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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M20X are over-ear, closed-back headphones well-suited for those on a budget looking for studio-quality sound isolation and no additional features like a microphone. The Thieaudio Monarch Mk II are premium stemless earbuds with a unique combination of balanced armature, dynamic, and electrostatic drivers, offering superior sound quality with the capability for balanced audio output. If cost is a primary concern, the Audio Technica model is far more affordable. However, if you're an audiophile looking for high-fidelity audio and the advantages of in-ear technology, the Thieaudio earbuds are the better option, albeit at a higher price. 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 Thieaudio Monarch Mk II.
Advantages of the Thieaudio Monarch Mk II
- Best in class for music
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.6
9.5
The Thieaudio Monarch Mk II is best in class for music, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is good.
Gaming
6.2
6.7
The Thieaudio Monarch Mk II and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both only fair for gaming, though the Thieaudio Monarch Mk II is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
4.3
5.1
The Thieaudio Monarch Mk II and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both poor for phone calls, though the Thieaudio Monarch Mk II is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
7.9
The Thieaudio Monarch Mk II is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
TV and Video
7.6
8.8
The Thieaudio Monarch Mk II is very good for TV and video, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is good.
Cost
$49
$999
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the Thieaudio Monarch Mk II costs $999.
Build Quality
6.9
9.0
The Thieaudio Monarch Mk II has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
6.0
6.0
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and Thieaudio Monarch Mk II are both only fair for noise reduction.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the Thieaudio Monarch Mk II compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | Thieaudio Monarch Mk II |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $999 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Thieaudio | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | October 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.2/10 | 6.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 4.5/10 | |
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 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.9/10 | 9/10 | |
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 | 9 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof 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."
Thieaudio Monarch Mk II
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Audiophile On
Audiophile On | August 2021
"No other earphone I have listened to in the past 12 months has given me as much joy as the Thieaduio Monarch MKII. One of those IEMs will make you question where we can go from here. The sound is jaw-dropping, leaving you wanting more and more. It makes you want to run through your entire music library and reevaluate. It makes you not feel bad about paying full price for them, especially in a hobby where buyers' remorse is genuine. For me, it's top tier, rivaled by a few but not surpassed."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M20X or the Thieaudio Monarch Mk II
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 Thieaudio
Thieaudio is the in-house brand of Linsoul Audio, a Chinese earbud and headphone retailer specializing in what the community lovingly calls Chi-fi, that is high fidelity brands out of China. Thieaudio was established in 2019 as the creative engineering branch of Linsoul. As of today, they market three different lines of earbuds, Voyager, Legacy and the extremely well-received Monarch.
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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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