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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M20X are budget headphones that excel in overall sound quality for their price range and provide decent noise isolation but have limited comfort and portability. Both models have a closed-back design, are wired, and lack features like active noise cancelling or wireless capabilities. Choose the M20X for a more cost-effective option, or the M30X for greater comfort and portability. 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 Audio Technica ATH M20X
- The Audio Technica ATH M20X has no clear advantages over the Audio Technica ATH M30X.
Advantages of the Audio Technica ATH M30X
- Good for air travel
Key differences
Cost
$49
$89
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the Audio Technica ATH M30X costs $89.
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Key similarities
Music
7.6
7.6
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both good for music.
Gaming
6.2
6.6
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both only fair for gaming.
Phone Calls
4.3
4.3
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
6.9
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both only fair for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
7.6
7.9
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both good for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
6.0
6.0
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both only fair for noise reduction.
Build Quality
6.9
7.2
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Audio Technica ATH M30X to have good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X has only fair build quality.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the Audio Technica ATH M30X compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | Audio Technica ATH M30X |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $89 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Audio Technica | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | January 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.2/10 | 6.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 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 | 6/10 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.9/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.8/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 190 Grams | 220 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
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."
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 Audio Technica ATH M20X or the Audio Technica ATH M30X
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.
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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.
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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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