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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is a more affordable option, and its closed-back design gives you better noise isolation, making it suitable for noisier environments or if privacy is important. They are also more portable due to their foldable design, and the build quality is robust for their price. On the other hand, the Focal Elex offers a more open and natural soundstage that can make music feel more immersive, at a higher price. However, their open-back design does not isolate noise well, so they're better for quiet environments. Neither has a microphone, so for calls or gaming requiring voice communication, you may need an additional mic. The M40X is also lighter, which may contribute to longer comfort during extended use. If you prioritize sound quality and immersion over other factors and are in a quiet space, the Elex might be the choice for you, while the M40X offers great sound quality and better noise isolation at a more accessible price point, suitable for varied environments. 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
- Good for air travel
Advantages of the Focal Elex
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Phone Calls
3.3
4.3
The Focal Elex and Audio Technica ATH M40X are both poor for phone calls, though the Focal Elex is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.1
7.1
The Focal Elex is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
2.5
The Audio Technica ATH M40X and Focal Elex are both poor for noise reduction, though the Audio Technica ATH M40X is somewhat better.
Cost
$99
$749
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Audio Technica ATH M40X has a price of $99 and the Focal Elex costs $749.
Build Quality
8.2
9.0
The Focal Elex has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
8.1
7.7
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Audio Technica ATH M40X to be very good for music, while the Focal Elex is good.
Gaming
7.0
6.9
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Audio Technica ATH M40X to be good for gaming, while the Focal Elex is only fair.
TV and Video
8.7
8.3
The Audio Technica ATH M40X and Focal Elex are both very good for TV and video.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M40X and the Focal Elex compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M40X | Focal Elex |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$99 | $749 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Focal | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | December 1, 2017 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 3.3/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.1/10 | 6.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.3/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.2/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 245 Grams | 450 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
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."
Focal Elex
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Dig into reviews and images
Golden Sound
Golden Sound | October 2021
"The Focal Elex are an excellent pair of headphones for the money and a great all-rounder that will suit many tastes. They’re an easy recommendation for anyone looking for something comfortable, well built, that looks good, and will work with just about any genre."
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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.
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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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