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What we think
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
Music
7.1
8.1
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good.
Gaming
5.4
7.0
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6
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
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
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
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
N/A
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Audio Technica ATH M40X does not have a battery.
Cost
$178
$99
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $178 and the Audio Technica ATH M40X costs $99.
Build Quality
9.0
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
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Audio Technica ATH M40X |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$178 | $99 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Audio Technica | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | January 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 3.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 7.1/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 4.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 245 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
See more
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
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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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