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Updated April 11, 2024·
If cost is a premium concern and you plan on using headphones mostly for TV and video where latency can be an issue, the Audio Technica ATH M30X would be the better choice. These headphones are suitable for stationary use given they're wired and fairly comfortable for extended periods. Conversely, for high audio quality and an earbud form factor that's portable and perhaps more discreet, the Moondrop Blessing 3 stands out, although they come at a higher price. Both lack features such as active noise cancelling and wireless connectivity but can provide good sound quality for music and general use. Neither are designed for exercise or heavy sweating, and if you're looking for customization through an app, neither option supports that feature. 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 Moondrop Blessing 3
Very good for TV and video
Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Phone Calls
4.3/10
5.0/10
The Moondrop Blessing 3 and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both poor for phone calls, though the Moondrop Blessing 3 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9/10
7.8/10
The Moondrop Blessing 3 is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Noise Reduction
6.0/10
6.5/10
The Moondrop Blessing 3 and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both only fair for noise reduction, though the Moondrop Blessing 3 is somewhat better.
Cost
$69
$272
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $69 and the Moondrop Blessing 3 costs $272.
Build Quality
7.2/10
9.0/10
The Moondrop Blessing 3 has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X has good build quality.
The Moondrop Blessing 3 and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both good for music.
Gaming
6.6/10
6.3/10
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Moondrop Blessing 3 are both only fair for gaming.
TV and Video
7.9/10
8.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Moondrop Blessing 3 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 Moondrop Blessing 3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
"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."
"The Moondrop Blessing 3 has excellent imaging performance, especially for the price. Pair that with its neutral tonality with slight elevations towards both ends of the frequency response, and the Blessing 3 technically proficient set of IEMs that are also enjoyable to listen to every day."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M30X or the Moondrop Blessing 3
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 Moondrop
Moondrop is a Chinese brand of smart audio equipment, portable audio players, earbuds and headphones started in 2015. During the last few years they have become one of the major players in what is lovingly referred to as the Chi-fi market, the bulk of Chinese companies that have managed to actually compete with the western manufacturers in both prices and superior quality. Products such as the Blessing II, Chu and Kato are among the most popular offerings of the brand, more popular among those users that wish for good quality audio that won't break the bank. Besides audio, the brand also works in what they call the ACGN field (Animation, Comics, Games and Short Novels).
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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
Joe Golden, Ph.D
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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
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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.