The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 are wireless over-ear headphones with a continuous battery life of more than 60 hours. They're the next generation of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT and have a very neutral, less boomy sound profile. They also come with a few new features, including multi-device pairing and sound customization via their companion app. While the new 'Low Latency Mode' doesn't improve their Bluetooth performance very much, their latency with iOS and Android phones is low enough for streaming videos. The headphones also now charge with a USB-C connection instead of micro-USB.
Our Verdict
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 are good for neutral sound. Their sound profile is very neutral and not as boomy or bass-heavy as the original Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT. If you prefer a different sound, you can customize it with a graphic EQ and presets in the companion app. However, they have a poor passive soundstage performance and are prone to inconsistent bass and treble delivery.
- EQ and presets available.
- Well-built and comfortable.
- Poor passive soundstage.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 are okay for commute and travel. They have a comfortable fit and a very long continuous battery life of more than 60 hours. However, they don't block out noises like the rumbling of bus and plane engines and have a poor overall noise isolation performance. They aren't very portable, like most over-ear headphones, but they can fold into a more compact shape and come with a carrying pouch.
- Well-built and comfortable.
- 61.6-hour continuous battery life.
- Poor noise isolation performance.
- Not very portable.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 are decent for sports and fitness. They aren't intended for sports use and aren't extremely stable, so they may slip around on your head during moderate exercise or even fall off. However, they have a comfortable fit and easy-to-use controls, so they may be suitable for lower-intensity exercise if you don't mind their over-ear design. They also lack an IP rating for dust or water resistance, which is normal for audiophile headphones.
- Well-built and comfortable.
- Not very stable.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 are decent for the office. Unlike their predecessor, they support multi-device pairing, so you can connect to your phone and work computer at the same time. They also have a long continuous battery life, a comfortable fit, and don't leak too much at high volumes, so your music shouldn't bother people nearby unless you're working in a quiet space. Unfortunately, they have a poor noise isolation performance.
- Decent mic performance.
- Poor noise isolation performance.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 can only be used wirelessly via Bluetooth, so they can't connect wirelessly with PlayStation or Xbox consoles. They can be used wirelessly with Bluetooth-compatible with PCs, but even with 'Low Latency Mode' enabled, their latency is a bit too high for gaming.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 are good for wired gaming. They can receive audio from PCs and Xbox and PlayStation consoles if you plug their 1/8" TRS cable into a controller. However, you can't use the microphone. On the plus side, they have a comfortable fit and a well-balanced sound profile that you can customize with an EQ and presets in the companion app.
- EQ and presets available.
- Well-built and comfortable.
- Can only receive audio.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 are alright for phone calls. The integrated mic has a decent recording quality, so your voice should sound clear and undistorted if you use them to talk on the phone. It also does a satisfactory job of separating your voice from background noise, although your voice can get lost in loud environments. The headphones also don't isolate you from very much ambient sound, so if you're taking a call from a busy street, you may not be able to hear your call. Conveniently, they have onboard controls for answering and ending calls and muting the mic.
- Decent mic performance.
- Poor noise isolation performance.
Changelog
- Updated Mar 25, 2024: This review mentions the Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1BT Wireless in Sound Profile as a bass-heavy alternative.
- Updated Mar 13, 2024: The review was updated to include different color variants and to mention the V-MODA Crossfade 3 Wireless and their hardshell case in the Case section.
- Updated Apr 06, 2023: We've retested the frequency response, checked the test settings, and compared wired vs. Bluetooth and SBC codec vs. LDAC. Our results haven't changed, but we have updated Sound Profile with our results.
- Updated Sep 16, 2021: Review published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Wireless come in one color: 'Black'. The manufacturer is known for releasing limited colors, and there's a 'Lantern Glow' variant with an orange color scheme, 'Deep Sea' which is a dark greenish blue, and a pale 'Ice Blue'. You can see the label for the unit we tested here.
If you come across another variant, please let us know in the discussions, and we'll update our review.
Popular Headphones Comparisons
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 are the second generation of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT, which are the wireless variant of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. Their mic has a better recording quality than their predecessor, they have a longer continuous battery life, and there are several new features, like multi-device pairing, built-in Alexa voice assistant, 'Low Latency Mode', and sound customization options in the companion app.
If you're looking for other options, check out our lists of the best over-ear headphones, the best wireless Bluetooth headphones, and the best Audio-Technica headphones.
Depending on your needs, you may prefer either the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x or the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2. The ATH-M50x are wired-only headphones designed for monitoring and recording audio. However, the ATH-M50xBT2 are more versatile Bluetooth and wired headphones with long continuous battery life. Unlike the wired version, they have an integrated microphone and a great companion app with sound customization features.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless are better than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Wireless for most purposes. They isolate you from much more noise, thanks to their ANC feature, and they're much more comfortable and well-built. On the other hand, the Audio-Technica headphones have a longer continuous battery life. Also, some may prefer their flatter sound profile to the Sony's bass-heavy sound, although both pairs have sound customization features in their apps.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Wireless offer some improvements over the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT. Their continuous battery life is longer, they offer sound customization options and multi-device pairing, and they have an integrated mic with better recording quality. They also have a less boomy default sound profile. However, unlike their predecessor, they don't support the aptX codec. Some may also prefer the ATH-M50xBT's more bass-rich sound.
The Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless are better than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Wireless for most purposes. The Sony are much better-built, significantly more comfortable, and have an easier-to-use control scheme. They have an ANC system and isolate you from much more noise, and some listeners may prefer their bass-heavy default sound profile. On the other hand, the Audio-Technica have a longer continuous battery life of more than 60 hours. They're a better choice for neutral sound, thanks to their more accurate bass response and more open-seeming passive soundstage.
Our How We Test Headphones article takes you behind the scenes in our lab. You'll learn how we choose and purchase products and dive into the details of our review philosophy, from testing and scoring to writing and editing.
You can also discover how we produce recommendations like this one so that you can find the best headphones (or earbuds!) for your needs.
Test Results
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