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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are wireless earbuds offering active noise canceling, sweatproof design, an integrated microphone for calls, and are optimized for Apple devices with features like ear/head detection and a compact size for portability. They are suitable for exercise, air travel, and have a higher score for use during calls and meetings. Alternatively, Audio Technica ATH M20X are over-ear headphones with a wired connection, providing better overall sound quality without the extra features of the AirPods Pro 2, but they are not as portable, lack a microphone, and aren't designed for exercise or sweat resistance. Audio Technica is more affordable, while AirPods Pro 2 are pricier but offer modern conveniences and specific optimizations for Apple users. Choose AirPods Pro 2 for a versatile, feature-rich option especially if you frequently use Apple products, or opt for ATH M20X if you prioritize sound quality and budget. 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 2
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Audio Technica ATH M20X
- The Audio Technica ATH M20X has no clear advantages over the Apple Airpods Pro 2.
Key differences
Music
7.0
7.6
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and Apple Airpods Pro 2 are both good for music, though the Audio Technica ATH M20X is somewhat better.
Gaming
8.4
6.2
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is very good for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
Phone Calls
7.8
4.3
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.8
6.7
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
Noise Reduction
9.1
6.0
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
Battery
6.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has 6 hours of battery life. The Audio Technica ATH M20X does not have a battery.
Cost
$199
$49
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has a price of $199 and the Audio Technica ATH M20X costs $49.
Build Quality
9.0
6.9
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
TV and Video
7.8
7.6
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both good for TV and video.
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How the Apple Airpods Pro 2 and the Audio Technica ATH M20X compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Pro 2 | Audio Technica ATH M20X |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$199 | $49 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Audio Technica | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2022 | January 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.1/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.8/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 6.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.3/10 | 4.1/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 6/10 | |
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 | 6.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.3 Grams | 190 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Pro 2
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | May 2023
"Apple's upgraded H2 chip begets better active noise canceling (ANC) and battery life, while the case's U1 chip and integrated speaker lets you precisely locate it from the Find My app. If you own an iPhone, the new AirPods Pro is an obvious choice."
Audio Technica ATH M20X
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Soundguys
Jasper Lastoria | September 2023
"Audio-Technica positively defies what you can expect for around $50. Ultimately, Audio-Technica did not design the ATH-M20x to go on the subway with you. It’s for the budget-conscious, do-it-yourself producer, podcaster, or studio that needs to buy tracking cans in bulk. If you don’t need the most deluxe, comfortable headphones, maybe you’ll like the ATH-M20x for its spartan functionality. The headphones are aimed at giving you the minimum requirements without it feeling like a sacrifice."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Pro 2 or the Audio Technica ATH M20X
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.
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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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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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