Audio Technica Headphones ATH-M20xBT Review | Best Wireless Over-Ear Headsets

With the rich heritage of legendary headphones like the M50x, the new Audio Technica Headphones M20xBT brings 60 hours of wireless listening. Priced at just $80, it doesn’t break the bank either. So, let’s dive in and take a closer look at the Audio-Technica M20xBT.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Affordable Price: Priced at just $80, offering great value.	No Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Lacks advanced features like ANC.
Long Battery Life: Up to 60 hours of wireless listening.	Shallow Ear Cups: The driver cover may press against the ears, causing discomfort for some users.
Impressive Audio Quality: Excellent sound signature with powerful bass and clear mids and highs.	Limited Rotation: Ear cups do not rotate a full 90 degrees for flat storage.
Lightweight Design: Comfortable for extended wear due to its lightweight build.	Plastic Build: The plastic construction may feel less robust.
Wired Option Available: Can be used with a 3.5mm cable if the battery runs out.	No Carrying Case: Does not come with a fancy carrying case or other accessories.
Low Latency Mode: Improves audio-video sync for media consumption.	Limited Breathability: Ear pads may get warm during long sessions.
Multipurpose Buttons: Controls are multifunctional, allowing for various operations.	Basic Design: Lacks premium feel and additional features found in higher-end models.

Design and Build Quality | Audio Technica Headphones

The Audio Technica Headphones M20xBT maintains a design similar to the rest of Audio-Technica’s over-ear lineup. The large logo is subtle, featuring a glossy black design on top of the textured black finish. Despite its 60-hour battery life, the lightweight design is immediately noticeable, contributing to the overall comfort.

The headphones are relatively small, which aids in the lightweight design. Although the build is predominantly plastic, contributing to the lightweight feel, it doesn’t feel the most robust. The ear cups offer some adjustability, with rotation and slight in-and-out movement, though they don’t rotate a full 90 degrees to lay flat.

Controls and Connectivity | Audio Technica Headphones

All the controls are located on the left ear cup. Here, you’ll find a USB-C port, a 3.5mm port, and three buttons: plus, minus, and a multifunction button in the middle. These buttons control various functions, including volume adjustment, track skipping, and call management. The 3.5mm port allows for wired listening, which is useful if the battery runs out or if you’re using a device that doesn’t support Bluetooth. A 3.5mm cable is included in the box.

Comfort | Audio Technica Headphones M20xBT

The lightweight design of the M20xBT contributes significantly to its comfort. The headband features ample padding, and the memory foam ear pads are wrapped in a leatherette material. However, the lack of breathability in the ear pads can cause them to get a bit warm during extended use. The clamping force is moderate, not too tight, which helps maintain comfort over long periods.

One potential downside is the ear cups’ shallow depth, which may cause the driver cover to press against the top of your ear. While this may not be an issue for everyone, it was noticeable during extended use. Some extra padding on the driver cover or thicker ear cushions could improve this aspect.

Audio Quality | Audio Technica Headphones M20xBT

Without the frills of higher-priced models, Audio-Technica has clearly prioritized sound quality in the Audio Technica Headphones M20xBT, and it shows. The 40mm drivers deliver an impressive 5 to 32,000 Hz frequency response, far exceeding the standard 20 to 20,000 Hz range. While it’s unclear if this applies to both wired and Bluetooth modes, the sound signature is excellent.

The M20xBT delivers big, powerful bass that hits low, making it perfect for bass-heavy genres. Tracks like “Solar Sailor” from the Tron Legacy soundtrack showcased clear, deep bass without being overpowering. The mids are neutral, with plenty of clarity for tracks with complex instrumentation. Highs are bright but controlled, allowing vocals and strings to come through crisp and clear.

Additionally, the stereo imaging is impressive for a headset in this price range. Tracks like “Sound and Color” by Alabama Shakes demonstrated excellent separation and soundstage.

Low Latency Mode and Microphone | Audio Technica Headphones

The M20xBT also features a low latency mode, which is beneficial for watching videos or gaming. While it doesn’t completely eliminate latency, it does help sync audio and video more closely.

The built-in microphone is located near the USB-C port on the left ear cup. While it won’t replace a dedicated microphone for professional use, it’s adequate for Bluetooth calling and casual use.

