Audio-Technica ATH M20x Review

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Audio-Technica ATH M20x

Overall score

5.6

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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

What it is: An evaluation of the headphones’ audio performance, including frequency response, driver configuration, impedance, distortion behavior, maximum output, passive isolation, and other factors that shape sound quality.

When it matters: When you care most about tonal balance, detail, isolation, and overall listening quality for music, movies, or gaming.

Score components:

30.0%

4.0

Active noise cancellation (ANC)

18.0%

Has passive noise reduction

15.0%

Driver type

8.0%

4.0

Hi-Res Audio certification

7.0%

8.8

Driver size

5.0%

Spatial audio

5.0%

Stereo speakers

3.0%

4.2

Lowest frequency

3.0%

3.1

Sensitivity

3.0%

7.2

THD (Total Harmonic Distortion)

1.0%

1.0

Number of drivers

1.0%

1.0

Highest frequency

1.0%

Impedance

6.4

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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: HIGH

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: HIGH

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

Calls & Controls

What it is: An analysis of call handling and user controls, including microphone hardware, voice pickup quality, mute and sidetone functions, button layouts, and other features that shape communication and direct interaction.

When it matters: When you use headphones for calls, meetings, chat, or streaming and need clear voice pickup plus practical onboard controls.

Score components:

24.0%

4.0

Noise-canceling microphone

18.0%

4.0

Can be used as a headset

16.0%

4.0

On-device controls

12.0%

4.0

In-line controls

8.0%

1.0

Number of microphones

6.0%

4.0

Wind noise reduction

4.0%

4.0

Mute function

4.0%

4.0

Sidetone

3.0%

Microphone SNR

3.0%

4.0

Microphone frequency range

2.0%

4.0

Boom microphone

3.8

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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: LOW

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: LOW

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

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

Connectivity

What it is: A review of wired and wireless connection capabilities, covering Bluetooth standards, codec support, latency, pairing options, range, multipoint behavior, and other factors that affect compatibility and signal quality.

When it matters: When stable pairing, low latency, codec support, or broad compatibility with phones, PCs, consoles, and accessories affect everyday use.

Score components:

18.0%

Audio latency

15.0%

4.0

Multipoint support

12.0%

4.0

Connectivity

8.0%

Has a 3.5mm male connector

8.0%

4.0

LDAC

6.0%

4.0

aptX Adaptive

6.0%

4.0

Bluetooth LE Audio

5.0%

4.0

aptX HD

4.0%

4.0

aptX Low Latency

4.0%

4.0

aptX Lossless

3.0%

4.0

AAC

2.0%

4.0

Bluetooth version

2.0%

Maximum Bluetooth range

2.0%

4.0

Dongle included

2.0%

4.0

Auracast

1.0%

Fast pairing

1.0%

4.0

Low-latency game mode

1.0%

4.0

aptX

4.7

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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: LOW

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: LOW

Good value: >=5.0

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: MEDIUM

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: LOW

Features

What it is: An overview of additional usability features, such as ambient listening, app integration, tracking tools, smart assistants, adaptive ANC adjustments, and other functions that extend the headphones beyond basic playback.

When it matters: When smart extras like ambient listening, app tuning, tracking, or assistant integration can noticeably improve convenience and daily usability.

Score components:

22.0%

4.0

Adjustable ANC levels

17.0%

4.0

Ambient sound mode

16.0%

4.0

EQ support

16.0%

4.0

Head tracking

15.0%

4.0

Companion app

7.0%

4.0

Voice assistant support

7.0%

4.0

In/on-ear detection

4.0

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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

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

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: HIGH

Good value: >=4

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

Battery

What it is: A measurement of battery autonomy and charging behavior, considering endurance with different features enabled, charge times, battery capacity, charging methods, and other factors tied to wireless use.

When it matters: When you need headphones that last through travel, workdays, or long sessions without frequent charging interruptions.

