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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica M50x boasts a slightly higher overall sound quality and a more spacious soundstage than the M20X, making it a superior choice for critical listening and enjoying a broader range of music genres. You will also find better comfort with the M50x, which can be crucial for long hours of use. The build quality is more robust, and it includes a detachable cable for added convenience. However, these enhancements justify the higher price tag. If your usage includes frequent travel, the M50x could be worth the extra investment as they offer better noise isolation and portability due to their foldable design. On the other hand, the M20X, being significantly less expensive, provides good sound quality and noise isolation at a budget price, making it a practical option for everyday casual listening without a substantial financial commitment. 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 M50x.
Advantages of the Audio Technica M50x
- Very good for music
- Good for air travel
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.6
8.5
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, 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 M50x is poor.
Cost
$49
$149
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the Audio Technica M50x costs $149.
Build Quality
6.9
8.5
The Audio Technica M50x has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
6.2
6.3
The Audio Technica M50x and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both only fair for gaming.
Phone Calls
4.3
4.4
The Audio Technica M50x and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
7.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Audio Technica M50x to be good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
TV and Video
7.6
7.8
The Audio Technica M50x and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both good for TV and video.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the Audio Technica M50x compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | Audio Technica M50x |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Audio Technica | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | January 1, 2007 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.2/10 | 6.3/10 | |
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 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.8/10 | 7.3/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 190 Grams | 294.8 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 M50x
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Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | October 2022
"Good sound is timeless. It doesn’t matter that a number of years have passed since the ATH-M50x came out because it still works well. Since this wired headset doesn’t rely on batteries or Bluetooth technology, it’s bound to outlast its wireless counterparts. The no-nonsense performance, fit, and comfort of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x make it worth picking up."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M20X or the Audio Technica M50x
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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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