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What we think
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Updated April 11, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M20X headphones are a better choice if you are on a budget and prioritize overall sound quality and listening experience during TV and video sessions; however, they might not be comfortable for long periods and have a poor microphone quality. They are wired with no active noise cancelling, making them less versatile for travel or exercise. In contrast, the JBL Tune Flex earbuds are more portable and offer very good sound quality, with added features such as active noise cancelling, wireless connectivity, and an earbud form that's suitable for exercise. They also have low latency mode, which is beneficial for gaming, and are sweatproof, but may cost slightly more. Their battery life is decent, and they have wireless charging, making them more convenient for on-the-go use. Choose the JBL Tune Flex if you need versatility and wireless features, but opt for the Audio Technica ATH M20X if you want a budget-friendly, wired option primarily for indoor 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
- The Audio Technica ATH M20X has no clear advantages over the JBL Tune Flex.
Advantages of the JBL Tune Flex
- Very good for gaming
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
6.2
8.5
The JBL Tune Flex is very good for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.3
6.3
The JBL Tune Flex is only fair for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
9.0
The JBL Tune Flex is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
Noise Reduction
6.0
6.5
The JBL Tune Flex and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both only fair for noise reduction, though the JBL Tune Flex is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
6.5 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M20X does not have a battery. The JBL Tune Flex has 6.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$49
$60
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the JBL Tune Flex costs $60.
Build Quality
6.9
8.5
The JBL Tune Flex 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
7.3
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and JBL Tune Flex are both good for music.
TV and Video
7.6
7.8
The JBL Tune Flex and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both good for TV and video.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the JBL Tune Flex compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | JBL Tune Flex |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $60 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | September 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 7.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.2/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 7.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 6.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
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 | 6.5/10 | |
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 | 5.1/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 190 Grams | 9 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 Flex
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MajorHiFi
Gabby Bloch | May 2023
"JBL is offering a similar design and arguably better resolution than the more expensive AirPods 3rd Generation. Add to that a comfortable and versatile fit, an equalizer and pretty decent ANC, and you’ve got a quality wireless earphone. I would have loved longer battery life and more crystal calls, but for the price, you can’t complain. A solid deal overall."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M20X or the JBL Tune Flex
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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