Audio-Technica ATH-M20X ATHM20XWH Review

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x in white is a basic, wired studio headphone for under $60. It offers decent sound for the price and a durable build, but it's very heavy, lacks all modern features like Bluetooth, and isn't very comfortable. It's a niche pick for budget studio monitoring, not for everyday listening.

If you're looking for a simple, wired pair of studio headphones for under $60, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x in white is probably on your radar. It's the entry-level model in Audio-Technica's professional M-Series, and over 2 million pairs have sold worldwide. That's a lot of headphones. This new white version offers the same basic specs as the classic black model, but with a fresh look. It's a closed-back, over-ear design that's strictly wired, so you won't find any Bluetooth, active noise cancellation, or a built-in mic here. It's built for one thing: plugging in and listening.

Let's be clear about what you're getting. The sound quality lands in the 24th percentile compared to all headphones in our database. That means it's decent for the price, but it's not going to blow you away. Audio-Technica tunes these for a relatively flat, accurate response, which is good for monitoring audio if you're just starting out. But compared to even mid-range wireless headphones, the bass won't have the same punch and the overall detail is just okay. The wired-only connectivity puts it in the 2nd percentile, so if you hate cables, look elsewhere. Comfort is its biggest weakness, sitting in the 1st percentile. At 907g (over two pounds), these are heavy, and many users find them to clamp a bit too tight for long sessions.

At $59, the value proposition is straightforward: you're paying for a barebones, wired listening tool. You're not getting any of the modern conveniences like wireless connectivity, ANC, or voice assistant support. For the same money or less, you could get a competent pair of wireless earbuds. But if your priority is a durable, simple pair of over-ears that will always work when you plug them in, and you specifically want the white color, the price is hard to argue with. Just know exactly what you're sacrificing.

This sits in a totally different category than its top competitors. The Sony WH-1000XM6 and Apple AirPods Max are wireless ANC powerhouses that cost 5-10 times more. A fairer comparison is against other budget wired studio headphones, like the Sony MDR-7506. The M20x is heavier and often considered less comfortable. Against modern budget wireless options like the JBL Tune 770NC or Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus, the M20x loses on every feature except maybe pure durability. Those offer Bluetooth, ANC, mics, and foldable designs for not much more money. The M20x's main advantage is its lower price and the specific 'studio monitor' aesthetic.

Skip these if you want wireless freedom, need a microphone for calls or gaming, prioritize comfort for all-day wear, or enjoy features like noise cancellation. Also, avoid them if you're a commuter or traveler—the cable and lack of ANC will be a hassle. For those use cases, look at budget wireless models like the JBL Tune 770NC or even a good pair of wireless earbuds. The M20x is a tool for a specific, stationary job.

Should you buy the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x in white? Only in a very specific scenario. If you need a cheap, durable pair of wired headphones for a home studio, podcast monitoring, or a backup pair to keep in your desk drawer, and you really want the white color, then yes, it's a fine choice. But for almost everyone else—commuters, students, gamers, or people who just want to listen to music wirelessly—this is an easy skip. The weight, lack of features, and wired tether feel outdated for daily use in 2024. It does one simple job okay, but so do many other products that also do a lot more.