Apple AirPods 3rd Gen vs Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
The Verdict
Apple AirPods 3rd Gen deliver wireless convenience with spatial audio and seamless ecosystem integration, making them ideal for iPhone users seeking portability and modern features. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x are professional-grade wired monitors engineered for critical listening, featuring a flat frequency response and 40mm drivers designed for accurate audio reproduction. While AirPods 3 offer 6-hour wireless playback and adaptive audio capabilities, the M40x provide superior sound accuracy and durability for studio work or serious audiophiles without battery concerns. Neither includes active noise cancellation. Selection depends on use case: AirPods 3 excel for everyday mobility and Apple ecosystem users, while the M40x suit professionals requiring precision audio monitoring on a tighter budget. For most consumers, AirPods 3 provide better practical value; for audio engineers and producers, M40x deliver uncompromised acoustic performance.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple AirPods 3rd Gen if…
- →Spatial Audio with head tracking creates an immersive listening experience
- →MagSafe charging case is convenient for iPhone and Apple Watch charger users
- →IPX4 sweat and water resistance for workouts
Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x if…
- →Flatter, more neutral tuning than the M50x — preferred by some engineers
- →Excellent value at $99 for professional-grade monitoring
- →Lightweight at 240 g for comfortable extended mixing sessions
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods 3rd Gen
Pros
- Spatial Audio with head tracking creates an immersive listening experience
- MagSafe charging case is convenient for iPhone and Apple Watch charger users
- IPX4 sweat and water resistance for workouts
- Comfortable open-ear design with shorter stems than AirPods 2
- Excellent microphone quality for calls
Cons
- No active noise cancellation at $169 price point
- Open design leaks sound and doesn't isolate ambient noise
- No ear tips — may not fit all ear shapes securely
- AAC-only codec limits audio quality on Android devices
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
Pros
- Flatter, more neutral tuning than the M50x — preferred by some engineers
- Excellent value at $99 for professional-grade monitoring
- Lightweight at 240 g for comfortable extended mixing sessions
- Foldable and portable with detachable cables
- Reliable build quality trusted by studios globally
Cons
- Wired only — no wireless option
- Bass response is intentionally restrained — not for bass lovers
- Ear pads are thin and may need replacement for comfort
- Plastic build feels less premium than metal competitors
- No carrying case included
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods 3rd Gen | Audio-Technica ATH-M40x |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 4.28 g (each) | 240 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 6 hrs (earbuds), 30 hrs total with case | N/A (wired) |
| Charging | Lightning or MagSafe wireless, 5 min = 1 hr playback | N/A |
| Drivers | Apple-designed driver with custom amplifier | 40mm large-aperture dynamic driver |
| Features | Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ, MagSafe and wireless charging case, Force sensor controls, Automatic device switching | Flat, neutral frequency response for accurate monitoring, 40mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire, 90-degree swiveling ear cups, 2 detachable cables included, Foldable for portability, Circumaural design |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | None (wired only) |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | None |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Apple products or all Audio-Technica products. View full details for the Apple AirPods 3rd Gen or the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x.