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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M30X offers detailed sound and effective noise isolation, suitable for studio monitoring or in environments where you need to focus without distractions. On the other hand, the Moondrop Chu, being less expensive, provides good value with decent sound quality for everyday listening. If your budget allows and you require professional-quality audio for critical listening, the Audio Technica might be the better choice. However, if you're looking for casual listening without breaking the bank, the Moondrop Chu could serve your needs well. Remember, the over-ear design of the ATH M30X may be more comfortable for long sessions, but they are bulkier than the more portable in-ear Moondrop Chu. 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 Chu
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
6.6
8.0
The Moondrop Chu is very good for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.3
8.8
The Moondrop Chu is very good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
7.6
The Moondrop Chu is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Cost
$89
$21
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the Moondrop Chu costs $21.
Build Quality
7.2
8.5
The Moondrop Chu has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.6
7.9
The Moondrop Chu and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both good for music.
TV and Video
7.9
7.5
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Moondrop Chu are both good for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
6.0
6.0
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Moondrop Chu are both only fair for noise reduction.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M30X and the Moondrop Chu compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | Moondrop Chu |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $21 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Moondrop | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | April 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.7/10 | 8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 8.1/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.4/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 220 Grams | 8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | In-Line | |
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."
Moondrop Chu
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | September 2022
"These budget buds put the pressure on those premium priced in-ear monitors to really justify the cost disparity. Offering excellent sound quality at any price, the Moondrop Chu is both a perfect entry into the audio enthusiast hobby, and an all around good pick for music fans."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M30X or the Moondrop Chu
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
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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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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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