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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M20X offers good sound quality and is a budget-friendly option, particularly known for its over-ear design which provides a better soundstage. However, they are less comfortable and portable compared to the Beats EP. The Beats EP, while more expensive, provides a higher comfort level and better portability, along with a slightly better build quality. Neither model has a built-in microphone or controls, and both are wired without wireless capabilities. If sound quality for music is your priority and you want to save money, go for the Audio Technica. For better comfort, portability, and build quality, the Beats EP might be worth the extra 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 Audio Technica ATH M20X
- The Audio Technica ATH M20X has no clear advantages over the Beats EP.
Advantages of the Beats EP
- Very good for music
Key differences
Music
7.6
8.1
The Beats EP 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 Beats EP is poor.
Cost
$49
$100
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the Beats EP costs $100.
Build Quality
6.9
8.0
The Beats EP 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 Beats EP and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both only fair for gaming.
Phone Calls
4.3
4.2
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and Beats EP are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
6.8
The Beats EP and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both only fair for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
7.6
7.6
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and Beats EP are both good for TV and video.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the Beats EP compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | Beats EP |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | November 1, 2018 | |
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 | 4.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.2/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
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 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.8/10 | 7/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 190 Grams | 226.7 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M20X
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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."
Beats EP
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Headphonecheck
Ulf Kaiser | 2015
"With the EP model, Beats delivers a stylish headphone with cable connection and hands-free functionality that should please consumers seeking a balanced sound for playback on mobile devices."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M20X or the Beats EP
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.
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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