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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you need versatile headphones at a lower cost, consider the Audio Technica ATH M30X; they're wired, which means you're tethered to your device, but they offer good sound quality and isolation, which is great for focused listening at home or in the studio. However, they aren't ideal for exercise or travel due to their size and the lack of wireless functionality. On the other hand, if wireless convenience and modern features like active noise cancelling are important to you, and you don't mind spending more, the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) earbuds could be a better fit. They're suitable for exercise, have a smaller charging case for portability, offer low latency for gaming, and work well with phone calls. 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
- The Audio Technica ATH M30X has no clear advantages over the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2).
Advantages of the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.6
7.0
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) are both good for music, though the Audio Technica ATH M30X is somewhat better.
Gaming
6.6
8.5
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.3
7.9
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
9.1
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Noise Reduction
6.0
8.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Battery
N/A
6.7 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M30X does not have a battery. The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has 6.7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$149
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) costs $149.
Build Quality
7.2
9.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X has good build quality.
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Key similarities
TV and Video
7.9
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) 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 "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | "Nothing" Brand | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | March 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.7/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 7.9/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 6.7 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.3. | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 30 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
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 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.4/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 220 Grams | 4.4 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."
"Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | March 2023
"For the price the Nothing Ear (2) is pretty good. It fits well, and the IP54 rating (and IP55 with case) is durable enough for daily life. Most of its unique features are found in the Nothing X app, such as personalized frequency responses, and personalized, adjustable ANC."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M30X or the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
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.
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