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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality for music, the Etymotic ER2SE is superior, offering more detailed and accurate audio. They are also far more portable, easier to stow away, and provide better noise isolation for travel or noisy environments. On the other hand, the Audio Technica ATH M20X headphones, while less expensive, have a more substantial build and provide a more spacious soundstage due to their over-ear design, which some find more comfortable for longer listening sessions. The ATH M20X lacks the portability and noise isolation of the Etymotic but may be preferred for home use or in quieter settings. Neither option includes a mic or wireless capabilities, so for calls or untethered listening, you will need to look elsewhere. 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 Etymotic ER2SE.
Advantages of the Etymotic ER2SE
- Very good for music
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.6
8.8
The Etymotic ER2SE is very good for music, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is good.
Phone Calls
4.3
4.9
The Etymotic ER2SE and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both poor for phone calls, though the Etymotic ER2SE is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
7.6
The Etymotic ER2SE is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
Noise Reduction
6.0
9.1
The Etymotic ER2SE is excellent for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
Cost
$49
$100
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the Etymotic ER2SE costs $100.
Build Quality
6.9
9.0
The Etymotic ER2SE has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
6.2
6.2
The Etymotic ER2SE and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both only fair for gaming.
TV and Video
7.6
7.8
The Etymotic ER2SE and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both good for TV and video.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the Etymotic ER2SE compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | Etymotic ER2SE |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Etymotic | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | February 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5/10 | |
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 | 4.2/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.8/10 | 6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 190 Grams | 4 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof 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."
Etymotic ER2SE
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | April 2022
"Etymotic isn’t playing around: it takes audio seriously and has mastered the art of the noise-isolation earphone. Sure, the fit of the earbuds looks silly but it’s a signature Etymotic thing and could be considered charming by some. If you’re looking for best-in-class audio for a realistic price, the ER2SE is it."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M20X or the Etymotic ER2SE
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 Etymotic
Etymotic Research is an American based research, development and manufacturing company founded in 1983. They invented the first insert earphones that were used for the diagnosis and research of hearing loss and other auditory disorders. They went on to pioneer the market of high fidelity, isolating, in-ear earphones.
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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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