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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M30X headphones offer a very good overall sound quality with a strong, immersive soundstage, making them suitable for music listening, while their over-ear, wired design enhances durability but limits portability and versatility compared to wireless options. In contrast, the Sony WF1000XM3 earbuds boast excellent active noise cancellation, making them ideal for air travel and environments with background noise. They also have a high microphone quality suitable for calls and meetings, and the true wireless form factor increases convenience for exercise or on-the-go use, but they are significantly more expensive. The choice between the two should be based on whether you prioritize immersive wired audio at a lower price or versatile, noise-canceling wireless functionality at a premium. 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 TV and video
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM3
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
6.6
5.6
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.3
8.2
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
TV and Video
7.9
5.7
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
8.3
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Battery
N/A
6.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M30X does not have a battery. The Sony WF1000XM3 has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$180
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the Sony WF1000XM3 costs $180.
Build Quality
7.2
9.0
The Sony WF1000XM3 has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.6
7.5
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Sony WF1000XM3 are both good for music.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M30X and the Sony WF1000XM3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | Sony WF1000XM3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $180 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | August 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 8.2/10 | |
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 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.2/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 220 Grams | 9 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."
Sony WF1000XM3
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Sound Guys
Lily Katz | November 2022
"Wireless earbuds are a dime a dozen, and the Sony WF-1000XM3 makes it easy to justify the cost. The design and comfort are good, and the connection strength is consistent. While the lack of aptX or LDAC support is a big drawback, DSEE HX processing improves low-quality audio files. If you want stylish active noise canceling (ANC) earbuds, the WF-1000XM3 needs to be at the top of your list."
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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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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