ATH-M20XBT Wireless Headphones by Audio Technica – Review

The Audio Technica ATH-M20xBT is an entry-level studio headphone. Which tries to ensure all the studio features, such as accurate sound quality, comfort, multipoint connection, so long (up to 60 hours) playtime, and obviously fast charging. It is an updated version of the ATH-M20x. Now it is more accurate, more compatible with the iPhone, Android phone, laptop, PC, studio setup and also PlayStation.

It is not the best for studio professionals, but it is the best headphone for gaming, music listening, DJing, audio video editing at home, and also the best headphone for calling. Let’s get a quick overview.

  • Connectivity: Wireless Bluetooth v5.0
  • Driver : 40mm Dynamic Rare earth magnets
  • Type : Over-ear
  • Earcup Type: Closed-back
  • Best For: Day by day use, Calling, Audio & Video Editing, gamming
  • Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 32,000 Hz
  • Features: Wireless, Detachable Cable, Over-ear, Fast Charging, lightweight

In this Audio Technica ATH-M20xBT review, we will discuss its specifications, part by part review such as its sound quality, features, noise cancellations, design & comfort, cable, mic, frequency response and everything. You will go to get a full idea about its good side and also bad sites. So, let’s start.

What we like

  •  Long Battery Life
  •  Sound quality is great
  •  Multipoint pairing
  •  Enhanced Bass performance
  •  Price is low than its features
  •  USB Type-C Fast Charging
  •  Wireless Connection (Bluetooth v5.0)
  •  Sound isolation

What we don’t like

  •  Plastic Body
  •  Integrated mic does not work when using the cable
  •  Not foldable

Specifications (Details information)

SpecificationsInformation
Headphone TypeClosed-back dynamic Over-ear
Frequency Response5 Hz – 32,000 Hz
ConnectivityWireless Bluetooth version 5.0
Driver (Diaphragm)40 mm Dynamic driver
MagnetRare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils
Impedance36 ohms
Sensitivity100 dB/mW
Earcup SwivelNot Available
Folding/collapsibleNot Available
Built-In MicrophoneAvailable
Microphone Sensitivity-42 dB
Microphone Frequency Response50 to 20,000 Hz
Water Resistance (IP Rating)IPXX
Noise ManagementNo Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
ColourBlack
Cable2 detachable & interchangeable Cable
i. 3.5mm Audio Cable (3.9′)
ii. USB Type-A to USB Type-C Charging Cable (1′)
Battery3.7 V lithium polymer battery
Play TimeUp to 60 hours
Charging TimeApproximately 4 Hours (Fast Charging Available)
Sound MoodStereo
WeightApprox. 216 g without cable and connector
Included AccessoriesUSB charging cable (30 cm (12”)
USB Type-A / USB Type-C Audio cable (1.2 m (3.9’) /3.5 mm (1/8”) gold-plated stereo mini-plug (3 pole/L-shaped))
WarrantyNo information found

Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT Detailed Review


How is the sound quality?

There is no doubt, Audio Technica ATH M20xBT produces such accurate, and impressive sound. I just became a fan of it.

You know that every headphone does not perform the same. To ensure overall quality, I have already contacted more than 30 users over the world. Their average rating on sound quality is 9.5 out of 10. It’s pretty impressive. 

Rating on sound performance

  • For calling: 10 in 10
  • For gaming: 9.9 in 10
  • For studio professionals: 7 in 10
  • For DJing: 9.5 in 10
  • For Casual use: 10 in 10

It enhances bass or low frequency sound. If you are bass lover, then it the best headphone for you.

Design & Comfort

The Audio Technica ATH-M20xBT is similar to the ATH-M20x. Previous design is applied. Fully black color, no different coloured logo, black soft cushion earpad is provided.  Fully plastic body and closed-back. 

Earcup of ATH-M20xBT
Earcup design

Microphone and buttons built into the left earcup let you easily control calls, music playback, and volume/mute. 

Buttons and ports of ATH-M20xBT
Button and ports

Full plastic body does not look premium. Actually, it is an entry level studio headphone. For this, to minimize cost, Audio Technica does not cost on design or looks. They serve proper sound quality. So it is not a fault.

Noise Isolation ( Are they good for noise cancelling?)

This is the matter of hopelessness. There is no active noise canceling available. It is made as an entry level studio headphone, and upgraded version of ATH-M20x. But its main consumers are gamers, music lovers, home video & audio editors. 

