AKG K371 vs Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
A side-by-side look at AKG K371 and Audio-Technica ATH-M20x for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
AKG K371
Closed-back reference headphone engineered to AKG's own frequency target - foldable for the road
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Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
The sub-$50 closed-back that outperforms every consumer headphone in its class
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Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| AKG K371 | Audio-Technica ATH-M20x | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Podcasters and producers who want a modern closed-back with flat reference tuning and portable foldable design | First-time podcasters and recording students who want a real monitoring headphone at the lowest reasonable price |
Key features
AKG K371
- 5 Hz - 40 kHz frequency response
- Closed-back, over-ear, foldable design
- 50mm drivers tuned to AKG Reference Response target
- 32 ohm impedance - no amp required
- Three detachable cables: 3m coiled, 3m straight, 1.2m straight
- Oval ear cups for passive noise isolation
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
- Closed-back, over-ear design
- 40mm neodymium dynamic drivers
- Fixed 3m straight cable, left-side exit
- 15 Hz - 20 kHz frequency response
- 47 ohm impedance - drives from any source
- Lightweight at 190g without cable
Pros and cons
AKG K371
Pros
- Flat, reference-tuned response matched to the Harman target
- Three cable options cover all use cases
- 32-ohm impedance works from any interface or device
- Foldable for travel without sacrificing studio-grade accuracy
Cons
- Foldable mechanism adds plastic to the build
- Oval ear cups require adjustment to fit some head shapes
- Bass extension can sound slightly soft versus V-shaped alternatives
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
Pros
- Exceptional value - accurate monitoring at minimal cost
- Genuine closed-back isolation for tracking
- Identical driver tech to the more expensive M-Series models
- Available in black and white
Cons
- Fixed non-detachable cable
- Thinner earcup padding than the M30x and M40x
- Bass extension is the most limited in the M-Series
The verdict
Choose AKG K371 if
Podcasters and producers who want a modern closed-back with flat reference tuning and portable foldable design.
The K371 is one of the most technically accurate closed-back headphones at its price, and the measurement community noticed it early - it closely follows the Harman target curve, which correlates well to what most people perceive as neutral and…
Choose Audio-Technica ATH-M20x if
First-time podcasters and recording students who want a real monitoring headphone at the lowest reasonable price.
The M20x punches well above consumer headphones and costs less than a nice dinner. The closed-back isolation is real, the frequency response is honest, and the build quality is recognizably Audio-Technica - not plastic toys. For a first recording setup…