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What we think
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Updated January 10, 2024·
When deciding between the Audio Technica ATH M40X and the Sennheiser CX300S, consider where and how you'll be using them. The ATH M40X are over-ear headphones providing better noise isolation and comfort for long listening sessions, which is ideal for studio work or enjoying music at home, but they are bulkier if you plan to travel. The CX300S are in-ear earbuds that offer convenience, portability, and a snug fit for active use, such as commuting or working out. However, in-ear models might be less comfortable during extended use. Sound-wise, over-ear headphones like the ATH M40X typically deliver a broader soundstage and deeper bass compared to earbuds like the CX300S. If you prioritize portability and budget, the CX300S could suit you, but if sound quality and noise isolation are more important, and you don't mind the extra cost, the ATH M40X might be the better choice. 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 Sennheiser CX300S
- The Sennheiser CX300S has no clear advantages over the Audio Technica ATH M40X.
Key differences
Music
8.1
6.9
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for music, while the Sennheiser CX300S is only fair.
Gaming
7.0
6.1
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is good for gaming, while the Sennheiser CX300S is only fair.
TV and Video
8.7
7.3
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for TV and video, while the Sennheiser CX300S is good.
Noise Reduction
5.3
7.0
The Sennheiser CX300S is good for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
Cost
$99
$50
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M40X has a price of $99 and the Sennheiser CX300S costs $50.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
3.3
3.0
The Audio Technica ATH M40X and Sennheiser CX300S are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.1
4.7
The Audio Technica ATH M40X and Sennheiser CX300S are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks.
Build Quality
8.2
8.0
The Audio Technica ATH M40X and Sennheiser CX300S both have very good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M40X and the Sennheiser CX300S compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M40X | Sennheiser CX300S |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$99 | $50 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Sennheiser | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | February 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 3.3/10 | 3.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.1/10 | 6.1/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.8/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.2/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.2/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 245 Grams | 12 Grams | |
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."
Sennheiser CX300S
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Dig into reviews and images
Major HiFi
Carroll Moore | April 2019
"Sennheiser offers impressive bang for your buck when it comes to the CX 300S. Built like a tank and sounding surprisingly good for such a budget-minded earphone, the CX 300S out-classes many of its would-be competitors. Functional but beautiful, it’s the perfect in-ear listening solution for anyone who wants to hear everything and look good doing it."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M40X or the Sennheiser CX300S
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 Sennheiser
A family-owned company, Sennheiser is a German, high fidelity, audio equipment manufacturer founded in 1945. Their consumer audio division is now owned by the Swiss hearing aid and cochlear implant manufacturer Sonova. Sennheiser offers a wide variety of, very high quality, audio equipment solutions, from headphones to earbuds, full sets of monitoring speakers, amplifiers and microphones. They also make what is widely regarded as the best, and most expensive, headphones in existence, the HE-1 Orpheus, costing a whopping $59,000 dollars.
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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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