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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M20X are over-ear headphones that provide good sound quality and are notably cheaper than the Beats Powerbeats Pro. They are wired, have a closed-back design for better noise isolation, and a longer cable but lack a microphone and built-in controls. The Beats Powerbeats Pro are wireless earbuds with a clip-on form factor, making them highly portable and suitable for exercise with sweatproof certification. They have an ear hook design for secure fit, offer good call and meeting quality, and include integrated controls for convenience. If you're looking for affordability and studio-style listening, consider the ATH M20X. But if you need mobility, especially for working out and desire the freedom of wireless earbuds, the Powerbeats Pro are the better pick. 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
- Good for music
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Beats Powerbeats Pro
- Good for phone calls
- Good for air travel
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.6
6.5
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is good for music, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is only fair.
Gaming
6.2
5.5
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for gaming, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Phone Calls
4.3
7.0
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
9.2
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
TV and Video
7.6
5.7
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is good for TV and video, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
4.6
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Battery
N/A
10.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M20X does not have a battery. The Beats Powerbeats Pro has 10 hours of battery life.
Cost
$49
$124
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the Beats Powerbeats Pro costs $124.
Build Quality
6.9
8.8
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has very 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 Beats Powerbeats Pro compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | Beats Powerbeats Pro |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $124 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | May 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.2/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 6.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 10 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 4.6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.9/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.8/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 190 Grams | 11 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
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."
Beats Powerbeats Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | November 2022
"Sweat resistance, actual noise isolation, and a secure fit in your ears make these the true wireless earphones you want in Apple-land. Android users may find other options they like better, as these only support AAC."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M20X or the Beats Powerbeats Pro
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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