The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x are above-average-sounding headphones with a decently sturdy and comfortable design. They don't leak much and won't distract the people around you. However, they aren't stable enough for gym use and won't fare as well in loud environments because they don't block much noise.
Our Verdict
Mediocre overall design. They would perform adequately well as everyday headphones but lack a decent control scheme, and passive isolation is a little weak.
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Above-average sound reproduction.
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Low leakage.
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Poor noise isolation.
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No audio controls.
The Audio-Technica M30X have a surprising amount of audio fidelity for their price range but have a poor soundstage because of their closed-back design. They perform above-average for neutral listening but may lack a little openness.
Not ideal for commuting. The weak noise isolation is not sufficient for loud environments.
Not designed for sports. They're a bit too bulky and unstable for high-intensity exercises.
Average at best for office use. The passive noise isolation too weak to block the chatter of a busy office. Mediocre comfort and no audio controls.
These aren't suitable for wireless gaming.
These aren't suitable for phone calls.
- 5.7 Mixed Usage
- 7.1 Neutral Sound
- 5.5 Commute/Travel
- 5.4 Sports/Fitness
- 5.8 Office
- 4.3 Wireless Gaming
- 6.1 Wired Gaming
- 2.0 Phone Call
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.1.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.
- Updated Feb 16, 2018: Converted to Test Bench 1.2.
- Updated Aug 10, 2017: Converted to Test Bench 1.1.
- Updated Mar 01, 2017: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated May 27, 2016: Review published.
- Updated May 25, 2016: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Apr 29, 2016: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
Compared To Other Headphones
The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x are a step up from the budget-oriented ATH-M20x in the lineup. They share a similar build quality and design. Both have similar sound profiles with noticeably quiet treble where sibillants (S and T sounds) reside, and the ATH-M30x output slightly more accurate bass. Unlike the ATH-M20x, the ATH-M30x are marginally more portable and protected with a pouch.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x are better headphones for a neutral sound than the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x from the same lineup. The biggest difference is that the M40x is definitely more neutral in the treble range, where the M30x lack a lot of detail and brightness. The M40x also come with a nice coiled cable, but other than that, they're very similar.
Test Results
The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x don't change much from the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x. They have the same design with minor changes to the back of the ear cups. They also come in an all-black color scheme and have the same understated look as the rest of the ATH-M series. However, they look more cheaply made than the higher-end Audio-Technica ATH-M40x and Audio-Technica ATH-M50x.
The comfort level of the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x has been slightly improved from the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x model. They have slightly larger ear cups that better encompass most listeners' ears. They aren't too heavy and don't apply too much pressure to your head. However, they can be a little rigid and don't swivel as well as the higher-end models of the same series.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x are decently portable headphones. They are on the larger side of over-ear headphones but unlike the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x, they fold into a more compact format that will fit in a backpack or handbag but will be too large for most jacket pockets. The thick, non-detachable audio cable is a bit cumbersome to carry around. They also don't come with a case or pouch, which is slightly disappointing.
The build quality of the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x is average at best. They can withstand a couple of drops without getting damaged, and the plastic used for their design feels dense and relatively durable. However, the metal frame used to reinforce the headband is thinner than the one utilized for the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x or Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. They also have exposed audio cables, which connect to the ear cups that can easily get damaged by wear and tear.
The Audio-Technica M30x are moderately stable and stay in place during casual listening sessions. However, they're not made for sports and don't exert much pressure on your head which makes them slip off your ears if used at the gym. They also do not have a detachable cable like the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x and Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and could get yanked off your head if something hooks the cable.
Poor isolation. The passive isolation provided by the ear cups performs well in the treble range. They consistently provide more than 20dB of isolation. However, the overall amount of isolation is only about 10dB in the mid-range and 0dB in the bass range.
Average leakage. A significant portion of the leakage is between 500Hz and 3kHz, which is rather broad. However, the overall level of the leakage is quite low, which makes up for the broad leakage profile.
No compatible app.