These customers do not work with noise free studio conditions. So, It should have active noise cancellation.

After all, the closed-back design with soft ear pad gives proper noise isolation

Though it has no noise cancellation, it’s reasonable with its price. At once you can say, this is the best budget friendly gaming headphone.

Features

gamming and studio Features of ATH-M20xBT

The other main features are –

  1. Wireless and wired use
  2. You can use it with two device same time.
  3. Enhanced low-frequency or bass performance
  4. Up to 60 hours playtime which is huge
  5. Controls for music and calls
  6. Low latency mode
  7. Fast USB Type-C Charging port

Go Wireless or Wired Connection

Audio Technica ATH-M20xBT is an upgraded version of its ATH-M20x. They are quite similar. The basic difference is that the ATH-M20xBT can be used with wired and wireless connection. This feature has changed the game. You can connect 2 devices together and use it form both at once.

Some phones, especially iPhone and latest smartphones do not contain 3.5mm headphone jack. This previous wired version does not work. But now it is solved. You can use it wirelessly and also wired. 

On wireless connection, it uses Bluetooth 5.0 and for power supply it has 3.7 V lithium polymer battery. The Audio Technica claims that you will get up to 60 hours battery backup. When I tried, I also got quite similar results.

If battery backup has gone, you can use this as a wired headphone. So, no restriction on playtime. Just enjoy.

Cable

Wires of the gaming headphone ath m20xbt
Wires of the gaming headphone ath m20xbt

Though it is an wireless headphone, you can use it as wired. For this purpose, Audio Technica supplies 120 centimetres or 47.2 inch cable for optional wired connection. 

Besides that, USB Type-A to USB Type-C Charging Cable (1′) is also supplied with packet.

Standard Cable Length: 120 cm (According Headphonicity observation)
Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT Cable Length: 120 cm

ATH-M20xBT review: Gaming performance

There is no doubt, Audio Technica ATH-M20xBT is one of the best gaming headphones at a cheap price. It is made for providing studio quality sound. Thus, there is no chance to get a bad report on game sound. Wider frequency response range gives accurate sound. 

It can enhance bass, and most of the gamers including me are bass lovers, I was just impressed by experiencing its sound performance.

Rating on gaming

  • Performance: 10 in 10
  • Appearance: 6 in 10
  • Lighting : 2 in 10

On the other hand, the lack of premium look, little bit of heavy weight are the causes that reduce impressions. If you focus on budget-friendly and sound quality, you have to consider these.

Microphone

The Audio Technica ATH-M20xBT headphones have built-in microphone. You can use it for your voice recordings, for calling, etc. -42 dB microphone sensitivity has been provided. It can response and record 50 to 20K Hz frequencies.

Microphone review of ATH-M20xBT

During a conversation, the normal frequency of an adult man ranges from 80 to 180 Hz and that of a typical adult woman from 165 to 255 Hz. For this, the ATH-M20xBT records you perfectly.

But some users claimed, integrated mic doesn’t work when using the cable.

Frequency Response

Frequency response represents the ability range of  headphone of sound deliver. The sound can be varied. Such as bass, mid, treble, etc. Typically, bass accounts for frequencies between 20 and 300 Hz , mid is 300 Hz to 4 kHz, and treble counts as anything above 4 kHz.

However, the human ears are able to listen to 20 Hz to 20 kHz. So, the standard frequency response of headphones is 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The Audio Technica ATH-M20xBT frequency response is 5 Hz – 32,000 Hz. You can listen to low frequency sounds and high frequency sounds easily. It will improve your music listening, DJing, gaming, audio mixing, video editing, and also your zoom or meet call experience.

Battery

The Audio Technica ATH-M20xBT has 3.7 V lithium polymer battery. One battery but it can serve so long playtime. On a fully charged battery it plays upto 60 hours non-stop. On average you will get 2 day backup without stopping. 

A durable Lithium polymer battery has been used. It can be replaced by a 3.7 volt Lithium polymer battery but is not recommended.

You can use it in Low latency mode. USB type-C fast charging is available.

Packaging

  • USB charging cable (30 cm (12”)
  • USB Type-A / USB Type-C)
  • Cable (1.2 m (3.9’) /3.5 mm (1/8”) gold-plated stereo mini-plug (3 pole/L-shaped))

Compatibility

Compatible with Android phone, iPhone, Laptop, PC, PlayStation etc.

