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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for affordability and don't mind the bulkiness of over-ear headphones, the Audio Technica ATH M20X would be a cost-effective choice, particularly for studio work or home listening. However, if you prioritize portability, noise cancellation, and wireless freedom for travel and active use, the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds with their advanced features would justify the higher expense. Keep in mind that the Bose earbuds also offer a microphone for calls, which the Audio Technica headphones lack, making them more versatile for everyday use. 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 Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds
- Very good for air travel
- Best in class for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
6.2
5.6
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for gaming, while the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is poor.
Phone Calls
4.3
6.6
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is only fair for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
9.5
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is best in class for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
TV and Video
7.6
6.0
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is good for TV and video, while the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is only fair.
Noise Reduction
6.0
9.1
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is excellent for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
Battery
N/A
7.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M20X does not have a battery. The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds has 7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$49
$199
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds costs $199.
Build Quality
6.9
8.9
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds 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
7.1
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds are both good for music.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $199 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Bose | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | October 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.2/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 6.8/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 7 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.1 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 5.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.9/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.8/10 | 8.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 190 Grams | 8.5 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."
Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | March 2023
"The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds is a great do-it-all option for anyone, so long as you can afford it. This is a great alternative to the Apple AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000XM4. You can choose the degree of noise canceling, and enjoy premium features like automatic ear-detection. These earbuds merit an IPX4 rating, making them a fine workout companion."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M20X or the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds
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 Bose
Bose is an American audio equipment manufacturer based out of Framingham, Massachusetts. Founded in 1964 by Amar Bose with the goal of creating a speaker system that could accurately recreate the sound of a concert hall, Bose has become one of the most prominent players in the modern consumer audio market due to the premium feel of their products and their wide brand recognition.
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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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