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  1. Home
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Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Sennheiser HD 480 PRO

Which Headphones Are Better?

    Top
    Main Differences
    Sound
      Sound ProfileFrequency Response ConsistencyRaw Frequency ResponseBass Profile: Target ComplianceMid-Range Profile: Target ComplianceTreble Profile: Target CompliancePeaks/DipsStereo MismatchCumulative Spectral DecayPRTFHarmonic DistortionElectrical AspectsTest Settings
    Design
      StyleComfortControlsPortabilityCaseBuild QualityStabilityHeadshots 1Headshots 2TopIn The Box
    Isolation
      Noise Isolation - Full RangeNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosNoise Isolation - Voice HandlingANC Wind HandlingLeakage
    Microphone
      Microphone StyleRecording QualityNoise Handling
    Active Features
      BatteryApp Support
    Connectivity
      Wired ConnectionBluetooth ConnectionWireless Connection (Dongle)PC CompatibilityPlayStation CompatibilityXbox Compatibility
    Comments

Products

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Sennheiser HD 480 PRO

Tested using Methodology v2.3

Updated Jun 15, 2026 08:57 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon

Tested using Methodology v2.3

Updated Jul 06, 2026 04:56 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Picture

Track

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Picture

Track

TypeOver-ear
Noise CancellingNo
EnclosureClosed-Back
Bass Amount
Balanced (0 dB)
WirelessNo
Treble Amount
Balanced (0 dB)
MicNo
Sound Signature
Balanced
TypeOver-ear
Noise CancellingNo
EnclosureClosed-Back
Bass Amount
Slightly Emphasized (1 dB)
WirelessNo
Treble Amount
Balanced (-1 dB)
MicNo
Sound Signature
Balanced
  1. Recommended in 2 articles:
  2. Brands
  3. Audio-Technica
  1. Recommended in 1 article:
  2. Wired

Our Verdict

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO

The Sennheiser HD 480 PRO and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are both wired, closed-back over-ears, but the Sennheiser are better suited for professional applications. They have a more comfortable fit, are able to isolate you more against external noise, and their frequency response is extremely well-aligned with our house target curve. That said, the Audio-Technica are better-built, with stronger hinges that are more likely to stand up to some abuse. Given you can likely buy two of the Audio-Technica for the same price as a single Sennheiser, choosing between them will come down to how much you value the fit and extra isolation, as well as if you prefer the sound profile.  

GIFT THIS COMPARISON

0 

Variants

  • ATH-M50x (Black)
  • ATH-M50x (Gray)
  • HD 480 PRO (Black)

Review

See Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Review
See Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Review
7 
6 

Check Price

Black
ATH-M50x
SEE PRICE
Amazon
Black
HD 480 PRO
SEE PRICE
Amazon
Gray
ATH-M50x
SEARCH
Amazon
Black
HD 480 PRO
SEE PRICE
Sennheiser
Metallic Orange
ATH-M50x
SEE PRICE
Amazon
Black
HD 480 PRO
SEE PRICE
B&H
White
ATH-M50x
SEE PRICE
Amazon
Black
HD 480 PRO
SEARCH
BestBuy.com
 
Black
HD 480 PRO
SEARCH
Walmart.com

Main Differences for
Sports And Fitness

Threshold 

0.10

Sports And Fitness 
 

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Full Comparison

Sound

Sound Profile 
 

Sound Profile  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Sound Profile Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Sound Profile Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Normalization Frequency 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

Bass Amount 
 

Locked
Locked

Treble Amount 
 

Locked
Locked

Sound Signature 
 

Locked
Locked

Frequency Response Consistency 
 

N/A
N/A

Consistency L  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Consistency L Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Consistency L Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Consistency R  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Consistency R Sample

SAMPLE

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Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Consistency R Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Std. Deviation 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Raw Frequency Response 
 

Raw FR L  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Raw FR L Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Raw FR L Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Raw FR R  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Raw FR R Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Raw FR R Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bass Profile: Target Compliance 
 

N/A
N/A

Bass Profile: Target Compliance  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Bass Profile: Target Compliance Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Bass Profile: Target Compliance Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

RMS Deviation From Target 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

Low Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

High Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance 
 

N/A
N/A

Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance Sample

SAMPLE

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Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

RMS Deviation From Target 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid-Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

High Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Treble Profile: Target Compliance 
 

N/A
N/A

Treble Profile: Target Compliance  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Treble Profile: Target Compliance Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Treble Profile: Target Compliance Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

RMS Deviation From Target 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

High Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Peaks/Dips 
 

N/A
N/A

Peaks/Dips Graph 
 

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Peaks/Dips Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Peaks/Dips Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Peaks 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Dips 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Stereo Mismatch 
 