Price Comparison (Where to buy?)

Where to buy?Price
Amazon$79 Click to See Update
AliExpress$111.6 Click to update
Walmart$79 Click to update
Official Site$169 Click to update

Low latency mode

The word “latency” means “lag”. This mode tries to improve performance by lowering the quality and reduces sound delay when playing games or watching videos.

To turn on Low Latency mode, press the power supply/control button three times in a row. After every three times pressed, a voice guidance will play the message “Low Latency mood” or “Low Latency mood off”. With this, low latency mode will be switched ON/OFF.

Audio Technica ATH-M20xBT vs ATH-M20x

What is the difference between Audio Technica ATH-M20xBT  and ATH-M20x? The ATH-M20xBT is the upgraded version of ATH-M20x. They are almost similar. Just some features such as wireless connectivity, improved compatibility etc. The differences are –

InformationATH-M20xBTATH-M20x
ImageImage of ATH-M20xBTImage of ATH-M20x
ConnectivityWired/wireless bothOnly wired
Frequency Response5 Hz – 32,000 Hz15-20,000 Hz
Sensitivity100 dB/mW96 dB
Impedance36 ohms47 ohms
MicrophoneAvailableNot Available
CollapsibleNoNo
Release DateMarch 23, 2022January 23, 2014
CompatibilityiPhone, Android, Laptop, PS4 & PS5Android, studio instrument
Battery & Play TimeYes, up to 60 hoursNo Battery available

Are they easy to set up?

There is no need to setup, just unpack your headphone, charge it and start using. For starting use, press the ON button & wait a few seconds. Turn on your Bluetooth on your mobile or laptop. Connect to the ATH-M20xBT and have fun.

ATH M20xBT skins 

Additional skin use is optional for use. Actually, there is no color variation.Decoration is entirely black.At least the logo can be different colors.

If you want to decorate your ATH-M20xBT as you want, you just need to order a headphone skin

Where to Buy These Skins?

You can buy from your local shop and also online. If you want to order online, we can help you. 

Mightyskins takes orders for preprinted and custom design skin. To see there store for more skin design click the link below –

Voice control

It plays some voices according to the situation to inform you. It for attacting to you on the condition and for taking action.

The voice guidance are:

SituationVoice guidance
Power is turned onVoice guidance varies depending on the battery level:
Battery level high
Battery level medium
Battery level low
Bluetooth is connectedBluetooth connected
Music is playedPlay
Music is pausedPause
Battery level is lowLow battery
Bluetooth is connectedBluetooth connected
Low latency mode ONLow latency mode
Low latency mode OFFLow latency mode off

FAQs

How to know Battery charge level?

There is too way to check the battery charge level.

  1. Go to Bluetooth settings on your device (android or iPhone or laptop). You can see there a battery level percentage is showing,
  2. On the headphone, if the red light indicator flashes 3 times in 4-minute intervals, it means low battery.

How do you know ATH-M20xBT charging or charge complete?

If the red indicator is on without blinking, it is charging. When its battery will be fully charged, the red indicator will be turned off. 

But if it flashes /blinking when it is connected to the charger, then it means charging error.

What is meant by white indicator? How to know if the headphone is not working or working?

When your headphone is waiting to be connected to your device it flashes white in 8-second intervals. In this time this white indicator gradually lights up and gradually the light becomes down.

When connecting with your device, it flashes white in 4-second intervals.

At music playing time, the white light flashes gradually up and down with an interval of 4 seconds.

red light flashing system to indicate Audio Technica ATH M20xBT battery level and charge

Conclusion

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT is the best gaming headphone. You can use it as the best headphone for music listening, DJ, calling etc. But as it is claimed as a studio headphone, we do not get the ability to call it a studio headphone. It is usable for home use for audio, video editing, mixing, or parties. 

The impressive matters are the battery service is fantastic, fast charging and up to 60 hours playtime. It can connect 2 devices at the same time, which is rare. The sound performance is undoubtedly awesome. 

On the other hand, there is active noise cancellation, full one-color plastic body, and the appearance is very impressive.

Finally, if you are looking for headphones for gaming, YouTube video editing , or other personal work, listening to music is recommended. But if you want to use it for studio or professional work, this is a baby-level headphone there.