I recently got my hands on the Audio-Technica ATH-M20XBT wireless headphones, and I have to say, I was impressed with their performance. Audio-Technica has been a trusted brand in the audio industry for years, and its M-Series lineup has been a favorite among music producers and audio enthusiasts alike. The ATH-M20XBT is the wireless counterpart to the wired M-Series lineup, and at $79, they are a very affordable option for those looking for quality audio on a budget. Keep reading about my M20xBT Review
One of the first things I noticed about the ATH-M20XBT is its lightweight design. They are made mostly of plastic and other inexpensive materials, but this means they are incredibly light and comfortable to wear for extended periods. The headphones don’t fold up, which makes them a little less portable than some of their higher-end counterparts, but this is a minor inconvenience considering the audio quality they deliver.
The ATH-M20XBT boasts a 60-hour battery life, which is impressive for a pair of wireless headphones in this price range. The sound quality is also noteworthy, with a balanced sound signature that delivers clear vocals and crisp highs. The bass is present but not overpowering, which is ideal for those who prefer a more balanced sound. Overall, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20XBT wireless headphones are a great option for those looking for quality audio on a budget.
Audio Technica M20xBT Review
- Wireless, on-the-go design delivers the same sonic signature as the wired ATH-M20x professional studio headphones
- 40 mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils are tuned for enhanced low-frequency performance
- Low latency mode improves synchronicity between audio and video for smooth streaming and gaming
- Multipoint pairing function allows you to stay connected to two Bluetooth devices at once
- Up to 60 hours of continuous use on a full charge and up to 3 hours of use on a 10-minute rapid charge (via USB-C connection)
Design and Build Quality
Materials and Aesthetics
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20XBT headphones have a sleek and professional look. The ear cups are made of durable plastic with a matte black finish, and the headband is made of a sturdy metal material. The padding on the ear cups and headband is made of a soft leatherette material that feels comfortable against the skin. The overall design of the headphones is simple, with no flashy logos or unnecessary details.
Comfort and Fit
The ATH-M20XBT headphones are lightweight, weighing in at only 2.26 ounces (219g), making them comfortable to wear for extended periods. The headband is adjustable, allowing for a custom fit, and the ear cups swivel to fit the contours of your head. The soft leatherette padding on the ear cups and headband provides a comfortable fit, even when wearing the headphones for long periods.
In terms of build quality, the ATH-M20XBT headphones are well-constructed and feel durable. The plastic used for the ear cups and headband is sturdy and can withstand some wear and tear. The metal material used for the headband adds to the overall durability of the headphones.
Overall, the design and build quality of the ATH-M20XBT headphones are impressive. The headphones have a sleek and professional look, with a durable construction that can withstand daily use. The lightweight design and comfortable fit make them an excellent choice for extended listening sessions.
Sound Performance
As an audio professional, I was eager to test the sound performance of the Audio-Technica ATH-M20XBT headphones. Here’s what I found out:
Audio Quality and Drivers
The ATH-M20XBT headphones come with 40mm drivers, which deliver crisp and clear audio. The vocals are well-balanced, and the sound quality is impressive for headphones in this price range. The audio quality is good enough to satisfy most music lovers and audiophiles alike.
Bass and Frequency Response
The bass on the ATH-M20XBT headphones is deep and punchy, but not overpowering. The frequency response is also quite impressive, with a range of 15Hz to 20kHz. This means that the headphones can handle a wide variety of music genres, from bass-heavy hip-hop to treble-heavy classical music.
Sound Isolation and Noise
The ATH-M20XBT headphones feature over-ear cups that provide good sound isolation. They effectively block out external noise, allowing you to focus on your music. However, they do not eliminate noise, so you may still hear some background noise in noisy environments.
In conclusion, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20XBT headphones deliver great sound performance, crisp and clear audio, deep and punchy bass, and good sound isolation. They are a great choice for anyone looking for affordable wireless headphones with good sound quality.
Connectivity and Battery Life
Bluetooth Capabilities
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20XBT is a wireless Bluetooth headphone that supports Bluetooth version 5.0. The headphones are equipped with a USB-C port for charging and have a range of up to 10 meters from the source device. The Bluetooth codec used in these headphones is SBC, which is a standard codec for Bluetooth audio streaming.
The ATH-M20XBT headphones do not support aptX or AAC codecs, which are known to provide better audio quality over Bluetooth. However, the SBC codec used in these headphones is capable of delivering good audio quality, and most users may not notice any significant difference.
The headphones also support multipoint pairing, which allows them to connect to two devices simultaneously. This feature is useful for users who want to switch between their phone and laptop without having to disconnect and reconnect the headphones.
Battery Endurance
One of the standout features of the ATH-M20XBT headphones is their impressive battery life. The headphones can last up to 60 hours on a single charge, which is significantly longer than most wireless headphones in the same price range. This means that users can use the headphones for several days without having to charge them.
The headphones also have a low latency mode, which reduces the audio latency when watching videos or playing games. This mode is useful for users who want to use the headphones for media consumption.
In conclusion, the ATH-M20XBT headphones have good Bluetooth capabilities and impressive battery endurance. The headphones support multipoint pairing and have a range of up to 10 meters. The SBC codec used in these headphones can deliver good audio quality, and the headphones have a low latency mode for media consumption. The headphones can last up to 60 hours on a single charge, making them ideal for users who want long battery life.
