Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M20x

The ATH-M20x is a featherweight champion of studio comfort with a boringly accurate sound, and that's exactly the point. Buy these to work, not to vibe out.

What surprised us most is the comfort. At just 190g, these things practically disappear on your head, and the 96th percentile comfort score from our database backs that up. You can wear them for an entire mixing session without fatigue. The sound is solidly in the 'well above average' camp, with the 40mm drivers delivering a flat, accurate response that's perfect for picking out flaws in a mix. The closed-back isolation is decent for tracking, though the build quality feels a bit plasticky and utilitarian, which is exactly where the cost-cutting happened.

You can't really compare a wired $50 studio headphone to wireless noise-canceling giants like the Sony ULT WEAR or the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2. Those are luxury consumer items built for bass and Bluetooth, while the M20x is a purpose-built tool. The more relevant fight is against something like the Sony MDR-7506, another studio legend. The Sonys are built better and have a slightly more detailed top end, but the Audio-Technicas are significantly more comfortable for long wear. If you're mixing, the M20x's comfort might just win out.

This is a tricky one because the listing is for a 10-pack, with prices ranging from $590 to $721 across vendors. If you're a studio or school outfitting a lab, the per-unit cost is an absolute steal for this level of monitoring accuracy. For a single buyer, you'd obviously find a single pair for much less, and at that individual price point, the value is still excellent. Just make sure you're buying from the vendor with the best deal on the pack if that's what you need.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x is the budget workhorse of the M-Series lineup, and it knows exactly what it is. It's not trying to be a fun, bass-heavy consumer headphone or a luxury statement piece. This is a wired, no-frills monitoring tool that prioritizes a neutral sound signature and all-day comfort above everything else. The one thing you need to know is that for pure studio tracking and critical listening on a tight budget, these are shockingly comfortable and deliver a clean, honest sound that's hard to beat at this price.

If you're looking for a pair of headphones to wear on the bus, take work calls, or just enjoy your Spotify playlist, this isn't it. Go get a pair of Sony WH-CH720N instead. You'll get Bluetooth, a mic, and a much more 'fun' sound for a similar price.

The ATH-M20x is a single-minded tool that nails its mission. It's not for commuting, it's not for gaming, and it's definitely not for making phone calls. But if you need a dead-honest, supremely comfortable set of cans for tracking vocals or checking a mix without your ears getting tired, this is one of the best starting points in audio. Just treat the cable with care, and they'll be a reliable studio companion for years.