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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If budget is a top concern, the Audio Technica ATH M30X provides good sound quality at a lower price, making it a great value, especially for those primarily interested in music or studio monitoring. However, the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 offers advanced features such as active noise cancellation and wireless connectivity, which enhance the listening experience for travelers and those who prefer the convenience of no cords. The PI7 also might have better sound resolution for a more immersive listening experience, but the extra cost could be a significant factor in your decision. Keep in mind the use case and whether the additional investment aligns with your needs for convenience and sound quality enhancements. 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 PI7
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.6
6.8
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for music, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair.
Gaming
6.6
8.1
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.3
5.1
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both poor for phone calls, though the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
4.8
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is poor.
TV and Video
7.9
6.8
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for TV and video, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
6.0
8.3
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Battery
N/A
3.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M30X does not have a battery. The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has 3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$399
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 costs $399.
Build Quality
7.2
8.9
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 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 PI7 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | Bowers and Wilkins PI7 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $399 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Bowers and Wilkins | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | April 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.7/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 8.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 5.8/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 0.7 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 20 | |
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 | 8.5/10 | |
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 | 7 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."
Bowers and Wilkins PI7
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Chase Bernath | April 2022
"The primary selling point of the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is the charging case that can transmit audio from any analog source to the earbuds. If you have a very specific and clear need for that feature, then the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is for you."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M30X or the Bowers and Wilkins PI7
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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