Please note, if you click and make a purchase through links on our site, we may receive a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x and M20x are both budget headphones from a well-respected manufacturer. At first glance, both these headphones seem to be identical, the question is, does one have an advantage over the other?

These Closed-back Monitoring headphones share much more in common than they do differ from each other. However, the differences are more important when it comes to head-to-head clashes.

Audio-Technica ATH-M30x vs Audio-Technica ATH-M20x (2024) - Comparison

TLDR

When it comes to head-to-head comparisons, these headphones go toe-to-toe. Both share more similarities than they do differences, which are very minor. In the end, it's quite a tie between the two.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Closed-back Monitoring Headphones are Budget, Wired, Closed-Back, and Over-Ear Headphones. They are great for Gaming, Music Production, Recording, and Studio.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Closed-back Monitoring Headphones are Budget, Wired, Closed-Back, and Over-Ear Headphones. They are really suited to Gaming, Music Production, Recording, and Studio.

Key Differences

The only difference between the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x and M20x is their sound sensitivity specifications, however minor they may be. While they both have the same Impedance Level, the M30x has better SPL handling but falls short in the Frequency Range department, where the M20x has the upper hand with a more natural (closer to full-spectrum) Frequency Range.

Key Features in Common

When it comes to similarities, not only do both headphones share a similar price range but they are also both Closed-back, over-ear, dynamic headphones.

These wired headphones have the same 9.8" cable while also having the same number and type of cable connectors. Additionally, they do not have a detachable cable.

Lastly, they are made of the same material. Both headphones have a plastic design with plush ear cushions.

Battery Type
N/A
N/A
Detachable Cable
No
No
Cable Connection Type
1/8 Inch TRS1/4 Inch TRS
1/8 Inch TRS1/4 Inch TRS
Suitable for
GamingMusic ProductionRecordingStudio
GamingMusic ProductionRecordingStudio
Wired/Wireless
Wired
Wired
Headphone Type
Closed-BackOver-Ear
Closed-BackOver-Ear
Headphone Category
Headphones
Headphones

Here's a video of the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Closed-back Monitoring Headphones in action.

And here's a video of the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Closed-back Monitoring Headphones.

Price Comparison Between The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Closed-back Monitoring Headphones and Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Closed-back Monitoring Headphones

Use the below to get up-to-date prices for both the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Closed-back Monitoring Headphones and Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Closed-back Monitoring Headphones

We have included a head-to-head comparison of the features and specs on both the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Closed-back Monitoring Headphones and Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Closed-back Monitoring Headphones.

Specs

Headphone material
Plastic, Plush Ear Cushions
Plastic, Plush Ear Cushions
Battery Type
N/A
N/A
Detachable Cable
No
No
Cable Connection Type
1/8 Inch TRS1/4 Inch TRS
1/8 Inch TRS1/4 Inch TRS
Cable Length
9.8
9.8
Frequency Response (Hz - kHz)
15 - 22
15 - 20
Sensitivity SPL
98 dB
96 dB
Impedance
47 Ohms
47 Ohms

Headphone Overview

Suitable for
GamingMusic ProductionRecordingStudio
GamingMusic ProductionRecordingStudio
Wireless Type
N/A
N/A
Wired/Wireless
Wired
Wired
Headphone Type
Closed-BackOver-Ear
Closed-BackOver-Ear
Headphone Category
Headphones
Headphones

Verdict

The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x and M20x are both budget-friendly headphones with many things in common. They are almost identical when it comes to design and use, apart from the minor differences in sound sensitivity specs. However, given their similar price range, both headphones offer the same value for money.

That's our head-to-head comparison of the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Closed-back Monitoring Headphones Closed-Back, and Over-Ear and the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Closed-back Monitoring Headphones Closed-Back, and Over-Ear. We hope you found this guide useful. We have plenty more comprehensive comparisons on our site, so check them out through our guides section.