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Audio-Technica ATH M20x Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£45
Avg. price in US: ~$60
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Audio-Technica ATH M20x review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.5

Poor

4.5

Poor

?

0.2
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
0.0
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
0.2
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
2.8
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%
1.0
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

N/A~ £45

Best rankings

Verdict

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x is a professional closed-back monitor headphone featuring 40mm drivers with neodymium magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils, delivering a frequency response of 15 Hz to 20,000 Hz. These headphones are specifically tuned for enhanced low-frequency performance with a neutral sound profile and an impedance of 47 ohms, making them highly efficient for studio tracking and mixing without the need for an external amplifier. Main pros include their lightweight 190g build, excellent passive sound isolation via a circumaural design, and a durable 3-meter straight cable that is ideal for studio environments. However, notable cons include a fixed, non-detachable cable that can be cumbersome for portable use, ear pads that may become uncomfortable or sweaty during extended sessions, and a primarily plastic construction that lacks a premium feel.

Technical Specifications of Audio-Technica ATH M20x

Overall score

4.5

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?

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.

Sound

5.1

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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

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

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

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

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Calls & Controls

1.1

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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

N/A

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

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

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

N/A

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

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Connectivity

6.7

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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

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

N/A

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

N/A

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

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Features

2.7

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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

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

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Battery

1.0

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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

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Design

6.2

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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

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

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Audio-Technica ATH M20x vs the average headphone

Why is Audio-Technica ATH M20x better than the average headphone?

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Spatial audio support
Audio-Technica ATH M20x supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
What it is: Supports immersive surround sound playback
When it matters: When movies, games, and immersive mixes are part of your listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Audio-Technica ATH M20x supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Audio-Technica ATH M20x 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 M20x includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
1.8 m more useful cable length
Audio-Technica ATH M20x offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.
Importance: LOW
Audio-Technica ATH M20x offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.3 m vs 1.2 m
3 Hz lower bass extension
Audio-Technica ATH M20x has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (15 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 M20x has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (15 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.15 Hz vs 18 Hz
8 mm more spacious earcup width
Audio-Technica ATH M20x offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (51 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.
Importance: MEDIUM
Audio-Technica ATH M20x offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (51 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.51 mm vs 43 mm
12.8% lower weight
Audio-Technica ATH M20x 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 M20x is lighter than the average headphone (190 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.190 g vs 218 g
1.8 m more useful cable length
Audio-Technica ATH M20x offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
12.8% lower weight
Audio-Technica ATH M20x is lighter than the average headphone (190 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
8 mm more spacious earcup width
Audio-Technica ATH M20x offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (51 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
Spatial audio support
Audio-Technica ATH M20x supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
3 Hz lower bass extension
Audio-Technica ATH M20x has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (15 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Audio-Technica ATH M20x includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Why is Audio-Technica ATH M20x worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Audio-Technica ATH M20x has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
7 mm tighter earcup height
Audio-Technica ATH M20x has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (53 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
Tangle-prone cable
Audio-Technica ATH M20x 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 M20x does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
0.6 higher clamp force
Audio-Technica ATH M20x 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 M20x has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Audio-Technica ATH M20x has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
7 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
Audio-Technica ATH M20x has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (96 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
Not headset-ready
Audio-Technica ATH M20x is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
Audio-Technica ATH M20x has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Audio-Technica ATH M20x does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No voice assistant support
Audio-Technica ATH M20x 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 M20x does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Audio-Technica ATH M20x 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 M20x 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 M20x 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 M20x 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 %
6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Audio-Technica ATH M20x has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 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 M20x has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Not headset-ready
Audio-Technica ATH M20x is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
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
Audio-Technica ATH M20x is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
7 mm tighter earcup height
Audio-Technica ATH M20x has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (53 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 M20x has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (53 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.53 mm vs 60 mm
1 fewer microphones
Audio-Technica ATH M20x 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 M20x 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 M20x 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 M20x is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Audio-Technica ATH M20x and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Audio-Technica ATH M20x?

Excellent value for a budget-friendly price point
Clear, balanced, and flat audio profile suitable for tracking and monitoring
Lightweight design that remains comfortable for short-to-mid sessions
Sturdy and durable build quality that survives heavy everyday use
Extremely long 10-foot cable provides great reach in home studios

What customers dislike about Audio-Technica ATH M20x?

The extra-long audio cable is non-detachable and prone to tangling
Lacks low-frequency depth and sub-bass extension
Ear cups can make ears feel warm and cause discomfort during extended wear
Passive sound isolation is weak and struggles to block loud ambient office or transit noise
Predominantly plastic construction lacks a premium or high-end feel

Video reviews

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