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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
Choosing between the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the KZ ZSN Pro X depends on your preferences and needs. If you want over-ear headphones that provide good sound quality and are suitable for TV and video with a closed enclosure that offers fair noise isolation, the Audio Technica ATH M20X would be the better choice, though they are not as comfortable, have no built-in controls, and are less portable. On the other hand, if you prefer earbuds that are very good for portability, offer a good comfort level, and come with a detachable cable, the KZ ZSN Pro X would suit you better, and they are also optimized for air travel. Keep in mind, however, that neither of these options support wireless connectivity, and both have poor microphone quality. 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 KZ ZSN Pro X.
Advantages of the KZ ZSN Pro X
- Good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.6
7.0
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and KZ ZSN Pro X are both good for music, though the Audio Technica ATH M20X is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
4.3
3.1
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and KZ ZSN Pro X are both poor for phone calls, though the Audio Technica ATH M20X is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
4.7
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
Cost
$49
$22
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the KZ ZSN Pro X costs $22.
Build Quality
6.9
8.5
The KZ ZSN Pro X has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
6.2
5.9
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Audio Technica ATH M20X to be only fair for gaming, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
TV and Video
7.6
7.3
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and KZ ZSN Pro X are both good for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
6.0
6.0
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and KZ ZSN Pro X are both only fair for noise reduction.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the KZ ZSN Pro X compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | KZ ZSN Pro X |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $22 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | KZ | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | June 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 3.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.2/10 | 6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 7.3/10 | |
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 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 2.5/10 | |
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 | 27 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."
KZ ZSN Pro X
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Soundguys
Jasper Lastoria | April 2023
"The KZ ZSN PRO X offers superb sound for very little money, like under $30 USD. It has some rough edges with a plastic seam on the cable that can rub on your ear, and the bud is a bit large. The tech isn't cutting edge, but new doesn't always equal better. You should try it."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M20X or the KZ ZSN Pro X
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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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