Master & Dynamic MH40 V2 guide for PC

Most popular pairs of headphones in 2023 are designed for everyday, every-scenario usage in mind. They're made to be used on the move, so get equipped with elements like noise cancelling to block out noisy commute sounds, and are usually foldable to make them easy to carry with you.

Some headphones - however - are a little bit different. For Master & Dynamic - and its MH40 cans in particular - the aim is to deliver headphones with that vintage, leather-wrapped look, staying true to the design ethos of its very first pair of headphones: the original wired MH40. Its second wireless version of the iconic over-ears seeks to fix and improve some of the weaknesses of the first generation, making a pair of at-home, casual-listening headphones with a great look and modern connectivity options.
Master & Dynamic MH40 Wireless (v2) review: Vintage looks meet modern headphone performance
BY
CAM BUNTON
PUBLISHED MAR 14, 2023
The new MH40 Wireless offers that classic Master & Dynamic design with improved performance and wireless capabilities.
Master & Dynamic’s latest take on the MH40 wireless headphones ($399) retains the vintage style of the previous model but offers better Bluetooth codec support, longer battery life, and a new companion app. They sound great, but $399 is a high price to pay for headphones that lack many of the features we expect in this segment, such as active noise cancellation. As such, we more highly recommend Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones which offer similar sound quality, top-notch noise cancellation, even better codec support, and a more full-featured app for the same price as the MH40.

Master & Dynamic MH40 (2023) Review
Handsome headphones that focus on sound quality
The luxurious Master & Dynamic MH40 headphones offer excellent sound quality in both wired and wireless modes, but they don't have enough features to justify their high price.

Master & Dynamic MH40 Wireless (2nd gen) review: A novel mix of sound and design
When it comes to headphone design, Master & Dynamic has carved out a niche. The company’s signature look of metal and leather, immediately set it apart from the competition when the wired MH40 debuted in 2014. M&D followed up with a wireless version in 2019, giving its non-ANC (active noise canceling) over-ear headphones a modern update. Now the company is back with a second-generation wireless model, touting improvements to audio, battery and more. The third iteration of the MH40 is undoubtedly an improvement on the last, but are the company’s design chops enough to overcome the lack of features compared to similarly priced alternatives?

Master & Dynamic MH40 Wireless 2023 review: pricier, but worth it
Master & Dynamic (M&D) has updated its MH40 Wireless headphones for 2023, but you’d be hard-pressed to realize it just by looking at them side by side with the originals from 2019. They effectively are physically identical. And yet, the new version sells for $399 — $100 more than their predecessors.

CONTENTS
What’s changed?
Unmatched design
Still missing some features
It’s all about the audio
Are they worth it?
So why would you consider upgrading, or buying the new MH40 W over their many excellent competitors? Let’s check them out.