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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M20X headphones offer a closed, over-ear design and are wired, providing good sound quality and a more open soundstage, suitable for both music listening and critical audio work. However, they are less portable and might not be as comfortable for long sessions. The Beats Studiobuds are true wireless earbuds with a compact, stemless design, decent microphone quality, and good for calls, meetings, and exercise, with added features like active noise cancelling and sweat-proof certification. The tradeoff with the Studiobuds is a slightly less natural soundstage but with the bonus of a higher portability and convenience for on-the-go use. If your priority is a more immersive listening experience and you don't mind wires, go for the ATH M20X; if you need something versatile for different scenarios, including being active, the Studiobuds are the better choice. 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 TV and video
Advantages of the Beats Studiobuds
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
6.2
5.2
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for gaming, while the Beats Studiobuds is poor.
Phone Calls
4.3
7.0
The Beats Studiobuds is good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
9.0
The Beats Studiobuds is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
TV and Video
7.6
5.6
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is good for TV and video, while the Beats Studiobuds is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
6.5
The Beats Studiobuds and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both only fair for noise reduction, though the Beats Studiobuds is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
6.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M20X does not have a battery. The Beats Studiobuds has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$49
$80
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the Beats Studiobuds costs $80.
Build Quality
6.9
8.8
The Beats Studiobuds has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.6
7.2
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and Beats Studiobuds are both good for music.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the Beats Studiobuds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | Beats Studiobuds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | June 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.2/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 7.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 0.9 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
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 | 7.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 190 Grams | 5 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 Studiobuds
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Chase Bernath | May 2023
"For less than the price of the AirPods, the Beats Studio Buds delivers a good fit, great sound, and active noise cancellation. This is also the first set of Apple-owned Beats earbuds to feature quick pairing with Android devices, albeit at the expense of some key features for Apple users."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M20X or the Beats Studiobuds
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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