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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 offer a more immersive listening experience with better overall sound quality and a larger soundstage than the Steelseries TUSQ, making them ideal for critical listening and enjoying music. However, if you're looking for something portable with a good mic for calls and gaming, the Steelseries TUSQ earbuds might be a better fit, as they score higher in these areas. The M20X are bulkier and less suited for use during exercise or travel, while the TUSQ earbuds provide some noise isolation and come with secure fit accessories that might be preferable for active use. Keep in mind that the M20X does not have a microphone, so they wouldn't be suitable for calls or multiplayer gaming, and neither option supports wireless connectivity. 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 Steelseries TUSQ.
Advantages of the Steelseries TUSQ
- Very good for gaming
- Good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
6.2
8.5
The Steelseries TUSQ is very good for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.3
5.2
The Steelseries TUSQ and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both poor for phone calls, though the Steelseries TUSQ is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
4.7
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Steelseries TUSQ is poor.
Cost
$49
$40
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the Steelseries TUSQ costs $40.
Build Quality
6.9
8.0
The Steelseries TUSQ has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.6
7.6
The Steelseries TUSQ and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both good for music.
TV and Video
7.6
7.3
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and Steelseries TUSQ are both good for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
6.0
6.0
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and Steelseries TUSQ are both only fair for noise reduction.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the Steelseries TUSQ compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | Steelseries TUSQ |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $40 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Steelseries | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | August 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.2/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 7.4/10 | |
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 | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.9/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 190 Grams | 11 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Boom | |
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."
Steelseries TUSQ
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Can Buy or Not
Aloysius Low | March 2021
"The SteelSeries Arctis Tusq is a great headset for those on a more modest budget. You can use it for gaming or music, and I daresay it's also great for Zoom meetings when you don't want to be wearing on-ear or over-ear headphones."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M20X or the Steelseries TUSQ
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 Steelseries
Steelseries is a Danish gaming products manufacturer founded in 2001 and owned by GN Store Nord. Beside a large variety of gaming peripherals like mice, keyboards, and mousemats, Steelseries markets the Arctis line of gaming headsets which feature integrated boom microphones and RGB lighting. Steelseries has partnered with several game publishers and studios for limited editions of their products like a line of Cyberpunk 2077 themed headsets in 2020.
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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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CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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