The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is significantly less expensive and offers good sound quality; they are over-ear, closed-back headphones suitable for studio use and can isolate noise passively but lack advanced features like wireless connectivity. Consider the ATH M30X for budget-conscious studio work, or the Sony WF1000XM5 for high-end, feature-rich personal listening. 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 WF1000XM5
Very good for music
Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
6.6/10
5.1/10
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.3/10
5.0/10
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both poor for phone calls, though the Sony WF1000XM5 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9/10
4.9/10
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
TV and Video
7.9/10
5.4/10
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0/10
8.7/10
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Battery
N/A
9.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M30X does not have a battery. The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$298
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
Build Quality
7.2/10
8.5/10
The Sony WF1000XM5 has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X has good build quality.
"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."
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 is among the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, and they aren’t cheap. These earbuds aren’t the best choice for budget-conscious listeners. But if you prioritize active noise cancelation, sound quality, and extensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 is worth its premium price tag."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M30X or the Sony WF1000XM5
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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
128,000
Recommendations made
19,200
Consumer hours saved
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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
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.
Luis Torres
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.