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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize overall sound quality and budget, the Audio Technica ATH M20X (with a slightly higher sound quality rating) may serve you well, but they may not be as comfortable as the HyperX Cloud II for prolonged use. If gaming is a primary use-case, the HyperX Cloud II with its virtual surround feature and a higher comfort rating, as well as a superior microphone, will enhance your experience. Both offer similar noise isolation and do not have active noise canceling, but the HyperX Cloud II might edge out for versatility due to its microphone and virtual surround sound, which the ATH M20X lacks. 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 HyperX Cloud II.
Advantages of the HyperX Cloud II
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
6.2
8.6
The HyperX Cloud II is very good for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.3
7.5
The HyperX Cloud II is good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is poor.
Cost
$49
$64
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the HyperX Cloud II costs $64.
Build Quality
6.9
10.0
The HyperX Cloud II has best in class 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 HyperX Cloud II and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both good for music.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
7.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers HyperX Cloud II to be good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
TV and Video
7.6
7.6
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and HyperX Cloud II are both good for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
6.0
6.0
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and HyperX Cloud II are both only fair for noise reduction.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the HyperX Cloud II compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | HyperX Cloud II |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $64 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | HyperX | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | January 1, 2015 | |
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 | 7.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.2/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
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 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 10/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.9/10 | 10/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.8/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 190 Grams | 317.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Boom | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof 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."
HyperX Cloud II
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Headphonesty
Rhys McIntyre | December 2022
"My overall impression of the HyperX Cloud II gaming headset is overwhelmingly positive. In my opinion, this is one of the best mid-priced gaming headsets currently on the market.Solid sound quality, superior comfort, and a sleek, lightweight design – this headset delivers all of the important aspects that a gaming headset should."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M20X or the HyperX Cloud II
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 HyperX
Starting originally as a high-performance and gaming line of memory modules within Kingston and later acquired by HP, HyperX is a dedicated esports and gaming division focused on developing peripherals, microphones and headsets. Providing budget-friendly, comfortable and highly functional products, HyperX has become the go-to for many gamers around the world, resulting in sales of over 20 million headsets throughout the years.
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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
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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