If you want closed-back headphones with a longer cable and a 1/4-inch threaded adapter for fishing, choose Shure SRH240A; if you need a single-sided cable and a tuning emphasis on low frequencies, choose Audio-Technica ATH-M20x.
Shure SRH240A vs Audio-Technica ATH-M20x at a Glance
• Shure SRH240A: 40 mm drivers, passive noise reduction and padded over-ear cups; its attached cable is not detachable and exits both ear cups.
• Audio-Technica ATH-M20x: 40 mm drivers tuned for enhanced low-frequency performance, with a single left-side cable exit; its cable is also attached.
• Shure’s main fit: general listening and monitoring, with a 2 m cable and included threaded 6.35 mm adapter. The trade-off is its dual-sided cable.
• Audio-Technica’s main fit: tracking and monitoring, especially when a single-sided cable route suits your setup. The trade-off is a longer 3 m cable that may be more than you need.
• Choose Shure if a 1/4-inch threaded adapter and replaceable ear pads matter to you.
• Choose Audio-Technica if you want the cable to run from the left cup and prefer its stated low-frequency tuning.
The Shure SRH240A is a straightforward wired, closed-back headphone for everyday listening and monitoring. Its 40 mm dynamic drivers are described as producing full bass with clear mids and highs. The over-ear cups have padding, and the closed-back design provides passive reduction of background noise. Those details make it a sensible option for listening in a room where you want some separation from surrounding sound, without expecting active noise cancellation.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-09 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
The included 2 m straight cable is attached and exits both ear cups. That may work well at a desk or near an audio device, but it is less tidy than a single-sided route if you dislike having a cable on each side of your head. Shure includes a 3.5 mm plug and a threaded 6.35 mm adapter, giving the set two connection formats to work with.
I’d consider the SRH240A if I wanted a basic wired pair for general listening, monitoring or home recording, particularly if replaceable ear pads are useful for extending its service life. Skip it if you specifically want Bluetooth, a detachable cable or a cable that exits only one side. It is wired, and its cable is not detachable.
The ATH-M20x is also a closed-back, over-ear wired headphone, but its stated purpose leans more toward studio tracking and monitoring. Its 40 mm drivers are tuned for enhanced low-frequency performance. The ear cups contour around the ears, with sound isolation intended to help in louder environments. That combination gives it a clear use case for monitoring audio or keeping some ambient sound at bay while listening.
Its 3 m straight cable exits from the left side, and an included snap-on 6.3 mm adapter expands its connection options. That longer cable may suit a setup where the listening position is away from the audio source. It can also mean extra cable to manage in a compact space. The cable is attached, so the single-sided design doesn’t make it detachable.
I’d look at the ATH-M20x if tracking or monitoring is the priority, or if you prefer a single cable running from the left ear cup. It may also suit someone who wants the product’s stated low-frequency emphasis. Skip it if Bluetooth is essential: despite some product information fields referring to wireless technology, the listed ATH-M20x configuration is a wired headphone with an attached cable.
Side-by-Side: Which Should You Choose?
• For general listening and monitoring → Shure SRH240A. Its stated tuning pairs full bass with clear mids and highs, and its use case includes everyday listening and home recording.
• For a cable exiting one side → Audio-Technica ATH-M20x. Its 3 m straight cable exits from the left ear cup.
• For a shorter cable and included threaded adapter → Shure SRH240A. It has a 2 m cable and a threaded 6.35 mm adapter; the ATH-M20x includes a snap-on 6.3 mm adapter.
• For replaceable ear pads → Shure SRH240A. The listed product details specifically note replaceable pads.
• For stated low-frequency emphasis → Audio-Technica ATH-M20x. Its drivers are described as tuned for enhanced low-frequency performance.
• For passive background-noise reduction → either, with a distinction. Shure describes passive noise reduction; Audio-Technica describes sound isolation from its circumaural fit. Neither description means active noise cancellation.
• For a wireless fishing setup → neither. Both are wired headphones with attached cables, so neither is the right choice if you need Bluetooth freedom while moving around.
In my opinion, I’d choose the Shure SRH240A for fishing downtime and general listening. Its 2 m cable, passive noise reduction, replaceable ear pads and included threaded adapter make a practical mix for stationary listening.
The ATH-M20x is the better fit if I specifically wanted a left-side cable and a headphone described for studio tracking and low-frequency emphasis. Neither is a Bluetooth model, so I wouldn’t buy either expecting a wireless setup outdoors.
Neither model is presented here as a Bluetooth headphone. Both have wired connections and attached cables, so neither fits a request for the best Bluetooth headphones for fishing.
Neither is described as having active noise cancellation. The Shure offers passive noise reduction, while the ATH-M20x is described as providing sound isolation through its over-ear design. Neither should be confused with noise-canceling sleep headphones for fishing.
The listed specifications identify both as wired, closed-back headphones with 40 mm dynamic drivers. The ATH-M20x is described as suitable for tracking and monitoring; the Shure is described for general listening and monitoring. The available information does not establish a definitive winner for gaming, so the best hifi stereo gaming headphones for fishing depends on whether you prefer the Audio-Technica’s low-frequency tuning or Shure’s stated balance of bass, mids and highs.
That depends on your setup. The ATH-M20x has a 3 m cable exiting from the left ear cup, while the Shure has a 2 m cable that exits both cups. Both cables are attached, so neither offers a detachable-cable option.
• JBL TUNE 770NC vs RR SPORTS IP68: Aware Mode Headphones
• Nanxudyj AUX Cord 30ft vs APETOO 3.5mm: Aux Wired Headphones
• CozyPhones Over vs Dr.meter Cat Ear Cancelling
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon or its affiliates. This site is an independent third-party review and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Amazon or the product brands mentioned.