Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones Review

While the Audio-Technica ATH-M70x are more comfortable than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, they might not be the better choice for most people. The M50x have better audio reproduction on top of being more affordable, meaning they’ll offer great value for most people. The two headphones are very similar and the extra investment necessary for the M70x might not be worth it.

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are better headphones than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, especially if you listen in a quiet room where you can take advantage of their open-back design. The Beyerdynamic are also better-built and feel sturdier thanks to their metal frame. On the other hand, if you need good critical listening headphones for your commute or if you like to listen to music in quiet environments like a library, the closed-back Audio-Technica will be a better option since they isolate more and leak less, thanks to their closed-backs.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are better for neutral sound than the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless. The Audio-Technica are wired headphones with a much more neutral sound profile and a significantly better passive soundstage performance. On the other hand, the Sony headphones are better for multi-purpose use. You can use them via Bluetooth or a wired connection, have a more comfortable, stable fit, onboard controls, and an integrated mic. They also have a very effective ANC feature.

The Sennheiser HD 560S are better headphones for neutral sound than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. The Sennheiser are open-back headphones that are more comfortable, have a more neutral and accurate sound profile, and a significantly better passive soundstage performance. However, the Audio-Technica are closed-back headphones that are better built. 

If you prefer a closed-back design for your critical listening, then the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x will be the better option. If you want an open design, then go for the Sennheiser HD 600. The Audio-Technica have a deeper bass that some will prefer. Also, since they have a closed-back design, they're a bit more versatile to use outdoors. They're suitable for commuting and the office since they do not leak as much as the Sennheiser  and block more noise. On the other hand, the Sennheiser  have a more spacious-sounding audio reproduction. They also have a more accurate representation of the mid-range.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X and the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless are two different headphones that are targeting different uses. The M50x have a more neutral sound profile and are great for mixing or simply enjoying music the way it was supposed to be heard. The Sonys are noise cancelling headphones that have a more bass-heavy sound profile, but are great to use in noisy environments like your daily commute.

The Sennheiser HD 650 and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are similarly performing headphones for critical listening. While the Sennheiser are open-back, which helps them to create a more spacious and wide soundstage, they lack low-bass. However, the Audio-Technica are closed-back headphones that deliver a more even bass, have slightly better build quality, and leak less sound overall.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are better headphones for neutral sound than the Beats Studio3 Wireless. Although they're both closed-back, over-ear headphones, the Audio-Technica have a more neutral sound and a slightly better passive soundstage. However, unlike the Audio-Technica, the Beats are wireless, and they have controls, a microphone, and active noise cancelling, making them more versatile headphones overall. They're also slightly more comfortable, and their battery lasts up to 23 hours.

You may prefer either the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x or the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2, depending on what you're looking for. The ATH-M50x are wired headphones with much better build quality and a similar but more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. However, the ATH-M50xBT2 are more versatile Bluetooth headphones with long continuous battery life. They have an integrated microphone and a great companion app with sound customization features, unlike the wired version.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are slightly more neutral audiophile headphones than the Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X. Both headphones have similarly warm and full bass ranges, but the ATH-M50x have a better-balanced mid range and less piercing treble. However, the 700 PRO X have slightly better passive noise isolation performance and are just a bit more stable on-head.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are better over-ear studio headphones than the AKG K371. The Audio-Technica have a more stable fit that feels much better built, and their frequency response is more consistent among users. On the other hand, the AKG's sound profile is slightly more accurate and leak less audio.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are overall better-sounding headphones than the Audio-Technica ATH-M60x. The M50x have a slightly more durable build quality and a more comfortable over-ear fit. They also sound a bit better balanced with a warmer sounding mid-range and more bass than the M60x. However, the M60x are a bit more compact with a modern on-ear look that some will prefer when compared to the M50x. They're also a bit more lightweight and better sounding than most on-ear designs.

The Philips Fidelio X2HR are better headphones for neutral sound than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. The Philips are open-back headphones with a more comfortable fit, a more neutral and accurate sound profile, and a significantly better passive soundstage performance. However, the Audio-Technica are still a suitable choice if you prefer a closed-back design that's better-built. 

