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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you are looking for convenience and portability, the Apple Earpods may be your preferred choice, particularly as they come with a built-in microphone for calls and are compatible with most smartphones right out of the box. However, if sound quality and isolation from outside noise are more important to you, the Audio Technica ATH M20X headphones may be a better option, as they offer superior sound fidelity and are designed for a more immersive listening experience. Keep in mind, however, that they are bulkier and may not be as comfortable for casual everyday use compared to the lightweight and more compact Earpods. The choice comes down to whether your priority is convenience and price with the Earpods, or whether you're willing to pay more for the enhanced audio quality and sound isolation with the ATH M20X. 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 Earpods
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Audio Technica ATH M20X
- The Audio Technica ATH M20X has no clear advantages over the Apple Earpods.
Key differences
Gaming
8.3
6.2
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
Phone Calls
8.0
4.3
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
6.7
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.0
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Cost
$20
$49
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Audio Technica ATH M20X costs $49.
Build Quality
7.6
6.9
The Apple Earpods has good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.8
7.6
The Apple Earpods and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both good for music.
TV and Video
7.4
7.6
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and Apple Earpods are both good for TV and video.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Audio Technica ATH M20X compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Audio Technica ATH M20X |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $49 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Audio Technica | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | January 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 6.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 4.1/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 190 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Earpods
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Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
Audio Technica ATH M20X
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Dig into reviews and images
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 Earpods 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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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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