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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality for music and a more immersive experience, the Audio Technica ATH M30X will suit you, especially if you don't need wireless connectivity. However, if you want headphones that are versatile for on-the-go use, have active noise cancelling, superior call and meeting quality, and the convenience of wireless operation, the JBL Live 670NC would be better, even though they are somewhat more expensive. The JBL also offers features like app controls customization, a longer battery life, and is optimized for both Android and Apple devices, which the Audio Technica lacks. If you use headphones while exercising or traveling, the JBL's lower weight, foldable design, and sweatproof certification make them a superior option. Choose the Audio Technica if you're strictly looking for better music listening at a lower price, but for a broader range of uses, the JBL would be more suitable. 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 JBL Live 670NC
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.6
6.5
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for music, while the JBL Live 670NC is only fair.
Gaming
6.6
5.4
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for gaming, while the JBL Live 670NC is poor.
Phone Calls
4.3
7.4
The JBL Live 670NC is good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
8.6
The JBL Live 670NC is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
TV and Video
7.9
5.5
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for TV and video, while the JBL Live 670NC is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
6.7
The JBL Live 670NC and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both only fair for noise reduction, though the JBL Live 670NC is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
65.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M30X does not have a battery. The JBL Live 670NC has 65 hours of battery life.
Cost
$69
$100
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $69 and the JBL Live 670NC costs $100.
Build Quality
7.2
8.0
The JBL Live 670NC 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 JBL Live 670NC compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | JBL Live 670NC |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$69 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | March 1, 2024 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.7/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 5.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 65 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 3 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.3 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.2/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 220 Grams | 217 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."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M30X or the JBL Live 670NC
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 JBL
JBL is an American audio equipment manufacturer. Owned by Harman International which is, itself, owned by Samsung Electronics. JBL markets a wide array of monitoring speakers, professional headphones and consumer market headphones and earbuds. It was founded in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing (whose initials give the company its name) and has become one of the most prolific audio companies ever. Their products were responsible for audio during the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
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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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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
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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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