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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If you prioritize audio quality and are mostly listening at home or in a studio, the Audio Technica ATH M20X headphones offer very good sound with a closed back for better isolation, yet their non-detachable long cable and poor comfort might be drawbacks. On the other hand, JBL Tune Buds are more versatile for on-the-go use, featuring good wireless sound, portability, and are sweatproof and dustproof, making them suitable for exercise and travel, but they aren't the best for calls or gaming due to their fair microphone quality and potential for audio latency. Audio Technicas are a budget-friendly option with a focus on sound quality over features, while JBLs, at a slightly higher price, offer modern conveniences like wireless connectivity and an app with customization options. 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 music
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the JBL Tune Buds
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.6
6.2
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is good for music, while the JBL Tune Buds is only fair.
Gaming
6.2
5.4
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for gaming, while the JBL Tune Buds is poor.
Phone Calls
4.3
4.9
The JBL Tune Buds and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both poor for phone calls, though the JBL Tune Buds is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
5.8
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Tune Buds is poor.
TV and Video
7.6
6.1
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is good for TV and video, while the JBL Tune Buds is only fair.
Noise Reduction
6.0
6.7
The JBL Tune Buds and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both only fair for noise reduction, though the JBL Tune Buds is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
10.4 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M20X does not have a battery. The JBL Tune Buds has 10.4 hours of battery life.
Build Quality
6.9
8.5
The JBL Tune Buds has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Cost
$49
$50
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the JBL Tune Buds costs $50.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the JBL Tune Buds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | JBL Tune Buds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $50 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | May 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.2/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 6.1/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 7.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 10.4 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 30 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 6.8/10 | |
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 | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.8/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 190 Grams | 10.8 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."
JBL Tune Buds
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PC Mag
Tim Gideon | September 2023
"JBL’s Tune Buds stick with the company’s signature bass-heavy sound by default, but a quality in-app EQ lets you sculpt the audio to taste. These noise-cancelling true wireless earphones also mitigate environmental distractions fairly well for the price and offer good battery life. If you're specifically seeking bold, bass-tuned audio out of the box, the Tune Buds are worth a listen."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M20X or the JBL Tune Buds
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 JBL
JBL is an American audio equipment manufacturer. Owned by Harman International which is, itself, owned by Samsung Electronics. JBL markets a wide array of monitoring speakers, professional headphones and consumer market headphones and earbuds. It was founded in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing (whose initials give the company its name) and has become one of the most prolific audio companies ever. Their products were responsible for audio during the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
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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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