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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple Earpods provide decent sound quality, are budget-friendly, and are highly portable, making them well-suited for everyday use and convenient to carry, which means they might appeal to you if you're looking for a cost-effective option for listening to music, taking calls, or watching videos. However, the Audio Technica ATH M30X has higher sound quality and better noise isolation that enhance the listening experience, particularly for focused music listening or in noisy environments, but they are bulkier and more expensive. The ATH M30X lacks a microphone, making them unsuitable for calls, whereas the Earpods offer that functionality. If you prefer superior sound and can forego the mic and higher cost, the Audio Technica might be the better choice. 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 M30X
- Good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
8.3
6.6
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Phone Calls
8.0
4.3
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is poor.
TV and Video
7.4
7.9
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Apple Earpods are both good for TV and video, though the Audio Technica ATH M30X is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.0
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Cost
$20
$89
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Audio Technica ATH M30X costs $89.
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Key similarities
Music
7.8
7.6
The Apple Earpods and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both good for music.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
6.9
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Earpods to be good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Build Quality
7.6
7.2
The Apple Earpods and Audio Technica ATH M30X both have good build quality.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Audio Technica ATH M30X compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Audio Technica ATH M30X |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $89 | ||
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 | 7.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 6.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 4.3/10 | |
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 | 7.2/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 220 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 M30X
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Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Jasper Lastoria | August 2023
"The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x is a great choice for anybody that needs a decent set of over-ear studio monitors. While the frequency response is not totally spot on, it works for basically every situation reasonably well. The sound quality and reasonably good comfort promote its candidacy as a great pick for $69 USD."
Get a great deal on the Apple Earpods or the Audio Technica ATH M30X
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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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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