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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is generally a step up from the M30X, offering better overall sound quality and a wider soundstage, which can enhance the listening experience for music and videos. It also has a detachable cable, adding to its durability and convenience. However, they are somewhat more expensive. The M30X, while costing less, still delivers good sound and is foldable for portability. Both models are wired and do not have active noise canceling, but if sound quality is a top priority and you don't mind spending a bit more, the M40X could be the better choice. 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 M30X
- The Audio Technica ATH M30X has no clear advantages over the Audio Technica ATH M40X.
Advantages of the Audio Technica ATH M40X
- Very good for music
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
Key differences
Phone Calls
4.3
3.3
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Audio Technica ATH M40X are both poor for phone calls, though the Audio Technica ATH M30X is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
5.1
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
TV and Video
7.9
8.7
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for TV and video, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is good.
Noise Reduction
6.0
5.3
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
Cost
$89
$99
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the Audio Technica ATH M40X costs $99.
Build Quality
7.2
8.2
The Audio Technica ATH M40X has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.6
8.1
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Audio Technica ATH M40X to be very good for music, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is good.
Gaming
6.6
7.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Audio Technica ATH M40X to be good for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M30X and the Audio Technica ATH M40X compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | Audio Technica ATH M40X |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $99 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Audio Technica | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | January 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.7/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 3.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 7.1/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.3/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.2/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 220 Grams | 245 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M30X
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Soundguys
Jasper Lastoria | August 2023
"The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x is a great choice for anybody that needs a decent set of over-ear studio monitors. While the frequency response is not totally spot on, it works for basically every situation reasonably well. The sound quality and reasonably good comfort promote its candidacy as a great pick for $69 USD."
Audio Technica ATH M40X
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Soundguys
Lily Katz | August 2023
"If you were to pick one headset to fill all of your needs, the ATH-M40x is a great buy with its sub-$100 price tag, pleasant sound quality, and accessories. Whether you need to use it for live monitoring, a midnight editing session, or to underscore a campus walk, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a great companion."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M30X or the Audio Technica ATH M40X
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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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
Joe Golden, Ph.D
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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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