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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you're looking for higher overall sound quality and plan to use them in relatively stationary scenarios like editing music or listening at home, the Audio Technica ATH M40X headphones, with their closed-back design and better sound isolation, could serve you well despite their lack of a microphone and wireless capabilities. However, if you're seeking more portability, lower cost, and the earbuds that are easier to travel with or use on the go, the Sony MDREX15AP could be a better choice, offering a reasonable sound experience and the ease of a lightweight and small design, though they might not match the Audio Technica's sound fidelity or build quality. The Sony earbuds also have a built-in mic which could be handy for calls. Keep in mind, though, that neither of these options are optimal for activities where sweating or exposure to dust is a concern, as neither are sweatproof or dustproof certified. 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
- Good for gaming
- Good for air travel
Advantages of the Sony MDREX15AP
- Excellent for TV and video
Key differences
TV and Video
8.7
9.3
The Sony MDREX15AP is excellent for TV and video, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good.
Noise Reduction
5.3
7.0
The Sony MDREX15AP is good for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
Cost
$99
$20
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M40X has a price of $99 and the Sony MDREX15AP costs $20.
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Key similarities
Music
8.1
8.3
The Sony MDREX15AP and Audio Technica ATH M40X are both very good for music.
Gaming
7.0
6.7
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Audio Technica ATH M40X to be good for gaming, while the Sony MDREX15AP is only fair.
Phone Calls
3.3
3.5
The Sony MDREX15AP and Audio Technica ATH M40X are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.1
5.4
The Sony MDREX15AP and Audio Technica ATH M40X are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks.
Build Quality
8.2
8.0
The Audio Technica ATH M40X and Sony MDREX15AP both have very good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M40X and the Sony MDREX15AP compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M40X | Sony MDREX15AP |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$99 | $20 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | March 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 3.3/10 | 3.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.1/10 | 6.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.8/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.6/10 | |
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 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.2/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 245 Grams | 3.1 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."
Sony MDREX15AP
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Make It Sound Great
Pete Anthony | June 2022
"At the ultra budget $10 price-point (and we’ve seen the no-mic version go for as cheap as $7), I’d say these are a decent option if you’re looking for a passable pair of earbuds for basic use that’s as cheap as possible. I wouldn’t say they feel or sound as good as some of the ultra-budget alternatives out there – of which there are a few at this point – but some might disagree. I will say though that the cable is a little bit nicer than those of that same competition."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M40X or the Sony MDREX15AP
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 Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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
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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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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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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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