OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

Audio-Technica ATH M20 Review | 93 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£45
  • Avg. price in US: ~$50
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Audio-Technica ATH M20 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.4

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

4.4

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.4

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.7

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

6.0

Design

8.0%

7.6

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

2.8

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 7.8
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    9.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    10

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 1.3
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    5.9

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 2.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 3.9
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.9

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • audio-technica-ath-m20
  • audio-technica-ath-m20
  • audio-technica-ath-m20
  • audio-technica-ath-m20
  • audio-technica-ath-m20
  • audio-technica-ath-m20
  • audio-technica-ath-m20
audio-technica-ath-m20
audio-technica-ath-m20
audio-technica-ath-m20
audio-technica-ath-m20
audio-technica-ath-m20
audio-technica-ath-m20
audio-technica-ath-m20

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £45

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x is an entry-level, closed-back dynamic monitor headphone featuring 40mm drivers with neodymium magnets and copper-clad aluminium wire (CCAW) voice coils. It offers a frequency response of 15 Hz – 20,000 Hz, an impedance of 47 ohms, and a sensitivity of 96 dB, making it suitable for studio tracking and mixing on a budget. Main pros include its professional-grade ear pads and headband for long-lasting comfort, effective sound isolation through a circumaural design, and a balanced, high-resolution audio profile that delivers clear detail for its price. However, notable cons include a non-detachable 3-metre cable that is cumbersome for travel, a predominantly plastic build that may lack a premium feel, and ear cups that can trap heat during extended listening sessions.

Technical Specifications of Audio-Technica ATH M20

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

4.4
Audio-Technica ATH M20 has a technical score of 4.37 points, which is lower than that of 79% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
1.0
Audio-Technica ATH M20 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.4

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.1
Audio-Technica ATH M20 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.1 points, which is lower than 78.9% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Audio-Technica ATH M20 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

40 mm
Audio-Technica ATH M20 uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Audio-Technica ATH M20 uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

30 Hz
Audio-Technica ATH M20 reaches a lowest frequency of 30 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 98.7% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Audio-Technica ATH M20 does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Audio-Technica ATH M20 is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

0
Audio-Technica ATH M20 has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

no
Audio-Technica ATH M20 does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A
Show more
Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Audio-Technica ATH M20 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

?
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

?
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Audio-Technica ATH M20 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
Audio-Technica ATH M20 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
Show more
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Audio-Technica
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

190 g
Audio-Technica ATH M20 weighs 190 g, lighter than 59.1% of headphones and equal to 1.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

4.9
Audio-Technica ATH M20 has a clamp force of 4.9, higher clamp force than 59.5% of headphones and equal to 8.8% of headphones.
Show more

Audio-Technica ATH M20 vs the average headphone

  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
    When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Audio-Technica ATH M20 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 12.8% lower weight
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 is lighter than the average headphone (190 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Audio-Technica ATH M20 is lighter than the average headphone (190 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.190 g vs 218 g
  • 12x higher input power handling
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,200 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    What it is: Maximum input power the drivers can safely handle
    When it matters: When you pair the headphones with stronger sources or dedicated gear.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=300 mW

    Audio-Technica ATH M20 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,200 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.1200 mW vs 100 mW
  • 12.8% lower weight
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 is lighter than the average headphone (190 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 12x higher input power handling
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,200 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Total
Design
Sound
Connectivity
  • Fixed cable
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 5 mm tighter earcup height
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (55 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No travel bag
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 5 mm tighter earcup width
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (38 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • 0.6 higher clamp force
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (4.9 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 12 Hz weaker bass extension
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (30 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 12 dB lower max SPL
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (98 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • 5 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 7 years older release date
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,010 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
  • No voice assistant support
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
    When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

    Importance: LOW

    Audio-Technica ATH M20 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Audio-Technica ATH M20 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
    When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=1%

    Audio-Technica ATH M20 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 12 Hz weaker bass extension
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (30 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Audio-Technica ATH M20 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (30 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.30 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Audio-Technica ATH M20 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
    When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    Audio-Technica ATH M20 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 4.65x less popular
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 5 mm tighter earcup height
    Audio-Technica ATH M20 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (55 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Audio-Technica ATH M20 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (55 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.55 mm vs 60 mm
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Audio-Technica ATH M20 and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Audio-Technica ATH M20?

  • Excellent value for money as an entry-level studio monitor headset
  • Balanced and clear mid-range sound signature ideal for basic audio tracking and podcasting
  • Lightweight over-ear design that feels secure and comfortable for short listening intervals
  • Highly durable build quality that reliably withstands daily wear and tear
  • Extra-long 3-metre cable providing extensive physical reach in home studio environments
  • Tight driver channel matching that maintains a consistent left-to-right stereo image

What customers dislike about Audio-Technica ATH M20?

  • Fixed, non-detachable cable makes replacement impossible without DIY soldering
  • The 3-metre cord is excessively long for portable use and prone to tangling easily
  • Stock earpads are relatively thin and shallow, causing ears to feel warm or sore over long sessions
  • Under-emphasized, rolled-off sub-bass response that leaves low-end frequencies sounding thin
  • Recessed treble tuning that causes vocal harmonics and high frequencies to feel veiled or dull
  • Poor passive noise isolation that allows external environmental noise to leak in easily

Video reviews

Best alternatives

sony-wh-1000xm4
Sony WH 1000XM4

Headphones

9.0
jbl-tour-one-m3
JBL Tour One M3

Headphones

9.0
sony-wh-1000xm6
Sony WH 1000XM6

Headphones

9.0
qcy-h3-pro
QCY H3 Pro

Headphones

8.9
baseus-bh1
Baseus BH1

Headphones

8.9
sony-wh-ult900n
Sony WH ULT900N

Headphones

8.9
nothing-headphone-1
Nothing Headphone 1

Headphones

8.8
sony-wh-1000xm5
Sony WH 1000XM5

Headphones

8.8
jbl-tour-one
JBL Tour One

Headphones

8.7
huawei-freebuds-studio
Huawei Freebuds Studio

Headphones

8.7
sennheiser-momentum
Sennheiser Momentum

Headphones

8.7
jbl-tour-one-m2
JBL Tour One M2

Headphones

8.7

Compare Audio-Technica ATH M20 with

VS
VS

Compare