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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Considering the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2), if you're on a budget, the Audio Technicas are a more affordable choice; however, they're wired and do not feature a microphone, making them less versatile compared to the Nothing Ear (2), which offers wireless convenience and a high-quality microphone suitable for calls. The Ear (2) is also portable, features a more modern design with stem earbuds, and supports advanced codecs like LHDC for better sound quality. They also have a longer battery life, active noise canceling, and are sweat and dustproof, making them suitable for a wide range of activities including exercise and travel. On the other hand, the Audio Technicas, being over-ear, closed-back headphones, provide a more immersive sound experience that some may prefer for music and TV but are less convenient for on-the-go 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 "Nothing" Brand Ear (2).
Advantages of the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.6
7.0
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) are both good for music, though the Audio Technica ATH M20X is somewhat better.
Gaming
6.2
8.5
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.3
7.9
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
9.1
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
Noise Reduction
6.0
8.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
Battery
N/A
6.7 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M20X does not have a battery. The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has 6.7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$49
$149
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) costs $149.
Build Quality
6.9
9.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
TV and Video
7.6
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) to be very good for TV and video, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is good.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | "Nothing" Brand | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | March 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.2/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 7.9/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 6.7 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1 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 | 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 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.8/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 190 Grams | 4.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
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."
"Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
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Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | March 2023
"For the price the Nothing Ear (2) is pretty good. It fits well, and the IP54 rating (and IP55 with case) is durable enough for daily life. Most of its unique features are found in the Nothing X app, such as personalized frequency responses, and personalized, adjustable ANC."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M20X or the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
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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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
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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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