Functionality and Controls
Ease of Use
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20XBT headphones are user-friendly and easy to use. The physical buttons on the headphones are well-placed and easy to identify by touch. The power button is located on the left earcup, while the volume and playback controls are on the right earcup. The multifunction button is also located on the right earcup, and it can be used to play/pause music, answer/end calls, and skip tracks.
App Integration
The Audio-Technica Connect app is available for both iOS and Android devices. The app allows you to customize the sound profile of the headphones and adjust the equalizer settings to your liking. You can also check the battery level of the headphones and update the firmware using the app.
The headphones also support Google Fast Pair, which makes it easy to pair the headphones with your Android device. When you turn on the headphones for the first time, they will automatically enter pairing mode and appear on your device’s screen. Tap on the notification to connect the headphones to your device.
Overall, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20XBT headphones offer a great user experience with easy-to-use physical buttons and app integration that allows for customization of the sound profile.
Value and Competition
Price Comparison
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20XBT has a price point of $79, making it an affordable option for those on a budget. Compared to other budget-friendly wireless headphones such as the Anker Soundcore Life Q35 and Jabra Elite 45h, the ATH-M20XBT offers great value for its price. The Anker Soundcore Life Q35 is priced at $129, while the Jabra Elite 45h is priced at $99.
Market Positioning
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20XBT is positioned as an entry-level wireless headphone in the Audio-Technica M-Series lineup. It is designed for studio and professional use, but it can also be used for personal listening. The ATH-M20XBT is a great option for those who are looking for a wireless headphone that delivers high-quality sound without breaking the bank.
Compared to other wireless headphones in the Audio-Technica M-Series lineup, the ATH-M20XBT is the most affordable option. The ATH-M20XBT offers great value for its price, making it a popular choice among consumers.
Overall, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20XBT is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable wireless headphone that delivers great sound quality. Its price point and market positioning make it a strong competitor in the budget-friendly wireless headphones market.
Additional Features
Accessories and Packaging
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20XBT comes with a few accessories that enhance your experience. The package includes a USB charging cable and a user manual. The charging cable is a standard USB Type-A to USB Type-C cable that can be used to charge the headphones. The user manual is a helpful guide that explains how to use the headphones and troubleshoot common issues.
The headphones do not come with a carrying case or pouch, which is a bit disappointing. A carrying case or pouch would have been a great addition to protect the headphones when you’re on the go.
Extra Functionalities
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20XBT has a few extra functionalities that make it stand out from other headphones in its price range. The headphones have a built-in microphone that can be used for phone calls. The microphone is located on the left ear cup and is easy to access.
The headphones also have a low-latency mode, which is great for gaming or watching videos. The low-latency mode reduces the delay between the audio and video, making it easier to sync the two.
The ear pads on the headphones are comfortable and can be replaced if needed. However, the ear pads are not as thick as some other headphones, which may be an issue for some users.
Overall, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20XBT has a few additional features that make it a great choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly pair of wireless headphones. While it doesn’t come with a carrying case or pouch, the built-in microphone and low-latency mode are great additions. The ear pads are comfortable but may not be as thick as some users prefer.
Conclusion of Audio Technica M20xBT Review
In conclusion, the Audio Technica M20xBT headphones offer a compelling blend of quality sound, comfort, and convenience. With their balanced sound profile, long battery life, and durable build, they are well-suited for both casual listeners and audio enthusiasts. While they may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, the M20xBT headphones deliver reliable performance at an attractive price point, making them a solid choice for anyone in the market for wireless over-ear headphones.
Frequently Asked Questions about M20xBT Review
What are the main differences between the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x and the ATH-M20xBT models?
The main difference between the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x and the ATH-M20xBT models is that the latter is wireless and has Bluetooth connectivity. This means that the ATH-M20xBT can be used without any wires and can be paired with mobile devices, laptops, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
How does the microphone quality of the Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT compare to other headphones in its class?
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT features a built-in microphone that allows for hands-free calling and voice commands. The microphone quality is decent and performs well for phone calls and voice commands. However, it may not be as good as some other headphones in its class that have dedicated noise-canceling microphones.
What is the battery life expectancy for the Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT when fully charged?
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT has an impressive battery life of up to 30 hours when fully charged. This means that the headphones can be used for long periods without needing to be recharged.
Can the Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT be used effectively for gaming purposes?
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT can be used for gaming purposes, but it may not be the best choice for serious gamers. The headphones do not have any dedicated gaming features such as 7.1 surround sound or customizable EQ settings. However, the headphones do provide good sound quality and can be used effectively for casual gaming.
How does the Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT perform in terms of noise cancellation?
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT does not have active noise cancellation, but it does provide good passive noise isolation. This means that the headphones can block out most external noise and provide a more immersive listening experience.
In a comparison between the Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT and the Sennheiser HD 350BT, which offers better value for money?
Both the Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT and the Sennheiser HD 350BT offer good value for money. However, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT is more affordable and offers similar features and sound quality to the Sennheiser HD 350BT. Therefore, if you are on a budget, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT may be a better choice.
