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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality and a wider soundstage for an immersive experience, particularly with music and TV, the Audio Technica ATH M30X headphones are the better choice, especially considering their strong performance in overall sound quality and soundstage. However, due to their closed-back, over-ear design, they are not as portable or suitable for exercise as the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick. Conversely, the Ear Stick provides better call quality, convenience with built-in controls, and a low latency feature which is great for gaming and video. They are more portable and suitable for use during exercise due to their wireless design and stem form factor. The ATH M30X is more comfortable for longer listening sessions but the Ear Stick earbuds may be more comfortable for active use. If active noise canceling or sweat and dust proof features are important, the Ear Stick has you covered, while the M30X headphones lack these features. 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 air travel
Advantages of the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.6
6.1
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for music, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is only fair.
Gaming
6.6
8.1
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.3
8.6
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
8.4
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Noise Reduction
6.0
2.5
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for noise reduction, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is poor.
Battery
N/A
5.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M30X does not have a battery. The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$69
$99
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $69 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick costs $99.
Build Quality
7.2
9.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick 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
7.5
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick are both good for TV and video.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M30X and the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$69 | $99 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | "Nothing" Brand | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | November 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.7/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 8.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 8.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 22 | |
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 | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.2/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.4/10 | 7/10 | |
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 Stick
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | December 2022
"If the Ear (stick) fits your ears, its light weight means you can easily wear it until the unimpressive battery life totally drains. The IP54 rating of the buds lends some confidence that it’ll survive some light abuse too. Finally, for the person who only wears earbuds at their desk, the Nothing Ear (stick) with its decent microphone could offer a reasonable Zoom meeting solution."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M30X or the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
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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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.
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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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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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