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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M20X are budget-friendly, closed-back headphones which means they offer better passive noise isolation, making them suitable for noisier environments and ensuring minimal sound leakage. They are also relatively comfortable, wired, and have a longer cable. However, they have less impressive sound quality compared to the Focal Elex. The Focal Elex, on the other hand, are high-end, open-back headphones with superior overall sound quality and soundstage. They are more comfortable due to better padding and design but are less portable given their size and open design, not ideal for noisy environments as they allow sound in and out. If you're looking for affordability and a headphone that isolates you from external noise, go for the Audio Technica ATH M20X. If you're after high fidelity sound and immersive listening at home in a quiet environment, and can stretch the budget, the Focal Elex would be the better choice. Neither of them have features like a built-in microphone or virtual surround sound. 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 Focal Elex.
Advantages of the Focal Elex
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
6.2
6.9
The Focal Elex and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both only fair for gaming, though the Focal Elex is somewhat better.
TV and Video
7.6
8.3
The Focal Elex is very good for TV and video, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is good.
Noise Reduction
6.0
2.5
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Focal Elex is poor.
Cost
$49
$749
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the Focal Elex costs $749.
Build Quality
6.9
9.0
The Focal Elex has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.6
7.7
The Focal Elex and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both good for music.
Phone Calls
4.3
4.3
The Focal Elex and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
7.1
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Focal Elex to be good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the Focal Elex compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | Focal Elex |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $749 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Focal | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | December 1, 2017 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.2/10 | 6.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
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 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.8/10 | 8/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 190 Grams | 450 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."
Focal Elex
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Golden Sound
Golden Sound | October 2021
"The Focal Elex are an excellent pair of headphones for the money and a great all-rounder that will suit many tastes. They’re an easy recommendation for anyone looking for something comfortable, well built, that looks good, and will work with just about any genre."
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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.
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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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