A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize overall sound quality and a better soundstage, which contributes to a more immersive listening experience, the ATH M40X would be the better choice. However, they are somewhat more expensive than the ATH M20X. The M40X also has a more robust build quality, which could mean they'll last longer under normal usage conditions. On the other hand, if budget is a key concern and you're willing to compromise on sound quality and comfort, the ATH M20X could suffice. Neither pair has a built-in microphone, so if that's important for calls or meetings, you might need to consider additional equipment. Both are wired and don't support wireless usage, making them similar in terms of connectivity. The M40X is also foldable for better portability, whereas the M20X is not, so if you travel frequently the M40X might be more convenient to transport. 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 M40X.
Advantages of the Audio Technica ATH M40X
- Very good for music
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.6
8.1
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for music, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is good.
Gaming
6.2
7.0
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is good for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.3
3.3
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and Audio Technica ATH M40X are both poor for phone calls, though the Audio Technica ATH M20X is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
5.1
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
TV and Video
7.6
8.7
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for TV and video, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is good.
Noise Reduction
6.0
5.3
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
Cost
$49
$99
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the Audio Technica ATH M40X costs $99.
Build Quality
6.9
8.2
The Audio Technica ATH M40X has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X has only fair build quality.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Headphones
Find your new headphones
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the Audio Technica ATH M40X compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | Audio Technica ATH M40X |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $99 | ||
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 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 3.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.2/10 | 7.1/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 8.8/10 | |
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 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.9/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 190 Grams | 245 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M20X
See more
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 M40X
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Lily Katz | August 2023
"If you were to pick one headset to fill all of your needs, the ATH-M40x is a great buy with its sub-$100 price tag, pleasant sound quality, and accessories. Whether you need to use it for live monitoring, a midnight editing session, or to underscore a campus walk, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a great companion."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M20X or the Audio Technica ATH M40X
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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Audio Technica ATH M20X vs. Koss Porta Pro
VS
Compare Audio Technica ATH M20X vs. Sennheiser CX300S
VS
Compare Audio Technica ATH M20X vs. Sennheiser HD 400S
VS
Compare Audio Technica ATH M40X vs. "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
VS
Compare Audio Technica ATH M40X vs. AKG K361
VS
Compare Audio Technica ATH M40X vs. Jabra Elite 4
VS
FAQs
FAQs about earbuds and headphones
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
127,400
Recommendations made
19,110
Consumer hours saved
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.
Featured in
