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Noise Isolation — measured in the SoundGuys lab.
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above average for over-ear headphones — based on 159 of 241 we've cataloged.
Usb-c is the most common — on 88% of the 139 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 241).
5.0 is the most common — on 26% of the 152 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 241).
Wired-3.5mm is the most common — on 47% of the 249 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 241).
The verdict
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x is one of the best budget studio headphones under $50, making it acceptable for bedroom producers and podcasters on tight budgets. However, the uncomfortable ear pads and weak bass response limit professional mixing applications. The headphones work best for short tracking sessions rather than extended mixing or monitoring work.
✓Liked: Excellent price-to-performance ratio at under $50 makes them accessible for budget studios, Long 3-meter cable with 1/4-inch adapter included enables direct studio interface connectivity, Headband padding is comfortable and distributes clamping force evenly across the head, Relatively accurate frequency response from 200-600Hz suitable for vocal and instrument tracking
✕Could be better: Vinyl ear pads are uncomfortable and cause ear fatigue after two hours, requiring pad replacement for longer sessions, Bass is severely weak and lacks sub-bass extension, making kick drums and bass guitar sound thin, Build quality feels cheap with plastic construction throughout and no premium materials, Cable is not replaceable, limiting durability if it becomes damaged
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What readers ask about the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x, answered by the people who own it.
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Ask the first question →Commentary and deep dives from the SoundGuys editorial team.
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Christian ThomasEditor-at-large5 ways headphones are going to change in 2027Here's where things are headed.Christian ThomasEditor-at-largeWired vs wireless headphones: Which should you buy?Wired headphones do not automatically sound better.
Tom TriggsContributor
2 of 3 would buy again
3 owners · owners report ~40 h per charge vs 40 h claimed
The battery beat their expectations
The noise cancelling beat their expectations
Expected more from comfort
1 of 1 would buy again
1 owner
Nothing surprising about comfort
0 of 1 would buy again
1 owner
The noise cancelling beat their expectations
0 of 1 would buy again
1 owner · 1 photo-verified
Expected more from comfort
0 of 2 would buy again
2 owners · 2 photo-verified
The noise cancelling beat their expectations
The battery beat their expectations
