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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M30X headphones are well-regarded for their overall sound quality which could make them a suitable choice for listening to music, with good noise isolation for a more intimate listening experience. They are over-ear, indicating comfort for extended listening sessions, and have a long cable for convenient movement around your audio source. Conversely, the Beats EP are on-ear headphones that generally offer better build quality. They are more portable but have slightly less overall sound quality and noise isolation. If you prefer ease of transport and durability over immersive sound and comfort, the Beats EP might be preferable, albeit at a slightly 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 M30X
- Good for air travel
Advantages of the Beats EP
- Very good for music
Key differences
Noise Reduction
6.0
5.3
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Beats EP is poor.
Cost
$89
$100
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the Beats EP costs $100.
Build Quality
7.2
8.0
The Beats EP 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 Beats EP to be very good for music, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is good.
Gaming
6.6
6.3
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Beats EP are both only fair for gaming.
Phone Calls
4.3
4.2
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Beats EP are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
6.8
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Beats EP are both only fair for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
7.9
7.6
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Beats EP are both good for TV and video.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M30X and the Beats EP compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | Beats EP |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | November 1, 2018 | |
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 | 4.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
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 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 220 Grams | 226.7 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."
Beats EP
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Headphonecheck
Ulf Kaiser | 2015
"With the EP model, Beats delivers a stylish headphone with cable connection and hands-free functionality that should please consumers seeking a balanced sound for playback on mobile devices."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M30X or the Beats EP
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 Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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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.
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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