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Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize wireless connectivity and battery life for long listening sessions, the Audeze Maxwell would be suitable as it offers a substantial battery life and wireless features. However, it comes at a premium price. The Audio Technica ATH M20X, on the other hand, is much less expensive and offers good overall sound quality in a wired design without a microphone or wireless functionality. The ATH M20X is lighter which could be more comfortable for extended wear, but it has a lower comfort score compared to the Maxwell. Neither have sweat or dustproof certification, which may influence your decision if you're considering using them during exercise. The Maxwell also has app-based equalization and controls customization, while the ATH M20X does not support these features. If budget is a constraint and you're okay with a wired connection, the ATH M20X could be a practical choice, but for a more feature-rich experience, the Audeze Maxwell would be the better option despite the higher cost. 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 Audeze Maxwell
Very good for music
Very good for phone calls
Excellent for gaming
Very good for TV and video
Very good for air travel
Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Audio Technica ATH M20X
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has no clear advantages over the Audeze Maxwell.
Key differences
Music
8.4/10
7.6/10
The Audeze Maxwell is very good for music, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is good.
Gaming
9.0/10
6.2/10
The Audeze Maxwell is excellent for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
Phone Calls
8.7/10
4.3/10
The Audeze Maxwell is very good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.4/10
6.7/10
The Audeze Maxwell is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
TV and Video
8.9/10
7.6/10
The Audeze Maxwell is very good for TV and video, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is good.
Battery
78.0 Hours
N/A
The Audeze Maxwell has 78 hours of battery life. The Audio Technica ATH M20X does not have a battery.
Cost
$299
$49
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Audeze Maxwell has a price of $299 and the Audio Technica ATH M20X costs $49.
Build Quality
9.0/10
6.9/10
The Audeze Maxwell has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X has only fair build quality.
"Despite a few caveats, the Audeze Maxwell is one of the best-performing gaming headsets on the market and should top the ranks for a few buyers — provided the budget (and neck strength) is there. Gaming headsets have their work cut out for them, and their audience is historically unkind to performance flaws. If you’re an older gamer with some cash to blow, you should be pleased with the Audeze Maxwell."
"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 Audeze Maxwell or the Audio Technica ATH M20X
About Audeze
Audeze is an, award-winning, American premium headphone manufacturer based in California. Founded in 2008, their products are developed around aerospace materials technology first used by NASA and are widely used by enthusiasts and professionals alike, not only in the fields of music and sound engineering but also in e-sports and the health industry.
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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