N/A
N/A

Frequency Response Mismatch  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Frequency Response Mismatch Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Frequency Response Mismatch Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Phase Response Mismatch  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Phase Response Mismatch Sample

SAMPLE

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Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Phase Response Mismatch Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Weighted Amplitude Mismatch 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Weighted Frequency Response Mismatch 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Weighted Phase Mismatch 
 

Lock°
Lock°

PRTF 
 

N/A
N/A

PRTF  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x PRTF Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO PRTF Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

PRTF Accuracy (RMS Deviation) 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

PRTF Size (Avg.) 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

PRTF Distance 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Harmonic Distortion 
 

N/A
N/A

Harmonics Levels  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Harmonics Levels Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Harmonics Levels Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

THD Ratio  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x THD Ratio Sample

SAMPLE

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Sennheiser HD 480 PRO THD Ratio Sample

SAMPLE

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WHD @ 94 dB SPL 
 

Lock%
Lock%

WHD @ 104 dB SPL 
 

Lock%
Lock%

Electrical Aspects 
 

Impedance  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Impedance Sample

SAMPLE

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Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Impedance Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Sensitivity @1kHz-1V 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

Bluetooth Max SPL 
 

N/A
N/A

Test Settings 
 

Firmware 
 

Locked
Locked

Power 
 

Locked
Locked

Connection 
 

Locked
Locked

Codec 
 

Locked
Locked

Test Instrument  

Locked
Locked

EQ 
 

Locked
Locked

ANC 
 

Locked
Locked

Tip/Pad 
 

Locked
Locked

Microphone 
 

Locked
Locked
Design

Style  

Design Picture 2  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Design Picture 2 Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Design Picture 2 Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Type  

Locked
Locked

Enclosure  

Locked
Locked

Wireless  

Locked
Locked

Transducer  

Locked
Locked

Comfort 
 

N/A
N/A

Comfort Picture  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Comfort Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Comfort Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Weight  

Lock lbs
Lock lbs

Clamping Force 
 

Lock lbs
Lock lbs

Controls 
 

N/A
N/A

Controls Picture  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Controls Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Controls Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

OS Compatibility 
 

Locked
Locked

Ease Of Use  

Locked
Locked

Feedback  

Locked
Locked

Call/Music Control  

Locked
Locked

Volume Control  

Locked
Locked

Microphone Control  

Locked
Locked

Channel Mixing 
 

Locked
Locked

Noise Cancelling Control  

Locked
Locked

Talk-Through 
 

Locked
Locked

Additional Controls  

Locked
Locked

Portability 
 

N/A
N/A

Portability Picture  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Portability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Portability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

L  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

W  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

H  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Volume  

Lock in³ (Lock cm³)
Lock in³ (Lock cm³)

Transmitter Required  

Locked
Locked

Case 
 

N/A
N/A

Case Picture  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Case Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Case Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Type  

Locked
Locked

L  

N/A
N/A

W  

N/A
N/A

H  

N/A
N/A

Volume  

N/A
N/A

Build Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Build Quality Picture  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Build Quality Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Build Quality Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Stability 
 

N/A
N/A

Stability Picture  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Stability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Stability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Headshots 1  

Angled Picture  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Angled Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Angled Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Side Picture  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Side Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Side Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Headshots 2  

Front Picture  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Front Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Front Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Rear Picture  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Rear Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Rear Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Top  

Top Picture  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Top Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Top Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

In The Box  

In The Box Picture  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x In The Box Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO In The Box Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Isolation

Noise Isolation - Full Range 
 

N/A
N/A

Noise Isolation - Full Range Graph  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Noise Isolation - Full Range Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Noise Isolation - Full Range Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Noise Cancelling  

Locked
Locked

Overall Attenuation 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios 
 

N/A
N/A

Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios Graph  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Airplane Noise Attenuation 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Airplane Noise Isolation Audio 
 

Join Now
Join Now

Office Noise Attenuation 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Office Noise Isolation Audio 
 

Join Now
Join Now

Street Noise Attenuation 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Street Noise Isolation Audio 
 

Join Now
Join Now

Noise Isolation - Voice Handling 
 

Female Voice 1 
 

Join Now
Join Now

Male Voice 1 
 

Join Now
Join Now

Female Voice 2 
 

Join Now
Join Now

Male Voice 2 
 

Join Now
Join Now

ANC Wind Handling 
 

ANC Wind Handling Graph  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x ANC Wind Handling Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO ANC Wind Handling Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

ANC Wind Noise 
 

Join Now
Join Now

Leakage 
 

N/A
N/A

Leakage  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Leakage Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Leakage Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Leakage Audio 
 

Join Now
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Overall Leakage @ 1ft 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Microphone

Microphone Style 
 

Integrated 
 

Locked
Locked

In-Line 
 

Locked
Locked

Boom 
 

Locked
Locked

Detachable Boom 
 

Locked
Locked

Mic  

Locked
Locked

Recording Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Microphone Frequency Response  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Microphone Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Microphone Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Recorded Speech 
 

Join Now
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LFE 
 

N/A
N/A

FR Std. Dev. 
 

