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Airpods (3rd generation)
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ATH M40X
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What we think

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The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·

If you prioritize high sound quality and use them primarily for music while stationary, the Audio Technica ATH M40X would be a better choice due to their superior sound performance. However, if you require earbuds that are wireless, more portable, and suitable for exercise or travel, you should consider the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) despite their higher cost. The AirPods also support features like ear/head detection, wireless charging, and are optimized for use with Apple devices. On the other hand, the ATH M40X offers better noise isolation, a detachable cable, and is considered more durable, but lacks a microphone and wireless capabilities. 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 (3rd generation)
  • Good for phone calls
  • Good for exercise
  • Very good for air travel
  • Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Audio Technica ATH M40X
  • Very good for music
  • Good for gaming
  • Very good for TV and video

Key differences

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Music

7.1
Airpods (3rd generation)
ATH M40X
8.1
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good.

Gaming

5.4
Airpods (3rd generation)
ATH M40X
7.0
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.

Phone Calls

7.6
Airpods (3rd generation)
ATH M40X
3.3
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.

Podcasts and Audiobooks

8.6
Airpods (3rd generation)
ATH M40X
5.1
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.

TV and Video

5.5
Airpods (3rd generation)
ATH M40X
8.7
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.

Noise Reduction

2.5
Airpods (3rd generation)
ATH M40X
5.3
The Audio Technica ATH M40X and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for noise reduction, though the Audio Technica ATH M40X is somewhat better.

Battery

6.0 Hours
Airpods (3rd generation)
ATH M40X
N/A
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Audio Technica ATH M40X does not have a battery.

Cost

$179
Airpods (3rd generation)
ATH M40X
$79
Product image
Product image

$50

$100

$150

$200

$250

The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Audio Technica ATH M40X costs $79.

Build Quality

9.0
Airpods (3rd generation)
ATH M40X
8.2
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X has very good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Audio Technica ATH M40X compare to other earbuds and headphones

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Spec Comparison

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Apple Airpods (3rd generation)Audio Technica ATH M40X
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)Audio Technica ATH M40X

GENERAL

Price
$179
$79
Brand
AppleAudio Technica
Release Date
October 1, 2021January 1, 2014
Form Factor
EarbudsHeadphones
Connectivity
WirelessWired

SOUND

Music Score
7.2/108.1/10
Phone Calls Score
7.6/103.3/10
Gaming Score
5.4/107.1/10
TV and Video Score
5.6/108.8/10
Exercise Score
7.2/104.3/10

PERFORMANCE

Battery life
6 HoursN/A
Wireless charging
YesN/A
Charging time
1.5 HoursN/A
Bluetooth version
5N/A
Case Battery Life
30N/A

FEATURES

Active Noise Cancelling
NoNo
Noise Reduction Score
2.5/105.3/10
Virtual Surround
YesNo
Android App
NoN/A
iOS App
YesN/A
Mic Quality
7/10N/A

BUILD AND DESIGN

Build Quality
9/108.2/10
Comfort score
7/107.6/10
Size
MediumN/A
Weight (headset or single earbud)
4.3 Grams245 Grams
Microphone style
IntegratedN/A

Shopping

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Apple Airpods (3rd generation)

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Dig into reviews and images

Sound Guys

Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."

Audio Technica ATH M40X

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Dig into reviews and images

Soundguys

Lily Katz | August 2023
"If you were to pick one headset to fill all of your needs, the ATH-M40x is a great buy with its sub-$100 price tag, pleasant sound quality, and accessories. Whether you need to use it for live monitoring, a midnight editing session, or to underscore a campus walk, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a great companion."

Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) or the Audio Technica ATH M40X

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
123,200
Recommendations made
18,480
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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