Between the AKG K240 Studio & Audio-Technica ATH-M30x; which headphones are the best?

Here it is ladies and gentlemen. Two highly popular headphones side-by-side facing off. While each pair has its standard ups and downs, they also have their own unique benefits. Depending on what you’re looking for in a pair of headphones will determine which of these might be you the best choice for you. After extensive research, personal experience, and reviews; We formulated an in-depth comparison between each one. May the battle commence!

But first…

What Makes A Pair Of Headphones Good?

Sound Quality: How good the overall audio quality of music, phone calls, or video. Comfort: The ability to remain comfortable for extended periods of time without itchiness, annoyance, or ear pain. Build Quality: The overall durability and longevity. Able to withstand harsh conditions for extended periods of time. Noise Isolation/ Active Noise Cancelling: If any at all, how well the active noise cancelling or noise isolating abilities are. Battery Life: How long the battery life of the pair of headphones is at a full charge. Added Features: A few examples of added features headphones offer can be Bluetooth capabilities, built-in AI assistant, headphone controls, built-in microphone for phone calls, flexibility, rotatable ear cups, etc.

We compared and contrasted each of these factors for the AKG K240 Studio & Audio-Technica ATH-M30x

Sound Quality

Especially for music listeners, the overall quality of sound is a massive factor in finding your perfect pair of headphones. There are various factors that impact a pair of headphones’ sound quality.

AKG K240STUDIO

The sound quality is very clear and detailed. It provides a flat sound that is great for mixing audio. The AKG K240STUDIO does not overcompensate the bass end. Instead, the clear mids and highs offer more detail and brightness to the sound. In many cases, these headphones bring out some overlooked features in songs that are generally missed. Keep in mind; the previous AKG K 701 is a more professional and costly pair for mixing with a flat response. However, these headphones are an excellent choice for mixers on a budget.

Audio-Technica ATH-M30x

With the copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils, 40-millimeter drivers, and rare earth magnets; It provides outstanding sound quality and clarity for the low-price. Amazingly, these are one of the few headphones in this price range that sound engineers happily use. The frequencies are well-balanced throughout the spectrum with a minuscule dip in the bass. If you prefer bass-heavy headphones, these may not be the best choice. However, I’m a huge fan of the clearly pronounced midrange sound. Overall, the sound quality is very detailed and precise. Especially for an affordable price, you will be pleased.

Overall, the AKG K240STUDIO provides better sound quality than the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x by a very slim margin.

Comfort

The ability for headphones to remain comfortable for extended periods of time without itchiness, annoyance, pressure, or ear pain. Considering many people use headphones for commute, air travel, or work; Comfort is a vital factor.

AKG K240STUDIO

These headphones were much comfier than I was expecting. They can be worn for periods of 3-4 hours without fatigue. The pads are made of thick leatherette, which is slightly firmer than I prefer. However, they are pretty comfortable for the price.

Audio-Technica ATH-M30x

Not the best, but the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x is a relatively comfortable pair of headphones. I recommend these headphones for anyone who needs to wear them for 2-3 hours at a time. After a few hours, you may need to take a break.

Overall, the AKG K240STUDIO is slightly more comfortable.

Build Quality

What good are your amazingly sounding headphones if they break in a few months? The overall durability and longevity are crucial for any investment you make. Especially for those who need headphones for commute, it’s important they’re able to withstand vigorous traveling conditions consistently.

AKG K240STUDIO

These headphones have a slightly better build quality than their price. Nothing too amazing, but not bad at all. The headband is adjustable, which definitely comes in handy. Overall, you wouldn’t be disappointed with the build with a solid 7.5 out of 10.

Audio-Technica ATH-M30x

Besides the semi-plasticky feel, these headphones are robust and sturdy. Especially for the low price, you will be satisfied with its durability and lifespan. If I had to be picky, the joints are a bit weak. It has a circumaural design that easily fits around your ears. They are collapsible for more convenient travel. Overall, you will be satisfied with the build quality and they will last you a much longer time than most headphones below $100.

Overall, the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x has a better build quality.

Noise Isolation/ Active Noise Cancelling

Don’t be confused between active noise cancelling and noise isolation headphones. They are both entirely different. Noise-cancelling technology is very unique. Unlike noise-isolating headphones, noise-cancelling headphones do not eradicate outside noise by physical insulation. Within the ear cups, they have a mini microphone that picks up the outside environmental noise. It then triggers a frequency entirely opposite to the outside ambient noise. Thus, canceling out most outside ambient sound.

AKG K240STUDIO

These headphones are semi-open back. They provide no noise isolation. The music bleed is extremely high, as well. If you don’t want people to hear what you’re listening to, we don’t recommend these headphones.

Audio-Technica ATH-M30x

These headphones do not have active noise cancellation. However, it provides extremely good passive noise-isolation. It easily covers the entire ear and blocks out a great deal of outside noise once you put them on. Unfortunately, these headphones have a bit of sound bleed. People around you can hear what you’re listening to at higher volumes. Once put on, they naturally reduce outside ambient noise by 50%. Especially for the low price, the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x are overall very good noise-isolation headphones.

Overall, the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x provides better passive noise isolation.

Battery Life

Battery life is an overlooked subject when speaking about over-ear headphones. Obviously, the only headphones that have a battery life are those which are wireless. Many headphones on the market do not have wireless capabilities. But for those who do, a more extended battery-life becomes a convenient factor.

AKG K240STUDIO

These headphones do not have wireless capabilities. They must be plugged in via wire.

Audio-Technica ATH-M30x

These headphones do not have wireless capabilities. They must be plugged in via wire.

Added Features

Here we summarize each pair headphones and talk about some of the added features.

AKG K240STUDIO

Like the previous pair, these headphones do not have wireless abilities, a built-in mic, Bluetooth, etc. Overall, if you’re looking for great sounding open-back headphones with a decent build in the $60 range, these are a great choice. They also have a flat sound response, as well.

Audio-Technica ATH-M30x

These headphones do not have wireless abilities, a built-in mic, Bluetooth, etc. However, they are a superb choice for anyone looking for clear, precise, and detailed sound quality. With a solid build, decent comfort, and good noise isolation; They are a great bang for the buck under $100. I recommend them for sound engineers, video editors, audio editors, or mixers on a very tight budget.

Our Winner Between The AKG K240STUDIO & Audio-Technica ATH-M30x

Keep in mind that our opinion is not the end all be all. Like mentioned earlier, everyone has different needs, requirements, and budgets for their headphones. However, our winner is the AKG K240STUDIO due to its better sound and comfort. However, if you need headphones with great passive noise isolation, the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x is a better choice.

If you’re interested in a pair of noise-cancelling headphones under $300, see our top 5 here.