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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize overall sound quality and a wider soundstage for an immersive experience with music and are willing to spend a little more, the Philips SHP9500 would be a better choice because they have a higher sound quality and soundstage score compared to the Audio Technica ATH M20X. For home use, the Philips' open-back design provides a more natural listening experience but is less isolating from ambient noise. In contrast, the Audio Technica ATH M20X, with its closed-back design, provides better noise isolation, making it more suitable for noisy environments. Both models are wired and do not have built-in microphones, so neither is optimal for calls. The ATH M20X are more portable due to being lighter and a bit more durable, but they may be less comfortable for extended use relative to the highly comfortable SHP9500. For activities like exercise, neither is ideal due to their form and lack of sweat resistance. 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 Philips SHP9500.
Advantages of the Philips SHP9500
- Excellent for music
- Good for gaming
- Excellent for TV and video
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.6
9.2
The Philips SHP9500 is excellent for music, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is good.
Gaming
6.2
7.2
The Philips SHP9500 is good for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.3
4.9
The Philips SHP9500 and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both poor for phone calls, though the Philips SHP9500 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
8.0
The Philips SHP9500 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
TV and Video
7.6
9.0
The Philips SHP9500 is excellent for TV and video, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is good.
Noise Reduction
6.0
2.5
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Philips SHP9500 is poor.
Build Quality
6.9
8.5
The Philips SHP9500 has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Cost
$49
$48
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the Philips SHP9500 costs $48.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the Philips SHP9500 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | Philips SHP9500 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $48 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Philips | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | August 1, 2013 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.2/10 | 7.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 4.4/10 | |
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 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.8/10 | 10/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 190 Grams | 294.8 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
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."
Philips SHP9500
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Headphones Lab
Brian Stone | April 2020
"You can’t go wrong with the Philips SHP9500 for their price. Their audio quality is superb, and the fact that you can use them for just about anything you can think of makes them well worth your money"
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M20X or the Philips SHP9500
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 Philips
Philips is a Dutch conglomerate and electronics manufacturer with over 130 years of history. Philips makes the Fidelio audio line which includes several models of full-sized wired and wireless headphones, true wireless earbuds. soundbars and wireless speakers.
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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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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