Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | Audio-Technica - AT2020USB+ | Sennheiser - MD 445 |
|---|---|---|
| Max SPL | 144 dB | 157 dB |
| Type | Condenser | Dynamic |
| Connection | USB | XLR |
Between the AT2020USB+ and MD 445, the AT2020USB+ comes out ahead in type / connection, while the MD 445 wins on max spl. Overall, the AT2020USB+ scores 81.5 and the MD 445 scores 73.9 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The AT2020USB+ edges ahead on the Mars Score (81.5 vs 73.9), but the 7.6-point gap is small enough that the right pick comes down to which spec advantages matter to you.
Pick the AT2020USB+ if you care most about type / connection. The biggest gaps in its favor are type, connection. The single most decisive one: Type: Condenser (vs Dynamic).
Pick the MD 445 if you care most about max spl. Its strongest claims are max spl. The single most decisive one: Max SPL — 9.03% more. 157 dB vs 144 dB.
There are no meaningful ties on the headline specs — every popular-comparison metric has a winner.
Bottom line: the AT2020USB+ is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Which should you buy: Audio-Technica - AT2020USB+ or Sennheiser - MD 445?
Audio-Technica - AT2020USB+ leads the current Mars Score by 7.6 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare type, connection, max spl against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose Audio-Technica - AT2020USB+ if…
Audio-Technica - AT2020USB+ has the measurable edge on type, connection.
Choose Sennheiser - MD 445 if…
Sennheiser - MD 445 has the measurable edge on max spl db.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
Why Audio-Technica - AT2020USB+ wins
- ▲Type: Condenser (vs Dynamic).
- ▲Connection: USB (vs XLR).
Why Sennheiser - MD 445 wins
- ▲Max SPL — 9.03% more. 157 dB vs 144 dB.
Spec comparison
Spec
| Spec | Audio-Technica - AT2020USB+ | Sennheiser - MD 445 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Condenserlead | Dynamic |
| Polar pattern | Cardioid | Supercardioid |
| Frequency response | 20Hz–20kHz | 40Hz–20kHz |
| Max SPL | 144 dB | 157 dBlead |
Connectivity
| Spec | Audio-Technica - AT2020USB+ | Sennheiser - MD 445 |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | USBlead | XLR |
| Headphone out | truelead | false |