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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for the most detailed and expansive sound with a wider soundstage, consider the HifiMan Sundara, as they are known for their superior overall sound quality and impressive imaging. However, they are pricier and have an open-back design, which means they don't isolate noise well and can leak sound, making them less suitable for noisy environments. In contrast, the Audio Technica ATH M30X provides a more budget-friendly option with decent sound quality and a closed-back design for better noise isolation. They are more portable and foldable, which makes them easier to transport, but they might not be as comfortable or as high in sound quality as the Sundaras. Both options lack a built-in microphone and are wired, which could be limiting if you prefer wireless for convenience. 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 HifiMan Sundara
- Excellent for music
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.6
9.3
The HifiMan Sundara is excellent for music, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is good.
Gaming
6.6
7.2
The HifiMan Sundara is good for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.3
4.9
The HifiMan Sundara and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both poor for phone calls, though the HifiMan Sundara is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
7.8
The HifiMan Sundara is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
TV and Video
7.9
8.8
The HifiMan Sundara is very good for TV and video, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is good.
Noise Reduction
6.0
2.5
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for noise reduction, while the HifiMan Sundara is poor.
Cost
$89
$279
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the HifiMan Sundara costs $279.
Build Quality
7.2
8.2
The HifiMan Sundara 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 HifiMan Sundara compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | HifiMan Sundara |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $279 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | HifiMan | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | May 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.7/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 7.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.5/10 | |
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 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.2/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.4/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 220 Grams | 394.6 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."
HifiMan Sundara
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | July 2023
"The HiFiMan Sundara is the set of headphones to get if you want high-end audio, but don't want to shell out a king's ransom for it. These planar magnetic headphones are comfortable, straightforward, and excellent performers."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M30X or the HifiMan Sundara
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 HifiMan
HiFiMAN is a Chinese, high-end, audio product manufacturer, with 20 years of experience, that specializes in amplifiers, digital audio players and planar magnetic headphones, some of which have become a staple in the audiophile community such as the entry-level Sundara, the midrange Edition X, and the very well-regarded, high-end, Arya.
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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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
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.
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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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