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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you're watching movies or playing games, the Audio Technica ATH M20X offers better sound quality and is suitable for such immersive experiences. However, they are bulkier and their poor comfort could be a drawback for long sessions. On the other hand, the Sony MDREX15AP earbuds provide excellent portability and are very comfortable, making them ideal for on-the-go listening or audio content like podcasts. Their sound quality isn't as high, but they are a budget-friendly option. Neither has wireless capabilities, and if you're considering durability and build, the Sony comes out ahead. Keep in mind the Audio Technica's better built quality if your priority is lifespan over comfort. 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 Sony MDREX15AP.
Advantages of the Sony MDREX15AP
- Very good for music
- Excellent for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.6
8.3
The Sony MDREX15AP is very good for music, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is good.
Gaming
6.2
6.7
The Sony MDREX15AP and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both only fair for gaming, though the Sony MDREX15AP is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
4.3
3.5
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and Sony MDREX15AP are both poor for phone calls, though the Audio Technica ATH M20X is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
5.4
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony MDREX15AP is poor.
TV and Video
7.6
9.3
The Sony MDREX15AP is excellent for TV and video, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is good.
Noise Reduction
6.0
7.0
The Sony MDREX15AP is good for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
Cost
$49
$20
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the Sony MDREX15AP costs $20.
Build Quality
6.9
8.0
The Sony MDREX15AP has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X has only fair build quality.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the Sony MDREX15AP compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | Sony MDREX15AP |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $20 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | March 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 3.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.2/10 | 6.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 4.6/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.9/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.8/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 190 Grams | 3.1 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."
Sony MDREX15AP
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Make It Sound Great
Pete Anthony | June 2022
"At the ultra budget $10 price-point (and we’ve seen the no-mic version go for as cheap as $7), I’d say these are a decent option if you’re looking for a passable pair of earbuds for basic use that’s as cheap as possible. I wouldn’t say they feel or sound as good as some of the ultra-budget alternatives out there – of which there are a few at this point – but some might disagree. I will say though that the cable is a little bit nicer than those of that same competition."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M20X or the Sony MDREX15AP
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 Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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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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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