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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 provide a better overall sound quality and are more suitable for activities like TV and video watching due to their over-ear design, which generally offers a more immersive listening experience. However, they are wired and lack built-in controls, unlike the Soundcore Space A40 earbuds, which are wireless with a robust set of built-in controls. The Space A40s also have better portability, noise isolation, and are better suited for use during exercise due to being sweatproof. The A40s support wireless charging and have app support for customization, which the ATH M30X lacks. On the other hand, the wired ATH M30X will not have issues with battery life or latency, which can be important for gaming and synchronous audio contexts. If budget is a concern and you don't need wireless convenience or exercise suitability, the M30X might be your choice; however, for a more versatile, modern feature set, the Space A40 may justify the higher price. 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 Soundcore Space A40
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
6.6
4.9
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for gaming, while the Soundcore Space A40 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
4.9
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore Space A40 is poor.
TV and Video
7.9
5.3
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for TV and video, while the Soundcore Space A40 is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
9.1
The Soundcore Space A40 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Battery
N/A
8.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M30X does not have a battery. The Soundcore Space A40 has 8 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$80
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the Soundcore Space A40 costs $80.
Build Quality
7.2
8.5
The Soundcore Space A40 has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.6
7.7
The Soundcore Space A40 and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both good for music.
Phone Calls
4.3
4.8
The Soundcore Space A40 and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both poor for phone calls.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M30X and the Soundcore Space A40 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | Soundcore Space A40 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | August 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.7/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 8 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 0.8 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 32 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 220 Grams | 4 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."
Soundcore Space A40
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Sound Guys
Sam Smart | May 2023
"The Anker Soundcore Space A40 is an excellent deal if you want affordable noise canceling earbuds with great sound. The baseline frequency response is enjoyable, and the many EQ presets to choose from plus the ability to customize your sound profile makes it good for pretty much anyone. The noise canceling is quite good, and the many ear tips to choose from ensure a good fit for the noise canceling and isolation to do its job."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M30X or the Soundcore Space A40
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 Soundcore
Soundcore is a sub-brand belonging to Anker Innovations. Starting in 2014, initially marketing wireless, Bluetooth, speakers, Anker now offers an array of, budget-friendly, wireless earbuds and headphones that directly compete, especially in the Active Noise Canceling field, with other brands several times as expensive.
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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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