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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M40X are wired over-ear headphones known for their studio-quality sound and durable build, ideal if you prioritize accurate audio reproduction and don't mind a cord. They may not be the best for on-the-go use due to their size and lack of wireless connectivity. In contrast, the Beats Powerbeats Pro are wireless earbuds with a secure fit designed for active users, featuring a convenient charging case, and are well-suited to those who want portability and freedom from wires. They also tend to have more pronounced bass, which can be appealing for contemporary music genres. If your budget is limited, and you need headphones primarily for critical listening in a stationary environment, you might prefer the Audio Technica. If you value convenience, portability, and a wireless design for activities like working out, the additional cost for the Beats Powerbeats Pro could be justifiable. Keep in mind that the Beats may also have features like a built-in microphone for calls, which the Audio Technica lacks. 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 M40X
- Very good for music
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
Advantages of the Beats Powerbeats Pro
- Good for phone calls
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.1
6.5
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for music, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is only fair.
Gaming
7.0
5.5
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is good for gaming, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Phone Calls
3.3
7.0
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.1
9.2
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
TV and Video
8.7
5.7
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for TV and video, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
4.6
The Audio Technica ATH M40X and Beats Powerbeats Pro are both poor for noise reduction, though the Audio Technica ATH M40X is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
10.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M40X does not have a battery. The Beats Powerbeats Pro has 10 hours of battery life.
Cost
$99
$124
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M40X has a price of $99 and the Beats Powerbeats Pro costs $124.
Build Quality
8.2
8.8
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Audio Technica ATH M40X both have very good build quality, though the Beats Powerbeats Pro has somewhat better build quality.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M40X and the Beats Powerbeats Pro compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M40X | Beats Powerbeats Pro |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$99 | $124 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | May 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 3.3/10 | 7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.1/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.8/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 6.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 10 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 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 | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 4.6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 245 Grams | 11 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M40X
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Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Lily Katz | August 2023
"If you were to pick one headset to fill all of your needs, the ATH-M40x is a great buy with its sub-$100 price tag, pleasant sound quality, and accessories. Whether you need to use it for live monitoring, a midnight editing session, or to underscore a campus walk, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a great companion."
Beats Powerbeats Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | November 2022
"Sweat resistance, actual noise isolation, and a secure fit in your ears make these the true wireless earphones you want in Apple-land. Android users may find other options they like better, as these only support AAC."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M40X or the Beats Powerbeats Pro
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 Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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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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