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Updated January 10, 2024·
When deciding between Apple AirPods (2nd generation) and Audio Technica ATH M30X, consider how you plan to use them. AirPods offer the convenience of wireless listening and are particularly compatible with other Apple devices, allowing for easy switching between products and access to Siri. They are also more portable and suited for an active lifestyle due to their in-ear design. However, AirPods have a shorter battery life and may not offer the same level of sound isolation and audio quality as over-ear headphones.
On the other hand, the Audio Technica ATH M30X headphones, being over-ear and wired, will likely provide better sound isolation and potentially superior audio quality, which could be important if you are using them in noisy environments or for focused listening sessions. They don't have a battery life concern since they are wired but lack the convenience of being wireless and are less portable than earbuds.
Consider these tradeoffs in relation to price – if the wireless convenience and integration with Apple products are worth the higher cost to you, then the AirPods may be more suitable. If you're looking for more affordable, higher audio quality for stationary listening environments, then the ATH M30X might be better. 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)
Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Audio Technica ATH M30X
Good for music
Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
5.8/10
7.6/10
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8/10
6.6/10
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9/10
4.3/10
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1/10
6.9/10
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
TV and Video
5.4/10
7.9/10
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
6.0/10
The Audio Technica ATH M30X 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 M30X does not have a battery.
"The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x is a great choice for anybody that needs a decent set of over-ear studio monitors. While the frequency response is not totally spot on, it works for basically every situation reasonably well. The sound quality and reasonably good comfort promote its candidacy as a great pick for $69 USD."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Audio Technica ATH M30X
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
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.