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and the Sennheiser HD 599 are both great-sounding headphones but they have different strengths. The Audio-Technica pack a bit more bass, which is due to their closed-back design. They’re a better option than the Sennheiser if you’re looking for great sounding headphones to bring on the go. On the other hand, the open-back design of the Sennheiser is better-suited for quiet environments, and they are very comfortable for long listening sessions.

Both headphones have a similar design and performance, but the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT are better mixed-usage headphones than the regular wired Audio-Technica ATH-M50x which are better for studio use. The M50xBT are wireless, which makes them more convenient to use, and they have a decent control scheme on the ear cups, while the wired model doesn’t have any. On the other hand, the regular M50x have a more balanced audio reproduction, and you don’t have to worry about latency issues or battery life, but the 38 hours of playback time you get with the M50xBT is excellent.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and the Philips SHP9500 are both very good headphones for fans of a neutral sound, but they have different enclosures, which offer different strengths. The closed-back design of the Audio-Technica results in better noise isolation and punchier bass, but makes the headphones sound more closed-off. The open-back design of the Philips gives them a much more natural, spacious soundstage, but they leak a lot of sound and lack quite a bit of bass. The Audio-Technica are better in a noise-sensitive environment, like recording or commuting. However, the Philips provide a more open listening experience if you're in a quiet space.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and the Audio-Technica ATH-R70x are different kinds of audiophile headphones, and your preference for open or closed-back designs will determine which is best suited for your needs. The closed-back ATH-M50x have more bass overall, which will make EDM and hip-hop sound thumpier and more full. However, the mid-range isn't as well-balanced as the ATH-R70x, which also have better frequency response consistency. While the ATH-M50x have a sub-par passive soundstage due to their closed-back design, they block out slightly more noise and leak a lot less audio, making these more suitable for podcasts or casual listening. 

The Beyerdynamic DT 1770 PRO are better-built critical listening headphones than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, but they come at a much steeper price. The sound quality is about the same, but the Audio-Technica have less sound consistency issues than the Beyerdynamic. On the other hand, the padding of the Beyerdynamic headphones is softer and feels more comfortable, but they are tighter on the head than the Audio-Technica. The Beyerdynamic also isolate passively a bit more, but they leak more than the Audio-Technica. The more low-profile design of the Audio-Technica might be better for outdoor use.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are better headphones for neutral sound than the RØDE NTH-100M. The Audio-Technica are better-built, have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and deliver audio more consistently across different reseats. They also leak less audio at high volumes and can block out a bit more ambient noise. However, the RØDE's '100M' model come with a detachable boom mic for wired gaming.

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better for most uses than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. The Bose are wireless headphones with ANC. They have a fantastic noise isolation performance, a much more comfortable fit, and a more thumpy, punchy sound profile, which some may prefer. On the other hand, the Audio-Technica are wired headphones intended for audiophiles. They're better-built, their bass response is more accurate, and their passive soundstage is perceived as more open and spacious. 

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are a better value and better-sounding critical listening headphones than the Sony MDR-7520. The Sony have a better more premium and durable build quality when compared to the Audio-Technica. They also have a lower profile on your head and an understated look and feel that some may prefer over the slightly plasticky design of the Audio-Technica. On the other hand, the Audio-Technica sound more balanced. They have a deeper bass and better high frequencies that make them sound more exciting without losing too much detail in instrumentals and vocals. The Audio-Technica are also a bit more comfortable.

The Audio Technica ATH-M50x are better headphones than the Focal Elegia, and they are a fraction of the price, too. They have better and more neutral audio quality to reproduce tracks accurately. However, the price difference shows in build quality and comfort, as the Focal are superior in those categories. The cups of the Focal are bigger and deeper, which will also fit most ears better.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are better headphones than the V-MODA Crossfade M-100. The Audio-Technica are more comfortable and have a better sound quality, which makes them better for critical listening. On the other hand, the V-MODA feel sturdier thanks to their metal frame. They also have an in-line microphone for calls, which the Audio-Technica lack. Overall, the Audio-Technica will be a better option since they offer better value than the V-MODA.

