Well, that depends. If you’re looking for a pair of headphones for travel or want noise cancellation, then you’ll want to look into the Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones. If, however, you don’t really care about noise cancellation, then these are an excellent option.
Because of their excellent design and great sound quality, we’re awarding these headphones the Headphone Review Silver Medal.
| Store | Price |
|---|---|
 |
$299 |
| Master & Dynamic | $299 |
| Frequency response | Unknown | Active noise cancellation | No |
| Driver size | 40mm | Noise attenuation | Unknown |
| Driver type | Dynamic | On-ear controls | Yes |
| Design | Closed | Microphone | Yes |
| Sensitivity | Unknown | Earpad material | Memory foam |
| Rated impedance | 32Ω | Magnet material | Neodymium |
| Total harmonic distortion | Unknown | Water resistance | No |
| Rated input power | Unknown | Battery life | 18 Hours |
| Maximum input power | Unknown | Wireless distance | 10m (33ft) |
| Wireless connection | Bluetooth 5.0 | Cable length | 1.2m (4ft) |
| Wired connection | Yes | Case type | Carry bag |
| Detachable cable | Yes | In-the-box |
|
| Weight | 276g (9.7oz) | Colors | Gunmetal / Gunmetal Coated Canvas, Silver Metal / Brown Coated Canvas, Black Metal / Black Coated Canvas |