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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If affordability is your top priority, the Audio Technica ATH M30X might be the better choice as they are less expensive, offering good sound clarity and isolation, making them suitable for everyday use or tracking in recording sessions. On the other hand, the Philips Fidelio X2HR are known for their wide soundstage and comfort, which makes them excellent for an immersive listening experience when enjoying music or movies at home. Keep in mind that the Fidelio X2HR is typically bulkier and may not be as portable as the M30X. If you listen mostly on the move, prioritize comfort and compact design with the M30X; if you seek luxury and depth of sound at a higher cost, and primarily listen in a static location, go for the Fidelio X2HR. 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 Philips Fidelio X2HR
- Excellent for music
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.6
9.3
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is excellent for music, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is good.
Phone Calls
4.3
5.0
The Philips Fidelio X2HR and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both poor for phone calls, though the Philips Fidelio X2HR is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
7.9
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
TV and Video
7.9
8.8
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is very good for TV and video, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is good.
Noise Reduction
6.0
2.5
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Philips Fidelio X2HR is poor.
Cost
$89
$148
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the Philips Fidelio X2HR costs $148.
Build Quality
7.2
9.0
The Philips Fidelio X2HR has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
6.6
7.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Philips Fidelio X2HR to be good for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M30X and the Philips Fidelio X2HR compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | Philips Fidelio X2HR |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $148 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Philips | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | September 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.7/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 7.1/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.5/10 | |
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 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.2/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.4/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 220 Grams | 390 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M30X
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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."
Philips Fidelio X2HR
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Liquid Audio
Stefan | May 2022
"This piece is a fantastic option for music lovers searching for premium sound and a snug fit. You should get these headphones if you care about sound quality and want to hear music in a new light. This technology is a great option for high-quality headphones with superb sound reproduction."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M30X or the Philips Fidelio X2HR
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 Philips
Philips is a Dutch conglomerate and electronics manufacturer with over 130 years of history. Philips makes the Fidelio audio line which includes several models of full-sized wired and wireless headphones, true wireless earbuds. soundbars and wireless speakers.
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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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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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