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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If cost is a significant factor, the Audio Technica ATH M30X is more budget-friendly and offers solid sound quality with effective noise isolation, ideal for studio monitoring and focused listening. The Beats Powerbeats Pro, while pricier, provides a wireless experience with a secure fit, making them better suited for sports and active use. The Powerbeats Pro also includes features like a microphone for calls and Siri voice assistant access, which the ATH M30X lacks. Consider the ATH M30X for a more stationary, immersive experience and the Powerbeats Pro if you're seeking portability and multitasking capabilities. 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 music
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Beats Powerbeats Pro
- Good for phone calls
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.6
6.5
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for music, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is only fair.
Gaming
6.6
5.5
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for gaming, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Phone Calls
4.3
7.0
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
9.2
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
TV and Video
7.9
5.7
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for TV and video, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
4.6
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Battery
N/A
10.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M30X does not have a battery. The Beats Powerbeats Pro has 10 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$250
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the Beats Powerbeats Pro costs $250.
Build Quality
7.2
8.8
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X has good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M30X and the Beats Powerbeats Pro compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | Beats Powerbeats Pro |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $250 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | May 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.7/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 6.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 10 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 4.6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.2/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.4/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 220 Grams | 11 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
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 Powerbeats Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | November 2022
"Sweat resistance, actual noise isolation, and a secure fit in your ears make these the true wireless earphones you want in Apple-land. Android users may find other options they like better, as these only support AAC."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M30X or the Beats Powerbeats Pro
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
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
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