Score components:

26.0%

Battery life

24.0%

Charging time

22.0%

Battery life with ANC

10.0%

4.0

Quick charge

7.0%

Battery capacity

3.0%

4.0

USB Type-C

3.0%

4.0

Battery level indicator

2.0%

4.0

Wireless charging

2.0%

4.0

Play while charging

1.0%

4.0

Removable battery

4.0

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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: LOW

Good value: >45 hours

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: LOW

Good value: >40 hours

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: LOW

Good value: <=2 hours

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: LOW

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: LOW

Good value: >=720 mAh

Design

What it is: A description of the headphones’ physical design and wearing comfort, covering form factor, dimensions, materials, portability, durability features, and other details that affect fit and everyday use.

When it matters: When long listening sessions, daily portability, fit, or durability matter as much as sound quality in your buying decision.

Score components:

42.0%

5.9

Weight

22.0%

Replaceable earpads

10.0%

4.0

Detachable cable

6.0%

Form factor

6.0%

5.2

Clamp force

6.0%

6.0

Earcup inner height

4.0%

7.8

Earcup inner width

4.0%

4.0

Foldable

6.6

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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: LOW

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: LOW

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: HIGH

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: LOW

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: LOW

Audio-Technica ATH M20x vs the average pair of headphones

Why is Audio-Technica ATH M20x better than the average pair of headphones?

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spatial audio support
Audio-Technica ATH M20x supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% 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 pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
direct 3.5 mm plug
Audio-Technica ATH M20x includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% 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: LOW
Audio-Technica ATH M20x includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
1.8 m longer cable length
Audio-Technica ATH M20x offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.3 m vs 1.2 m
fast pairing support
Audio-Technica ATH M20x supports fast pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 14% of headphones support fast pairing.
What it is: Supports instant pairing with compatible devices
When it matters: When you frequently reconnect to the same phone, tablet, or laptop and want setup friction kept to a minimum.
Importance: LOW
Audio-Technica ATH M20x supports fast pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 14% of headphones support fast pairing.
3 Hz lower bass extension
Audio-Technica ATH M20x has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (15 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.15 Hz vs 18 Hz
12.8% lower weight
Audio-Technica ATH M20x is lighter than the average pair of headphones (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: HIGH
Good value: <150 g
Audio-Technica ATH M20x is lighter than the average pair of headphones (190 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.190 g vs 218 g
7 mm more spacious earcup width
Audio-Technica ATH M20x offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (51 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.
Importance: LOW
Audio-Technica ATH M20x offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (51 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.51 mm vs 44 mm
1.8 m longer cable length
Audio-Technica ATH M20x offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (190 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
7 mm more spacious earcup width
Audio-Technica ATH M20x offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (51 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
spatial audio support
Audio-Technica ATH M20x supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
3 Hz lower bass extension
Audio-Technica ATH M20x has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
fast pairing support
Audio-Technica ATH M20x supports fast pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 14% of headphones support fast pairing.

Why is Audio-Technica ATH M20x worse than the average pair of headphones?

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fixed cable
Audio-Technica ATH M20x has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones 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 pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones 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 pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
0.6 higher clamp force
Audio-Technica ATH M20x has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (96 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
no battery indicator
Audio-Technica ATH M20x does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
not headset-ready
Audio-Technica ATH M20x is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
Audio-Technica ATH M20x has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
no voice assistant support
Audio-Technica ATH M20x does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
no voice assistant support
Audio-Technica ATH M20x does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones 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 pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
fixed cable
Audio-Technica ATH M20x has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones 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: LOW
Audio-Technica ATH M20x has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones 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 pair of headphones (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: MEDIUM
Good value: <=1%
Audio-Technica ATH M20x has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones is. 84.8% 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: LOW
Audio-Technica ATH M20x is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
7 mm tighter earcup height
Audio-Technica ATH M20x has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (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: LOW
Audio-Technica ATH M20x has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (53 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.53 mm vs 60 mm
no battery indicator
Audio-Technica ATH M20x does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
What it is: Shows remaining battery charge visually or audibly
When it matters: When you dislike unexpected shutdowns and want clearer warning before leaving home, boarding a flight, or joining a call.
Importance: LOW
Audio-Technica ATH M20x does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
1 fewer microphones
Audio-Technica ATH M20x has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1