A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality and isolation for immersive music experiences or studio monitoring, the Audio Technica ATH M40X might be your choice despite the higher price. They are over-ear headphones known for detailed audio and good passive noise isolation. However, for outdoor activities or if you need to remain aware of your surroundings, the Shokz OpenMove would be better due to their bone conduction technology that keeps your ears open. OpenMove earphones are also more lightweight and may be more comfortable during exercise, while the ATH M40X provides a secure, snug fit for focused listening sessions. 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
- Good for air travel
Advantages of the Shokz OpenMove
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.1
4.8
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for music, while the Shokz OpenMove is poor.
Gaming
7.0
4.9
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is good for gaming, while the Shokz OpenMove is poor.
Phone Calls
3.3
7.8
The Shokz OpenMove is good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.1
7.9
The Shokz OpenMove is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
TV and Video
8.7
5.0
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for TV and video, while the Shokz OpenMove is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
2.5
The Audio Technica ATH M40X and Shokz OpenMove are both poor for noise reduction, though the Audio Technica ATH M40X is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
6.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M40X does not have a battery. The Shokz OpenMove has 6 hours of battery life.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Headphones
Find your new headphones
Key similarities
Cost
$79
$80
$50
$60
$70
$80
$90
$100
The Audio Technica ATH M40X has a price of $79 and the Shokz OpenMove costs $80.
Build Quality
8.2
8.5
The Shokz OpenMove and Audio Technica ATH M40X both have very good build quality.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Audio Technica ATH M40X and the Shokz OpenMove compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M40X | Shokz OpenMove |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$79 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Shokz | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | September 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 3.3/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.1/10 | 5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.8/10 | 5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 7.1/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.1 | |
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 | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 245 Grams | 29 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 5 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M40X
See more
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."
Shokz OpenMove
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | May 2023
"The Shokz OpenMove are a bit more affordable than the company's other bone conduction headphones, making them a more appealing option for athletes on a budget. These headphones support premium features like multipoint connectivity and a durable build, but you lose other niceties like fast charging and a long battery life. Still, for less than $80, these are nice bone conduction headphones that will keep you safe when exercising."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M40X or the Shokz OpenMove
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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Audio Technica ATH M40X vs. JLab JBuds Work Wireless
VS
Compare Audio Technica ATH M40X vs. Sennheiser HD 350BT
VS
Compare Audio Technica ATH M40X vs. Beats Studiobuds
VS
Compare Shokz OpenMove vs. Soundcore Life Q30
VS
Compare Shokz OpenMove vs. Soundcore Space A40
VS
Compare Shokz OpenMove vs. Soundcore Life P3
VS
FAQs
FAQs about earbuds and headphones
Why trust us
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
122,600
Recommendations made
18,390
Consumer hours saved
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.
Jason Lew
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.
Featured in
