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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If you're looking for higher overall sound quality and a better experience while watching TV and video, the Audio Technica ATH M30X would be a better choice, but keep in mind they're more expensive, and they're larger and heavier, which might not be ideal for portability or exercise. They also lack wireless capabilities. On the other hand, the Sony MDREX15AP earbuds are much less expensive and offer very good music listening and excellent book/podcast enjoyment. They are also more comfortable for extended periods and are highly portable, making them suitable for use during travel and exercise. However, their overall sound quality isn't as good as the Audio Technica's, and they might not be the best for making calls. Neither option has active noise cancelling, so if you're in noisy environments often, you might want to consider alternatives. 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 Sony MDREX15AP
- Very good for music
- Excellent for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.6
8.3
The Sony MDREX15AP is very good for music, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is good.
Phone Calls
4.3
3.5
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Sony MDREX15AP are both poor for phone calls, though the Audio Technica ATH M30X is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
5.4
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony MDREX15AP is poor.
TV and Video
7.9
9.3
The Sony MDREX15AP is excellent for TV and video, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is good.
Noise Reduction
6.0
7.0
The Sony MDREX15AP is good for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Cost
$89
$20
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the Sony MDREX15AP costs $20.
Build Quality
7.2
8.0
The Sony MDREX15AP has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
6.6
6.7
The Sony MDREX15AP and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both only fair for gaming.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M30X and the Sony MDREX15AP compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | Sony MDREX15AP |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $20 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | March 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.7/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 3.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 6.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.6/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.2/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.4/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 220 Grams | 3.1 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
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."
Sony MDREX15AP
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Make It Sound Great
Pete Anthony | June 2022
"At the ultra budget $10 price-point (and we’ve seen the no-mic version go for as cheap as $7), I’d say these are a decent option if you’re looking for a passable pair of earbuds for basic use that’s as cheap as possible. I wouldn’t say they feel or sound as good as some of the ultra-budget alternatives out there – of which there are a few at this point – but some might disagree. I will say though that the cable is a little bit nicer than those of that same competition."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M30X or the Sony MDREX15AP
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 Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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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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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