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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 significantly less expensive than the Focal Elex, which matches a tight budget better. If you prioritize cost and still desire good sound quality for general listening, the ATH M30X may serve you well. On the other hand, the Focal Elex will likely offer superior sound quality, detail, and a more immersive experience which could be important for audiophiles or for critical listening. Consider how much you're willing to spend against the importance of audio quality for your needs. The Elex might also come with additional features like a wider soundstage or better materials which could justify the higher price if those aspects are crucial for your listening experience. 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 Focal Elex
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Noise Reduction
6.0
2.5
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Focal Elex is poor.
Cost
$89
$749
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the Focal Elex costs $749.
Build Quality
7.2
9.0
The Focal Elex has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.6
7.7
The Focal Elex and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both good for music.
Gaming
6.6
6.9
The Focal Elex and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both only fair for gaming.
Phone Calls
4.3
4.3
The Focal Elex and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
7.1
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Focal Elex to be good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
TV and Video
7.9
8.3
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Focal Elex to be very good for TV and video, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is good.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M30X and the Focal Elex compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | Focal Elex |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $749 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Focal | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | December 1, 2017 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.7/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 6.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | |
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 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.2/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.4/10 | 8/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 220 Grams | 450 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."
Focal Elex
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Golden Sound
Golden Sound | October 2021
"The Focal Elex are an excellent pair of headphones for the money and a great all-rounder that will suit many tastes. They’re an easy recommendation for anyone looking for something comfortable, well built, that looks good, and will work with just about any genre."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M30X or the Focal Elex
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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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.
Luis Torres
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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