Comparison Table | Audio Technica ATH-M20xBT vs ATH-M50xBT2 vs ATH-AVC400 SonicPro vs ATH-S220BTWH

Feature	Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT	Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2	Audio-Technica ATH-AVC400 SonicPro	Audio-Technica ATH-S220BTWH
Type	Over-Ear, Wireless	Over-Ear, Wireless	Over-Ear, Wired	On-Ear, Wireless
Battery Life	Up to 60 hours	Up to 50 hours	N/A (Wired)	Up to 60 hours
Driver Size	40mm	45mm	40mm	40mm
Frequency Response	5 – 32,000 Hz	15 – 28,000 Hz	15 – 22,000 Hz	5 – 32,000 Hz
Impedance	36 ohms	38 ohms	40 ohms	32 ohms
Sensitivity	100 dB	99 dB	100 dB	105 dB
Weight	Lightweight (Exact weight not specified)	310g	210g	180g
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.0, Wired (3.5mm)	Bluetooth 5.0, Wired (3.5mm)	Wired (3.5mm)	Bluetooth 5.0, Wired (3.5mm)
Special Features	Multipurpose buttons, Low Latency Mode	Built-in Alexa, Low Latency Mode, Multi-Point	SonicPro sound, affordable wired option	Fast Pair, Multi-Point Connectivity
Build Quality	Plastic	Premium Plastic/Metal	Plastic/Metal	Plastic
Comfort	Memory foam ear pads, lightweight design	Memory foam ear pads, more robust build	Standard padding, lightweight	Memory foam ear pads, lightweight design
Noise Cancelling	None	None	None	None
Carrying Case	None	Yes	None	None
Voice Assistant Support	No	Yes	No	No
Low Latency Mode	Yes	Yes	No	No
Overall Sound Signature	Fun, bass-boosted	Balanced, with slight bass emphasis	Neutral, clear	Balanced, versatile
Price	View Price on Amazon	View Price on Amazon	View Price on Amazon	View Price on Amazon

Amazon Buying Guide for Audio Technica Headphones

When searching for the perfect pair of headphones, Audio-Technica offers a wide range of options that cater to different needs and preferences. This buying guide will help you understand the key factors to consider and the differences among popular models like the ATH-M20xBT, ATH-M50xBT2, ATH-AVC400 SonicPro, and ATH-S220BTWH, so you can make an informed decision on Amazon.

1. Determine Your Use Case

• Casual Listening: For everyday use, go for the ATH-M20xBT or ATH-S220BTWH—both offer long battery life and comfort.
• Professional Use: Choose the ATH-M50xBT2 for balanced sound and premium build quality.
• Budget-Friendly: The ATH-AVC400 SonicPro is an affordable wired option with reliable sound.

2. Choose the Right Type

• Over-Ear: Provides better sound isolation—ideal models include the ATH-M20xBT, ATH-M50xBT2, and ATH-AVC400 SonicPro.
• On-Ear: More portable; consider the ATH-S220BTWH.

3. Battery Life

• ATH-M20xBT and ATH-S220BTWH: Up to 60 hours.
• ATH-M50xBT2: Up to 50 hours.

4. Sound Quality

• Balanced Sound: ATH-M50xBT2.
• Bass-Heavy: ATH-M20xBT.
• Neutral: ATH-AVC400 SonicPro.

5. Comfort and Build

• Lightweight: ATH-M20xBT, ATH-S220BTWH.
• Premium Build: ATH-M50xBT2.

6. Connectivity

• Bluetooth + Wired: ATH-M20xBT, ATH-M50xBT2, ATH-S220BTWH.
• Wired Only: ATH-AVC400 SonicPro.

Should You Buy This?

In conclusion, the Audio-Technica M20xBT may lack some advanced features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), but it excels in delivering great sound quality at a budget-friendly price. With a lightweight design, impressive battery life, and solid audio performance, these headphones are a great option for anyone looking for a no-frills, affordable pair of Bluetooth headphones. If you’re in the market for something simple yet effective, the Audio-Technica M20xBT is definitely worth considering. Let us know what you think about them in the comments below, and if you’re interested in more reviews, check out our review of Audio-Technica’s latest gaming headsets as well.