Audio-Technica ATH-M40x vs ATH-M30x

What published reviews say about each, where the two differ, and who each one suits.

Summed up from 16 published reviews

Audio-Technica

ATH-M40x

The ATH-M40x offers accurate, good-value monitoring, though comfort and isolation receive mixed reviews.

Best for: Budget-conscious home studios needing accurate wired monitoring
Skip it if: You prioritize travel-ready isolation and all-day comfort

PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon

What reviewers say about the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

Audio-Technica

ATH-M30x

A budget-friendly, lightweight wired monitor for basic tracking, podcasting, and home studios, with solid isolation but limited mixing precision.

Best for: Budget home studios, podcasters, and musicians needing basic tracking and isolation.
Skip it if: You need wireless use, easy travel, or reference-grade mixing and mastering.

PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon

What reviewers say about the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x

Affiliate link · we may earn a commission

Specs side by side

Spec	Audio-Technica ATH-M40x	Audio-Technica ATH-M30x
Fit	Over-ear	Over-ear
Connection	Wired	Wired
Noise cancelling	No	No
Best for	Studio, Music	Studio, Music
Microphone	No mic	No mic
Ear cups	Closed-back	Closed-back

Rows where the two differ come first.

What reviewers like, and what they don't

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

Strong value with clear, versatile sound for budget monitoring 1 3 5 6
Accurate, flat response suits critical listening and mixing 2 8
Durable build, detachable cables, and swiveling ear cups 1 2 3 5
Easy to drive from laptops and low-powered audio devices 4 6 7
Passive isolation is weak, especially against low-frequency noise 1 2 5 6
Long sessions can cause heat, pressure, and ear discomfort 1 4 5 7
Some reviewers hear bass bloat and harsh, boosted treble 3 4 7
Proprietary cable fittings make replacements less convenient 1 8

Audio-Technica ATH-M30x

Affordable entry-level monitoring with sound quality suited to basic tracking. 1 2 4 6
Lightweight closed-back design provides useful passive isolation. 1 3 4 6
Decent, relatively flat sound works for basic monitoring. 1 2 3 4
Long cable and included adapters suit studio interfaces and mixers. 1 2 4 6
Collapsible, compact construction makes storage and portability easier. 3 4 6
Non-detachable wired cable limits portability, repairability, and versatility. 1 2 3 6
Entry-level tuning may lack precision for mixing and mastering. 1 6 7
Earpads and clamping can become uncomfortable during extended sessions. 1 2 4 5
Some tracks may sound bright or harsh, especially brighter material. 3 4 7

Sources

We don't test products ourselves. This page sums up 16 published reviews, read on October 21, 2026; each point above links to the reviews that make it.