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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize convenience and portability, the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) are wireless, offer seamless integration with Apple devices, and are great for on-the-go listening and calls, with a built-in microphone. However, if you are seeking better sound quality for the price and don't mind wires, the Audio Technica ATH M20X offers a more accurate audio reproduction, which can be preferable for critical listening in a studio-like environment. The M20X headphones, however, are bulkier and less suited for exercise or travel compared to the compact AirPods. Keep in mind, the AirPods come at a higher price point, which is justified by their wireless convenience and brand ecosystem integration. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
- Good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Audio Technica ATH M20X
- Good for music
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
5.8
7.6
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
6.2
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9
4.3
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
6.7
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
TV and Video
5.4
7.6
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.0
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Audio Technica ATH M20X does not have a battery.
Cost
$130
$49
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $130 and the Audio Technica ATH M20X costs $49.
Build Quality
7.6
6.9
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X has only fair build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Audio Technica ATH M20X compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Audio Technica ATH M20X |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$130 | $49 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Audio Technica | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | January 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 6.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 4.1/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 190 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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Audio Technica ATH M20X
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Soundguys
Jasper Lastoria | September 2023
"Audio-Technica positively defies what you can expect for around $50. Ultimately, Audio-Technica did not design the ATH-M20x to go on the subway with you. It’s for the budget-conscious, do-it-yourself producer, podcaster, or studio that needs to buy tracking cans in bulk. If you don’t need the most deluxe, comfortable headphones, maybe you’ll like the ATH-M20x for its spartan functionality. The headphones are aimed at giving you the minimum requirements without it feeling like a sacrifice."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Audio Technica ATH M20X
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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