N/A
N/A

HFE 
 

N/A
N/A

Weighted THD 
 

N/A
N/A

Gain 
 

N/A
N/A

Noise Handling 
 

N/A
N/A

SpNR  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x SpNR Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO SpNR Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

SpNR 
 

N/A
N/A

Noise Gate 
 

N/A
Locked

Speech + Pink Noise Handling 
 

N/A
N/A

Speech + Pink Noise Audio Sample  

Join Now
Join Now

Speech + Subway Noise Handling 
 

N/A
N/A

Speech + Subway Noise Audio Sample  

Join Now
Join Now
Active Features

Battery 
 

N/A
N/A

Battery Type 
 

Locked
Locked

Continuous Battery Life 
 

N/A
N/A

Additional Charges 
 

N/A
N/A

Total Battery Life 
 

N/A
N/A

Charge Time 
 

N/A
N/A

Power-Saving Feature 
 

Locked
Locked

Audio While Charging 
 

Locked
Locked

Passive Playback 
 

Locked
Locked

Charging Port  

Locked
Locked

App Support 
 

N/A
N/A

App Picture  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x App Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO App Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

App Name  

Locked
Locked

iOS  

Locked
Locked

Android  

Locked
Locked

macOS  

Locked
Locked

Windows  

Locked
Locked

Equalizer 
 

Locked
Locked

ANC Control 
 

Locked
Locked

Mic Control  

Locked
Locked

Playback Control 
 

Locked
Locked

Button Mapping  

Locked
Locked

Virtual Surround 
 

Locked
Locked
Connectivity

Wired Connection 
 

N/A
N/A

Cable Picture  

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Cable Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Cable Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Analog Audio 
 

Locked
Locked

USB Audio 
 

Locked
Locked

Detachable 
 

Locked
Locked

Length 
 

Lock ft (Lock m)
Lock ft (Lock m)

Connector 
 

Locked
Locked

Latency - Analog 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

Latency - USB 
 

N/A
N/A

Recorded Latency 
 

Join Now
Join Now

Recorded Latency Connection  

Locked
Locked

Bluetooth Connection 
 

N/A
N/A

Bluetooth Version 
 

Locked
Locked

Multi-Device Pairing 
 

Locked
Locked

Quick Pair (Android) 
 

Locked
Locked

Quick Pair (iOS) 
 

Locked
Locked

Latency - SBC 
 

N/A
N/A

Latency - aptX Adaptive (High Quality) 
 

N/A
N/A

Latency - aptX Adaptive (Low Latency) 
 

N/A
N/A

Latency - LDAC 
 

N/A
N/A

Recorded Latency 
 

Join Now
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Recorded Latency Codec  

Locked
Locked

AAC Support 
 

Locked
Locked

Wireless Connection (Dongle) 
 

N/A
N/A

Line Of Sight Range 
 

N/A
N/A

Latency - Dongle 
 

N/A
N/A

Recorded Latency 
 

Join Now
Join Now

PC Compatibility 
 

Analog 
 

Locked
Locked

Wired USB 
 

Locked
Locked

Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

PlayStation Compatibility 
 

PS5 Analog 
 

Locked
Locked

PS5 Wired USB 
 

Locked
Locked

PS5 Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Xbox Compatibility 
 

Xbox Series X|S Analog 
 

Locked
Locked

Xbox Series X|S Wired USB 
 

Locked
Locked

Xbox Series X|S Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Check Price

Black
ATH-M50x
SEE PRICE
Amazon
Black
HD 480 PRO
SEE PRICE
Amazon
Gray
ATH-M50x
SEARCH
Amazon
Black
HD 480 PRO
SEE PRICE
Sennheiser
Metallic Orange
ATH-M50x
SEE PRICE
Amazon
Black
HD 480 PRO
SEE PRICE
B&H
White
ATH-M50x
SEE PRICE
Amazon
Black
HD 480 PRO
SEARCH
BestBuy.com
 
Black
HD 480 PRO
SEARCH
Walmart.com
Back to Top

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 1 month ago

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Sennheiser HD 480 PRO: Main Discussion

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