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Airpods (2nd generation)
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ATH M30X
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What we think

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The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
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

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Music

5.8
Airpods (2nd generation)
ATH M30X
7.6
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.

Gaming

4.8
Airpods (2nd generation)
ATH M30X
6.6
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.

Phone Calls

6.9
Airpods (2nd generation)
ATH M30X
4.3
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is poor.

Podcasts and Audiobooks

8.1
Airpods (2nd generation)
ATH M30X
6.9
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
Airpods (2nd generation)
ATH M30X
7.9
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.

Noise Reduction

2.5
Airpods (2nd generation)
ATH M30X
6.0
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.

Battery

4.0 Hours
Airpods (2nd generation)
ATH M30X
N/A
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Audio Technica ATH M30X does not have a battery.
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Key similarities

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Cost

$89
Airpods (2nd generation)
ATH M30X
$89
Product imageProduct image

$40

$60

$80

$100

$120

$140

$160

The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Audio Technica ATH M30X costs $89.

Build Quality

7.6
Airpods (2nd generation)
ATH M30X
7.2
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Audio Technica ATH M30X both have good build quality.

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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Audio Technica ATH M30X compare to other earbuds and headphones

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Spec Comparison

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Apple Airpods (2nd generation)Audio Technica ATH M30X
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)Audio Technica ATH M30X

GENERAL

Price
$89
$89
Brand
AppleAudio Technica
Release Date
March 1, 2019January 1, 2014
Form Factor
EarbudsHeadphones
Connectivity
WirelessWired

SOUND

Music Score
5.9/107.7/10
Phone Calls Score
7/104.4/10
Gaming Score
4.9/106.6/10
TV and Video Score
5.5/107.9/10
Exercise Score
5.8/104.3/10

PERFORMANCE

Battery life
4 HoursN/A
Wireless charging
YesN/A
Charging time
0.5 HoursN/A
Bluetooth version
5N/A
Case Battery Life
24N/A

FEATURES

Active Noise Cancelling
NoNo
Noise Reduction Score
2.5/106/10
Virtual Surround
NoNo
Android App
NoN/A
iOS App
NoN/A
Mic Quality
6.5/10N/A

BUILD AND DESIGN

Build Quality
7.6/107.2/10
Comfort score
7.6/107.4/10
Size
SmallN/A
Weight (headset or single earbud)
4 Grams220 Grams
Microphone style
IntegratedN/A

Shopping

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Apple Airpods (2nd generation)

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Dig into reviews and images

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Audio Technica ATH M30X

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Dig into reviews and images

Soundguys

Jasper Lastoria | August 2023
"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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Why trust us

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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.

By the numbers

108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
94,400
Recommendations made
14,160
Consumer hours saved

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
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.

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.

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