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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The AKG K361 is priced higher but offers superior overall sound quality and comfort, with better build quality and a detachable cable which can be convenient. It's more suitable for music, with a better score in that regard, and is foldable for improved portability. Whereas, the Audio Technica ATH M20X is significantly more budget-friendly with only a marginally lower sound quality rating. Both are wired and have similar noise isolation and are not designed for exercise or with specific features like sweatproof certification or active noise cancelling. Neither includes a microphone or virtual surround, with the ATH M20X reported to be less comfortable and heavier but with a longer cable. Choose the AKG K361 if you prioritize sound quality, comfort, and better construction, and go for the Audio Technica ATH M20X if you're looking for an affordable option that still delivers good sound. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the AKG K361
- Good for air travel
Advantages of the Audio Technica ATH M20X
- The Audio Technica ATH M20X has no clear advantages over the AKG K361.
Key differences
Phone Calls
3.2
4.3
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and AKG K361 are both poor for phone calls, though the Audio Technica ATH M20X is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.0
6.7
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the AKG K361 is poor.
Cost
$98
$49
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The AKG K361 has a price of $98 and the Audio Technica ATH M20X costs $49.
Build Quality
8.5
6.9
The AKG K361 has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.5
7.6
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and AKG K361 are both good for music.
Gaming
6.3
6.2
The AKG K361 and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both only fair for gaming.
TV and Video
7.8
7.6
The AKG K361 and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both good for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
6.0
6.0
The AKG K361 and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both only fair for noise reduction.
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How the AKG K361 and the Audio Technica ATH M20X compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| AKG K361 | Audio Technica ATH M20X |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$98 | $49 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | AKG | Audio Technica | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2018 | January 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.5/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 3.3/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.4/10 | 6.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.1/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 219 Grams | 190 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
AKG K361
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Medium
Alex Rowe | November 2019
"The K361 retains much of what makes the K371 such a winner, though it has a leaner sound, and the build changes made to trim the price down are immediately apparent. Still, it’s another excellent offering from AKG, and other companies in this fight should either be very worried or quickly designing updates to their old models."
Audio Technica ATH M20X
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Soundguys
Jasper Lastoria | September 2023
"Audio-Technica positively defies what you can expect for around $50. Ultimately, Audio-Technica did not design the ATH-M20x to go on the subway with you. It’s for the budget-conscious, do-it-yourself producer, podcaster, or studio that needs to buy tracking cans in bulk. If you don’t need the most deluxe, comfortable headphones, maybe you’ll like the ATH-M20x for its spartan functionality. The headphones are aimed at giving you the minimum requirements without it feeling like a sacrifice."
Get a great deal on the AKG K361 or the Audio Technica ATH M20X
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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