The Sennheiser HD 820 are a slightly better closed back critical listening headphone than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, but not by much considering their price difference. The HD 820 have a much better and more premium build quality.  They also have more spacious and well-padded earcups that are breathable enough to wear for much longer than the M50x. They come with more high-end cables and accessories and would be the superior headset if their sound quality was a bit more consistent. Here, the ATH-M50x have the advantage. They have a slightly more balanced mid-range and a more pronounced bass but do not have the soundstage of the Sennheisers. The Audio-Technica are also a bit lighter and easier to use with mobile devices.

The Bose QuietComfort 35/QC35 Wireless 2016 are the better option if you want to go wireless, but for a wired design, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x sound a bit better. The Bose are a lot more comfortable than the Audio-Technica. They're also wireless and noise cancelling, which make them a lot more versatile to use outdoors, in noisy environments, and at the office. The Audio-Technica, on the other hand, are a more critical listening-focused headphone, with a better-balanced sound and a wired design that has no latency. This makes them slightly better than the Bose for recording, watching videos, and even gaming if you do not care about having a mic.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are slightly better headphones than the Sennheiser HD 598 Cs due to the great value they offer. Their sound quality is really good, and they are slightly better-built than the Sennheiser. Both headphones perform similarly, but the Sennheiser also have a microphone for calls if you need one. Also, their cups are larger and may feel more comfortable for some, especially since they aren’t as tight as the Audio-Technica.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and the Beats Solo Pro Wireless have different strengths, and you may prefer either one. The Audio-Technica are over-ears designed with audiophiles in mind. They have a more comfortable fit, a neutral and accurate sound profile, and a wider, more immersive passive soundstage. However, the Beats are more versatile headphones designed for casual use. They have a wireless design, which some users may prefer, have an ANC system that does a great job of blocking out background noise around you, and an H1 chip so you can seamlessly pair them with Apple devices.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are a better headphone than the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 On-Ear/HD1 On-Ear. The Audio-Technica have a more comfortable over-ear fit than the Sennheiser. They're also better built and have a much better sound quality that delivers a more powerful bass without drowning instruments and vocals or sounding boomy and cluttered like the Sennehiser. On the upside, the Sennheiser are a bit more portable and easier to carry around. They also come with an in-line remote which makes them a bit more suitable to use with your phone while commuting, even if their isolation performance is not great.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and the HyperX Cloud Flight are headphones with very different uses. If you're looking for something for gaming, check out the HyperX as they have a remarkable boom microphone for speaking to your teammates. You can use them both wirelessly via their wireless USB dongle or wired, although you can only receive audio when plugged into a PS4 or Xbox One controller. The Audio-Technica, on the other hand, are better suited for critical listening as they have a much more even and better-balanced sound profile. They also feel quite a bit better-built and come with a few different options of detachable audio cables.

For gaming, the Astro A40 TR + MixAmp Pro 2017 will be a better option than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x thanks to the boom microphone and its dock, which offers plenty of controls. The Astro are also more comfortable and have a good app that lets you EQ their sound profile, though some users have experienced issues using it. The Astro are open-backs, so they’ll feel more open-sounding, and won’t be great for everyday casual use. However, the Audio-Technica are very versatile. Also, if you have a stand-alone microphone, the Audio-Technica can be a good choice for gaming, thanks to its very accurate audio reproduction.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and the TOZO T6 Truly Wireless are very different headphones. The Audio-Technica are wired headphones design for critical listening in the studio, while the TOZO are truly wireless earbuds for casual everyday use. The TOZO support Bluetooth for wireless freedom on-the-go, but this means they have too much latency to be useful in the studio.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are better Djing headphones than the JBL CLUB ONE Wireless. The Audio-Technica have a slightly more neutral sound profile, and their soundstage is perceived as being more natural as well as sounding like it's coming from out in front of you rather than being contained in your head. However, the JBL are way more versatile as they have two kinds of microphone, an active noise cancelling feature, and they can be used wirelessly.