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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is a more cost-effective option and provides good overall sound quality and a decent soundstage. However, if you desire superior build quality and slightly better sound quality, particularly for music, the Audio Technica M50x would be the better choice. Neither model comes with built-in controls or a microphone, making them less ideal for calls or meetings, and both are designed primarily for wired use. Neither are suitable for exercise due to their form factor and lack of sweatproof certification, and both are roughly equal in terms of comfort, portability, noise isolation, and cable length. Keep in mind that M50x has a detachable cable, which can be handy for replacement or upgrading. 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 M50x.
Advantages of the Audio Technica M50x
- Very good for music
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.6
8.5
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, 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 M50x is poor.
Cost
$89
$149
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the Audio Technica M50x costs $149.
Build Quality
7.2
8.5
The Audio Technica M50x has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
6.6
6.3
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Audio Technica M50x are both only fair for gaming.
Phone Calls
4.3
4.4
The Audio Technica M50x and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
7.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Audio Technica M50x to be good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
TV and Video
7.9
7.8
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Audio Technica M50x are both good for TV and video.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M30X and the Audio Technica M50x compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | Audio Technica M50x |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Audio Technica | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | January 1, 2007 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.7/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 7.9/10 | |
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 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.4/10 | 7.3/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 220 Grams | 294.8 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M30X
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Dig into reviews and images
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 M50x
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Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | October 2022
"Good sound is timeless. It doesn’t matter that a number of years have passed since the ATH-M50x came out because it still works well. Since this wired headset doesn’t rely on batteries or Bluetooth technology, it’s bound to outlast its wireless counterparts. The no-nonsense performance, fit, and comfort of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x make it worth picking up."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M30X or the Audio Technica M50x
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.
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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.
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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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