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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Considering the tradeoffs, the AKG K712 Pro is known for a wider soundstage and higher comfort, making it excellent for immersive music experiences and long listening sessions at home, but the open-back design means poor noise isolation, not likely suitable for noisy environments or recording work. On the other hand, the Audio Technica ATH M20X with its closed-back design offers better noise isolation and a more contained soundstage, suitable for recording or monitoring in noisier settings, but are less comfortable for extended use. The AKG's are much more expensive and potentially better for critical listening, while the Audio Technica's provide a more affordable option with decent overall sound quality. Neither has a microphone for calls or additional features like app controls or active noise cancelling. 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 K712 Pro
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Audio Technica ATH M20X
- The Audio Technica ATH M20X has no clear advantages over the AKG K712 Pro.
Key differences
Gaming
7.0
6.2
The AKG K712 Pro is good for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.9
4.3
The AKG K712 Pro and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both poor for phone calls, though the AKG K712 Pro is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.8
6.7
The AKG K712 Pro is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
TV and Video
8.4
7.6
The AKG K712 Pro is very good for TV and video, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.0
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for noise reduction, while the AKG K712 Pro is poor.
Cost
$659
$49
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The AKG K712 Pro has a price of $659 and the Audio Technica ATH M20X costs $49.
Build Quality
8.5
6.9
The AKG K712 Pro has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.7
7.6
The AKG K712 Pro and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both good for music.
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How the AKG K712 Pro and the Audio Technica ATH M20X compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| AKG K712 Pro | Audio Technica ATH M20X |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$659 | $49 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | AKG | Audio Technica | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2013 | January 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.9/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7/10 | 6.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.4/10 | 4.1/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 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 | 8.4/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 235 Grams | 190 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
AKG K712 Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Headfonics
Michael | October 2013
"AKG has created a mini-masterpiece in my opinion. I enjoy this headphone a great deal and it will become my go-to reference headphone for the time being. She is slick, sexy, well-balanced, and crazy comfortable."
Audio Technica ATH M20X
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Dig into reviews and images
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 K712 Pro 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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