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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If immersive sound and using your headphones for music production or critical listening are priorities, Audio Technica ATH M30X would suit you better due to their over-ear design which offers sound clarity and a wide soundstage. On the other hand, the Google Pixel Buds A Series are a more versatile option for everyday use, including calls, meetings and tasks that require portability and convenience, such as commuting or working out, due to their wireless, stemless earbud design, built-in microphone, and voice clarity. These buds also support features like sweat resistance and a fit secure enough for physical activity, which the ATH M30X lack due to their wired, bulkier design. However, the Pixel Buds are typically more expensive. If you prioritize a wireless connection with easy portability and use with calls and everyday activities, the Pixel Buds A Series would be the better choice despite the 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 music
Advantages of the Google Pixel Buds A Series
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for exercise
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.6
6.4
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for music, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series is only fair.
Gaming
6.6
8.6
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.3
8.5
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
8.4
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Noise Reduction
6.0
4.6
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series is poor.
Battery
N/A
5.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M30X does not have a battery. The Google Pixel Buds A Series has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$58
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the Google Pixel Buds A Series costs $58.
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Key similarities
TV and Video
7.9
7.8
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Google Pixel Buds A Series are both good for TV and video.
Build Quality
7.2
7.4
The Google Pixel Buds A Series and Audio Technica ATH M30X both have good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M30X and the Google Pixel Buds A Series compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | Google Pixel Buds A Series |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $58 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | June 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.7/10 | 6.4/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 8.7/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 7.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.3 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 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 220 Grams | 5.1 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."
Google Pixel Buds A Series
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | October 2022
"For the person who doesn’t want to think about their earphones while using them, Google has created the Pixel Buds A-Series. For a reasonable price, Google packs in a bevy of features like touch controls and a good fit into this Android-friendly set of earbuds to make productivity and life easier."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M30X or the Google Pixel Buds A Series
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 Google
Mainly known as the most popular search engine on the planet, Google is a multinational technology company that also offers a variety of audio-oriented products. Beside their smart speakers under the Nest product line, Google offers several models of true wireless earbuds under the Pixel line, some of which happen to be an affordable but very powerful option for those already in the Android ecosystem.
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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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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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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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