Audio-TechnicaATH-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!

Ive had these for 3 years and they're still going without any issue, which is a suprise because the plastic brakets are composed of cheap plastic. I think its stronger than it feels, which makes you careful with them beyond what is necesary.The leather is of poor quality, but the cups are still comfortable and the headband hasnt torn on me yet, though there is some cracking of the leather which will be the ultimate downfall of my pair (probably in another 2-3 years). More expensive headphones have very soft cups, which is nicer around the ears but sometimes becomes hot so its a bit of a tradoff. I start feeling these afte 2 hours and they become pretty uncomfortable after 5-6 hours. They are very light though, which is a bonus for some. The sound quality is good for the price, and the head band design is a good one which is very robust and smooth.All in all they are a good design, with poor quality materials and sensible priorities on sound quality and head band design. An ideal tradeoff for budget headphones, but they arent that budget anymore considering they used to be £30. Im happy with the purchase, and now these will be spares for me. I bought a more expensive pair, but only because I wanted a mic inbuilt.If you want to use these for being outside with and walking whilst listening, I dont advise these headphones. The cable is too long for it, and they are not strong enough for it. They are more suited for at home, on a PC or Laptop. Also, you might want more noise cancelling in that case.