Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Professional Monitor Headphones Black

Pros:Excellent sound quality. Difference between this model and the 50 model is hard to notice.Comfortable ear cups: I have small but pokey out ears and these cups are comfortable for me to wear for 2 hours or more.Long cable: more than enough cable for most use cases, and it comes with the full size jack plug adapter.Noise suppression: they’re not noise cancelling headphones but they do a brilliant job of suppressing the background noises with just the padded ear cups.Cons: the only little thing I can pick with these is that the construction materials feel a bit cheap, but it doesn’t effect the sound quality at all, and won’t make you feel like you bought a cheap product as the sound quality outweighs it heavily.Great to buy if you’re moving up from those cheaper headphones and want something that gives an accurate representation of the audio you’re working with.Good bass representation, clarity between frequencies, the high end seems the slightest bit lacking, but overall the sound quality is very good and very close to the 50 model.

As a full-time visual media professional working in-house at an agency, I’m always looking for affordable, reliable tools that don’t compromise on quality. I recently purchased the Audio-Technica ATH-M20X headphones as a budget option specifically for video and audio editing, as well as on-set tracking. Having recently splurged on Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones, I quickly realized that while they’re fantastic for casual listening and noise-canceling on the go, they’re more “lifestyle” than “workhorse.” I needed something dependable and accurate, and the ATH-M20X seemed promising based on reviews.Sound Quality - Exceeds ExpectationsFor the price, the ATH-M20X headphones are genuinely impressive. The sound clarity across the frequency spectrum is remarkable, especially for a budget model. The mids and highs come through clearly, which is essential for accurate audio editing. But what really surprised me was the punch in the low end; it’s strong but not overdone, adding depth without muddying the sound. This makes them ideal for any kind of professional work where accurate sound reproduction is key. They may not quite match the precision of higher-end models, but for their price range, the balance and clarity are outstanding.Comfort and Build - Lightweight and PracticalOne of the things I appreciate about these headphones is their lightweight design. They’re comfortable enough for long editing sessions, though I do need to take occasional breaks. The ear pads are soft but not as luxurious as what you’d find on more expensive models like the Bose. Still, for what they cost, they’re reasonably comfortable, and I haven’t had issues with overheating or excessive pressure (I am also a full-time glasses wearer which can often make wearing over-ear headphones uncomfortable, however, these have been fine).Design Trade-Offs - Reasonable for the PriceThe ATH-M20X lacks some of the premium features you’d find in higher-tier models, like the ATH-M50X. The cable isn’t detachable, which would have been a nice addition, especially for on-the-go use or replacing it when needed. The ear cups also don’t fully articulate, which limits the range of motion if you’re used to folding or rotating your headphones for single-ear listening. But these are minor trade-offs, and they don’t detract much from their utility in a professional setting.Great for Both Professionals and Casual UsersAfter comparing specs and reviews across the M-series lineup, I initially hesitated to go for the most affordable option, but I’m glad I took the gamble on the ATH-M20X. They’re excellent not only for professional work but also for anyone looking to upgrade their sound quality without breaking the bank. These would work well for casual users who want high-quality sound for music or movies and don’t necessarily need all the bells and whistles.Final Verdict - High Value, Low CostIf you’re in the market for affordable monitoring headphones with strong sound quality and decent comfort, the ATH-M20X is a solid choice. While it lacks some of the premium features of more expensive models, the clarity and low-end punch make it perfect for professionals on a budget and casual users alike. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a budget-friendly, reliable pair of headphones!

Good entry level budget headphones. Not much colour so it's good for entry level mixing headphones. Although there isn't much bass and weak sound stage. Lightweight and decent comfortability even with glasses. Quite durable. Recommend at least starting from ath-m30x directly. Wouldn't recommend to travel around with it cause the cable isn't detachable, can't fold and no travel case. Overall good for its price but recommend at least stsrting from ath-m30x.

Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Review (6 Months Later)After using the Audio-Technica ATH-M20X for six months, I can confidently say that this budget-friendly headphone has held up quite well. Whether you're using them for casual music listening, podcasts, or video calls, these headphones still manage to deliver solid performance at an affordable price. Here's my updated take after months of regular use.Design and Build QualitySix months in, the ATH-M20X still feels just as sturdy as it did when I first got them. The lightweight plastic build hasn't shown any signs of wear or damage. The adjustable headband is still smooth, and the ear cups remain comfortable, even during long listening sessions. I was initially concerned about the ear padding feeling too firm, but surprisingly, it's held up fine over time. It doesn't get too uncomfortable, though if you're used to very plush padding, you might still find them a bit stiff.The build overall is simple but durable. These headphones are easy to fold up and store, which has been great for travel. There’s no significant creaking or looseness in the joints after a few months of use, which shows that they’re well-built for the price.Sound Qualitythe sound quality of the ATH-M20X is still impressive for an entry-level headphone. The bass remains balanced—not too punchy, but present enough for most genres. If you're into bass-heavy music, like hip-hop or EDM, you might feel like you want more, but it’s not bad by any means. The mids and vocals are still clear, and the treble hasn’t become harsh or fatiguing. There’s a nice balance overall that works well for a variety of genres.I’ve used these for everything from casual listening to watching movies and gaming, and the audio performance holds up across all activities. I still don’t expect the level of soundstage and deep bass found in more expensive models like the ATH-M50X, but for general use, the M20X has been more than sufficient.Comfort and FitComfort-wise, these headphones have done well for long listening sessions. The ear cups still feel snug, and the headband adjusts easily to ensure a good fit. The ear padding has softened slightly, which makes them more comfortable now than when I first got them. I can easily wear these for a few hours without feeling much discomfort, though I wouldn’t say they’re as plush as higher-end headphones. If you have larger ears, you might still feel a bit cramped, but for me, they’ve been comfortable overall.Noise IsolationThe passive noise isolation of the ATH-M20X continues to perform well. In quieter environments, they block out most background noise, which is great when I want to focus on music or a podcast. In louder places, like public transport or a noisy café, they do a decent job of cutting out ambient noise, but you can still hear some of the background sounds if the volume isn’t turned up. If you need active noise cancellation, you’ll have to look at pricier models, but for everyday use, the isolation on these is more than adequate.DurabilityThe ATH-M20X has held up impressively well after six months of regular use. The cable hasn’t shown any signs of fraying or damage, despite daily use. I’ve also been able to pack them up and carry them around without worrying about breaking or bending them. They’ve been dropped a couple of times, and there are no visible cracks or loose parts. The plastic build remains solid, and there’s been no degradation in sound quality.One downside, however, is that the cable is still non-detachable, which means if something were to happen to it, you'd have to replace the entire set. That said, the cable itself has been sturdy enough that I haven’t encountered any issues.Pros:Great value: Still impressive sound quality for the price, offering a balanced and clear audio experience.Comfortable for long sessions: Ear padding has softened a bit, making them more comfortable over time.Sturdy build: No signs of wear and tear after six months of regular use.Good noise isolation: Still effective at blocking out background noise, particularly in quieter environments.Durable cable: The non-detachable cable is still in perfect condition after months of use.Cons:Lack of deep bass: The bass is balanced, but if you’re a basshead, you may find it underwhelming.Non-detachable cable: While durable, the inability to replace the cable could be a downside for some.Snug fit for larger ears: While comfortable for most, those with larger ears might find the ear cups a little tight after extended wear.ConclusionAfter six months of regular use, I’m still very pleased with the Audio-Technica ATH-M20X. For the price, they offer a great combination of clear sound, comfort, and durability. While they don’t have the deep bass or expansive soundstage of more premium models, they provide solid performance for casual listening, gaming, and even podcasts. If you're looking for affordable, reliable headphones that can handle daily use without breaking the bank, the ATH-M20X remains a fantastic choice. They’ve held up well and continue to be a great value after months of use.