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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 excellent sound quality and a solid build but lacks a microphone and wireless capabilities; ideal if you prioritize audio experience over convenience and use them primarily in quiet environments. The Skullcandy Hesh ANC is slightly more expensive but includes wireless connectivity, active noise cancelling, and a built-in mic, making them more versatile for travel, phone calls, and noisy environments. If budget is a top concern and you don't need wireless features or active noise cancellation, the Audio Technica is a good choice; otherwise, Skullcandy may provide a more adaptable listening experience with its additional 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 TV and video
Advantages of the Skullcandy Hesh ANC
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.6
6.7
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for music, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is only fair.
Gaming
6.6
5.6
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for gaming, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is poor.
Phone Calls
4.3
5.3
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both poor for phone calls, though the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
6.0
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Skullcandy Hesh ANC are both only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Audio Technica ATH M30X is somewhat better.
TV and Video
7.9
5.8
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for TV and video, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
8.7
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC is very good for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Battery
N/A
23.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M30X does not have a battery. The Skullcandy Hesh ANC has 23 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$135
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the Skullcandy Hesh ANC costs $135.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
7.2
7.0
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Skullcandy Hesh ANC both have good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M30X and the Skullcandy Hesh ANC compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | Skullcandy Hesh ANC |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $135 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Skullcandy | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | December 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.7/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 23 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.6 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 7.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.2/10 | 7/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 220 Grams | 226.7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof 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."
Skullcandy Hesh ANC
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Headphonecheck
Maike Paeßens | 2021
"Skullcandy’s Hesh ANC are compact, wireless over-ears for everyday use that are tuned for bass and designed to suppress or amplify ambient noise as required. In addition to Bluetooth 5.0, optional tracking via the Tile app is supported so that these headphones can be found if they get lost."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M30X or the Skullcandy Hesh ANC
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 Skullcandy
Skullcandy is an American, consumer-oriented, earbuds and headphones manufacturer with 20 years of market experience. They sell a wide variety of, budget-friendly and unique, wired and wireless products that are sure to please the vast majority of users. Among their most popular offerings, the Crusher headphones, includes a pair of actual subwoofers inside the cups which makes the bass extra prominent for a unique and extra fun sound.
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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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