The new Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT is the next pair of headphones from their popular M-series to go wireless. ATH-M20xBT adds bluetooth for a S$40 premium but still retains the option to use it wired. The new ATH-M20xBT retails for S$128.
Unboxing
Inside the box, you will find the following items:
- Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT over-ear headphones
- 3.5mm audio cable (1.2m)
- USB-C to USB-A cable
- User manual
Design and build quality
Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT has a very minimal aesthetic to it, with the entire headphones encased in black except for the metal adjustment rails. The top of the headband also features a huge Audio-Technica branding.
ATH-M20xBT is mainly made from plastic, and its apparent that the plastic are on the cheaper end, unlike those used on the ATH-M50xBT2. For a better sense of comparison, the feels close to the one used on ATH-S220BT. The adjustment rails on the headphones retract/extend just fine, and do not have any defined steps.
Unlike the ATH-M50xBT2, the earcups on the ATH-M20xBT cannot turn sideways or be folded inwards. This is probably done to cut costs, but this affects portability and durability when carrying it around.
Controls and ports
With bluetooth added, the ATH-M20xBT now comes with physical buttons housed on the left ear cup. You’ll find a simple 3-button play/pause volume rocker. The controls can handle all media playback from play/pause, skipping tracks and adjusting volume.
The USB-C port for charging and 3.5mm jack for wired listening are also on the left ear cup, located next to the buttons.
Battery life
The ATH-M20xBT can be used for a whopping 60 hours of use on a single charge. And if you ever find your with low battery, a quick 10 minutes of charging will provide up to 3 hours of listening. Charging is done via the USB-C port found on the left ear cup.
Fit and comfort
The ATH-M20xBT have slightly above average comfort levels. The PU leather on the ear pad offer decent cushioning and feels quite nice against my skin. But it could do with more plush. Maybe it is because the space in the ear cups aren’t so generous, I find that heat starts to get trapped. I find myself needing to take them off after an hour or so to cool my ears.
Having said that, the ATH-M20xBT is a lightweight pair of headphones are just 217g. Even though the headband doesn’t come with thick cushioning, the design allows the weight (if any) to be well distributed over the entire portion of the headband. As such, I don’t really feel any weight pressing down. Clamping pressure also just right.
Pairing, connectivity, and latency
ATH-M20xBT automatically goes into pairing mode the moment it is powered on. If you’re using an Android phone then you will be able to quickly pair up with its Goggle Fast Pair feature. ATH-M20xBT has Bluetooth 5.0 and the connection during my time of testing was smooth. I did noticed some light static noises in the left ear cup when no audio is playing, but no biggie. As for latency, I did not experience any audio-video latency/lag when watching YouTube videos from the YouTube app on my iPhone 11.
At S$128, it’s great the Audio-Technica added multipoint support for the ATH-M20xBT. This means you can connect the ATH-M20xBT to both your laptop and smartphone, and have seamless transition audio output from one device to another without having to disconnect to re-connect. There is also a low latency mode which would would definitely be helpful if you are game with the ATH-M20xBT.
Sound quality
ATH-M20xBT delivers a neutral sound signature with great clarity throughout the audio spectrum. Bass is well-balanced and punchy. The low end is precise and clean, any reverb or rumble heard is by design of the audio track. Midrange is accurate and clean sounding, with vocals and instruments such as guitars being in the forefront of the audio track. Treble have a bright and open, is generally well-controlled so that strings instruments isn’t pushy or harsh. Acoustic tracks sound fantastic on the ATH-M20xBT, with vocals and guitars at the forefront, sparkling with clarity.
Sound imaging is pretty good on the ATH-M20xBT. Complicated tracks do not start to sound like a mess, which is definitely a plus on a pair of headphones that costs S$128. There is also a nice openness to the soundstage, which feels similar to that of the ATH-M50xBT2.
Microphone quality
Microphone on the ATH-M20xBT is commendable for a pair of headphones. Voice pickup sounds distant, but still audible and accurate enough for understanding. Even when noise is introduced, the microphone did a pretty good job at cancelling enough noise while keeping my voice in focus. I’d say use the microphone on the ATH-M20xBT only if you’re in a well-controlled environment.
Conclusion
The new ATH-M20xBT is a great budget option for anyone who wants a more neutral sounding pair of headphones, say for editing videos or music, but doesn’t want to shell out too much money. At S$128, apart from sound, you also do get multipoint connection and low latency mode which I feel are both great productivity features. The ATH-M20xBT is definitely a pair of headphones that focuses more on functionality over form, and if you appreciate that then you’ll find good value in this pair of headphones.