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Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're considering the Apple AirPods Pro versus the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x and are concerned about price, the ATH-M40x provides good quality sound and sturdy design for less money. However, the AirPods Pro offers convenience with wireless connectivity, active noise cancellation, and seamless integration with Apple devices. If you're often on the move or need earbuds that are discreet and effective in noisy environments, the AirPods Pro might be worth the extra cost. On the other hand, if you're focused on sound quality and don't mind a wired connection, the ATH-M40x is a reliable choice that will save you money. 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 Pro
Good for phone calls
Excellent 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
6.8/10
8.1/10
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods Pro is only fair.
Gaming
5.1/10
7.0/10
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Phone Calls
7.4/10
3.3/10
The Apple Airpods Pro is good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.3/10
5.1/10
The Apple Airpods Pro is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
TV and Video
5.7/10
8.7/10
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1/10
5.3/10
The Apple Airpods Pro is excellent for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
Battery
5.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life. The Audio Technica ATH M40X does not have a battery.
Cost
$260
$99
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $260 and the Audio Technica ATH M40X costs $99.
Build Quality
9.0/10
8.2/10
The Apple Airpods Pro has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X has very good build quality.
"For just $50 USD more than the original model with the wireless charging case, this is definitely the pair of buds to get. The AirPods Pro (1st generation) sounds better than the originals and has a way better fit and active noise canceling to boot. If you have an iOS device, just get this."
"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 Pro 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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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.