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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M30X are over-ear headphones that are wired, offer a good overall sound quality, and are comparatively inexpensive. They have a decent soundstage, are fairly comfortable, and provide good sound isolation. They are more suitable for a home setting, less portable, and lack a microphone for calls. On the other hand, the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 are wireless earbuds that offer slightly better overall sound quality, portability, and comfort. They have a microphone for calls and meetings, active noise cancellation, and are suited for exercise and air travel, but at a higher price point. If budget is a concern and you primarily listen at home, the Audio Technica may be better, while if you seek portability, call functionality, and active noise cancellation for diverse environments, consider investing in the Bowers and Wilkins. 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 Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.6
6.7
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for music, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is only fair.
Gaming
6.6
5.3
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for gaming, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.3
5.0
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both poor for phone calls, though the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
5.6
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
TV and Video
7.9
5.6
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for TV and video, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
8.3
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is very good for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Battery
N/A
5.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M30X does not have a battery. The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$149
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 costs $149.
Build Quality
7.2
8.9
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 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 Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Bowers and Wilkins | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | January 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.7/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 5.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 0.75 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 19 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.2/10 | 8.9/10 | |
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 | 6 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
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."
Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
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Major HiFi
Chris Golembeski | January 2023
"Bowers and Wilkins isn’t looking to make an obscure, premium wireless bud catered specifically towards audiophiles. Instead, it seems apparent that they’re going for the crown: a cool and popular look, an easy and comfortable fit, and an engaging stage with a great balance that is perfectly suited for mainstream listeners and audiophiles alike."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M30X or the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
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 Bowers and Wilkins
Bowers and Wilkins is a British audio equipment manufacturer with a focus on innovation and product development. It was founded by a couple of real-life James Bonds, the co-founders John Bowers and Roy Wilkins, who met while working for MI6 during World War II. The company keeps being favored by enthusiasts due to their sound quality, craftsmanship and signature aesthetics.
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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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