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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M20X headphones provide a strong overall sound quality and are built for wired connections, making them suitable for a stable listening experience, particularly with devices that have a headphone jack. They are less portable due to their size but offer good noise isolation and are recommended for TV and video. On the other hand, the "Nothing" Brand Ear Sticks are more contemporary earbuds with a focus on wireless connectivity, boasting features like a low-latency mode, which makes them good for gaming and calls. They are also more portable, sweat and dustproof, optimized for both Android and Apple devices, and come with app-based customization. If active noise cancelling is not a priority and you prefer wireless convenience for on-the-go use, the "Nothing" Ear Sticks may be the better choice, albeit at a slightly higher cost. 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
Advantages of the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.6
6.1
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is good for music, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is only fair.
Gaming
6.2
8.1
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.3
8.6
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
8.4
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
Noise Reduction
6.0
2.5
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for noise reduction, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is poor.
Battery
N/A
5.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M20X does not have a battery. The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$49
$99
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick costs $99.
Build Quality
6.9
9.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick 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
7.5
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick are both good for TV and video.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $99 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | "Nothing" Brand | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | November 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 8.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.2/10 | 8.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 22 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 2.5/10 | |
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 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.8/10 | 7/10 | |
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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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."
"Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | December 2022
"If the Ear (stick) fits your ears, its light weight means you can easily wear it until the unimpressive battery life totally drains. The IP54 rating of the buds lends some confidence that it’ll survive some light abuse too. Finally, for the person who only wears earbuds at their desk, the Nothing Ear (stick) with its decent microphone could offer a reasonable Zoom meeting solution."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M20X or the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
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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