Audio-Technica ATH-M20x vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
A side-by-side look at Audio-Technica ATH-M20x and Audio-Technica ATH-M50x for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
The sub-$50 closed-back that outperforms every consumer headphone in its class
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Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The studio monitor headphone that became the industry default
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| Audio-Technica ATH-M20x | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | First-time podcasters and recording students who want a real monitoring headphone at the lowest reasonable price | Podcasters and audio producers who need accurate monitoring headphones for editing, mixing, and tracking |
Key features
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
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Closed-back over-ear, 45mm large-aperture drivers
- 15 Hz - 28 kHz frequency response
- 38 ohm impedance - drives from any device without an amp
- Three interchangeable cables: coiled, long straight, short straight
- 90-degree swivel earcups for one-ear monitoring
- Collapsible design for transport
Pros and cons
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
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Pros
- Accurate, detailed monitoring response trusted by professionals
- Excellent passive isolation for studio tracking
- Three interchangeable cables for different use cases
- Works without an amp at 38 ohms
Cons
- Stock earpads deteriorate and need replacement after a few years
- Slightly clampy fit for larger heads on long sessions
- Not completely neutral - has a mild V-shaped character
The verdict
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…
Choose Audio-Technica ATH-M50x if
Podcasters and audio producers who need accurate monitoring headphones for editing, mixing, and tracking.
The M50x has been the default studio headphone recommendation for over a decade and the reasons are legitimate - the isolation is excellent, the detail retrieval is honest without being harsh, and the slight low-end emphasis makes it forgiving for…