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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality for music and TV, the Audio Technica ATH M40X stands out with superior sound performance and a good soundstage, particularly suitable for critical listening. They offer a detachable cable enhancing durability and versatility, but lack in features like a built-in mic, which could be a deal-breaker if you need them for calls. Conversely, the Razer Kraken V3, while offering good overall sound, includes a boom mic, making them better suited for gaming and interactive sessions. The Kraken is less portable due to its non-foldable design, and comfort over long periods may be an issue with its heavier weight. Neither option supports wireless connectivity or active noise cancelling, so if those features are a priority, you may want to consider other models. Both have a closed enclosure, offering some noise isolation, but this may not suffice for noisy environments. Choose the Audio Technica if sound for music and TV is your priority and you prefer a lighter, foldable design, or the Razer if you need a durable build with a boom mic for gaming and don't mind the added weight. 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
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for air travel
Advantages of the Razer Kraken V3
- The Razer Kraken V3 has no clear advantages over the Audio Technica ATH M40X.
Key differences
Music
8.1
7.3
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for music, while the Razer Kraken V3 is good.
Phone Calls
3.3
5.0
The Razer Kraken V3 and Audio Technica ATH M40X are both poor for phone calls, though the Razer Kraken V3 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
8.7
7.0
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for TV and video, while the Razer Kraken V3 is good.
Noise Reduction
5.3
6.0
The Razer Kraken V3 is only fair for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
Cost
$99
$80
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Audio Technica ATH M40X has a price of $99 and the Razer Kraken V3 costs $80.
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Key similarities
Gaming
7.0
7.3
The Razer Kraken V3 and Audio Technica ATH M40X are both good for gaming.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.1
4.7
The Audio Technica ATH M40X and Razer Kraken V3 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks.
Build Quality
8.2
8.5
The Razer Kraken V3 and Audio Technica ATH M40X both have very good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M40X and the Razer Kraken V3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M40X | Razer Kraken V3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$99 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Razer | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | June 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 7.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 3.3/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.1/10 | 7.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.8/10 | 7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.1/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 245 Grams | 325 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Boom | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof 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."
Razer Kraken V3
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Soundguys
Sam Smart | November 2022
"This Razer Kraken V3 is a great headset for gamers who want comfort, surround sound, and software customization for a reasonable price. It's primarily a headset for PC gamers since THX Spatial audio is only supported on Windows. If you want something more multifaceted for multiple systems, this won't be an ideal headset for you. Luckily, there are plenty of competent Kraken V3 alternatives available to you."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M40X or the Razer Kraken V3
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 Razer
Razer is an American-Singaporean hardware manufacturer aimed specifically toward the gaming market. They manufacture a very wide array of gaming laptops, tablets, phones, peripherals and, of course, headphones and earbuds both wired and wireless. Since 2016, Razer has owned the THX suite, aimed at quality assurance of audiovisual systems such as speaker sets, video game consoles and even movie theaters.
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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
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.
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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.
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