Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones Review

The Audio Technica ATH-M50x and the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO have very similar performance, but some might prefer the better build quality of the Beyerdynamic. Their metal frame feels sturdy, and the soft padding fabric feels nice on the skin. However, they can be tight for some, especially if you have a larger head. They might also sound a bit sharp for some and don't come with as many cable options as the Audio Technica.

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are designed with different use cases and preferences in mind. The Beyerdynamic are better-built and feel sturdier thanks to their metal frame. Their open-back design gives them a wider, more immersive soundstage, at the expense of leaking more audio. On the other hand, if you need headphones that provide some passive noise isolation or if you like to listen to listen to music where basslines and kicks are prominent, like techno and house, the Beyerdynamic are a safer choice. 

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 AKG K371 are better over-ear studio headphones than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x unless you want a bit more punch in the bass. The AKG have fewer peaks and dips with a slightly more balanced sound profile, which works if you're producing audio. On the other hand, the Audio-Technica have a more stable fit, and their frequency response is more consistent among users.

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.

The Sennheiser HD 560S are better headphones if you want a better PRTF performance, which can be indicative of a more immersive sound. The Sennheiser are open-back headphones that are more comfortable and have significantly better-matched L/R drivers. However, the Audio-Technica are closed-back headphones that are better built and more versatile if you need headphones that don't leak sound and provide some passive isolation. 

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and the Philips SHP9500 are both very good headphones for fans of balanced sound profiles, but they have different enclosures, offering 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 listening experience, 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.

Choosing between the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and the Sennheiser HD 600 essentially comes down to whether you prefer an open- or closed-back design. The Audio-Technica have a more prominent bass reproduction that fans of electronic genres, like techno, will prefer. They can also be used in quieter environments where leaked audio is easily heard and will provide a degree of passive isolation against background noise. On the other hand, the Sennheiser better pinner interaction, which is indicative of a spacious and immersive soundstage. They also offer a more stable fit.

The Philips Fidelio X2HR are better headphones for neutral sound than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x if you want a more open and spacious sound. The Philips are open-back headphones with a more comfortable fit and better frequency response consistency. However, the Audio-Technica are still a suitable choice if you prefer a closed-back design that's better-built if you need headphones that don't leak audio and isolate much better.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Sennheiser HD 25 are both popular wired headphones for enthusiasts and DJs alike. One distinction is that the Audio-Technica are over-ear headphones and weigh much more than the lightweight Sennheiser. They can fold down smaller with a travel bag. You get two extra detachable audio cables, and both use different but proprietary cable connectors. In contrast, the Sennheiser fit on-ears. They feel comfortable and don't clamp as hard as the Audio-Technica. The headband can split, which is unique and helps to stabilize the fit.

The Sennheiser HD 650 and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are both wired headphones designed for monitoring audio. While the Sennheiser are open-backed, which helps them to create a more spacious and wide soundstage, they're less rumbly in the lows. However, the Audio-Technica are closed-back headphones that deliver bass, if that's your preference, and they have a slightly better build quality. Due to their closed-back design, they isolate out noise better, too.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X are both closed-back audiophile headphones. The Audio-Technica have a less piercing treble range and they're often a bit cheaper. However, the 700 PRO X have slightly better passive noise isolation performance, with a sleeker metal frame, and are just a bit more stable on-head.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are aimed at different useages than the Audio-Technica ATH-M60x. The M50x have a slightly more durable build quality and a more comfortable over-ear fit. However, the M60x are a bit more compact with a modern on-ear fit 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 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. Meanwhile, the ATH-R70x interact more with your pinna, which is indicative of a more spacious sound. However, the ATH-M50x block out much more noise and leak a lot less audio, making these more suitable for podcasts or casual listening in noisy spaces.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are better headphones than the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro 2016 for most uses. The Audio-Technica are better built and noticeably more comfortable with spare cables included in the box. The Sennheiser also get very hot and aren't particularly breathable. Overall, the Audio-Technica offer better value, even at their higher price point.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are better for professional monitoring  than the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless. The Audio-Technica are wired headphones designed for recording and monitoring audio, but they aren't as good for commutes and travel as the Sony. The Sony headphones are better for multi-purpose use. You can use them via Bluetooth or a wired connection, and have a more comfortable, stable fit, onboard controls, and an integrated mic. They also have a very effective ANC feature.

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 padding of the Beyerdynamic headphones is softer and feels more comfortable, but they fit tighter on the head than the Audio-Technica. Both headphones have broadly similar style tunings, and the more low-profile design of the Audio-Technica might be better for on-the-go use, though.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are better headphones for balanced sound than the RØDE NTH-100M. The Audio-Technica are better-built 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 come with a detachable boom mic for wired gaming.

Both headphones have a similar design and performance, but the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT are better multi-purpose 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 design meant for audio production with zero latency and no need to monitor battery levels.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are a better value than the Sony MDR-7520. The Sony have a 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 are more comfortable.

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

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, but 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 if you want a balanced tuning.

The Audio-Technica ATH-ADX3000 and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are very different headphones. For a start, the open-backed ADX3000 are many times more expensive than the closed-back M50x, but they serve different purposes. The M50x are a great choice for use while recording or for listening to music on the go (so long as you don't mind the cable). On the other hand, the ADX3000's more open sound and remarkable imaging performance make them a good choice for critical listening work such as audio editing. 

The Audio Technica ATH-M50x are better headphones than the Focal Elegia for most people, and they're typically a fraction of the price, too. Both are wired headphones designed for audiophiles with neutral-style sound profiles. 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, but the cost difference might not be worth it.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are better headphones for studio recordings than the Beats Studio3 Wireless. Their closed-back, wired design suits music production. However, unlike the Audio-Technica, the Beats are wireless, and they have controls, a microphone, and active noise cancelling, making them more versatile headphones, if you're on-the-go.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ are passive headphones aimed at audio professionals. The Audio-Technica headphones have a more balanced profile with some bass emphasis, but not a lot, making them versatile in studios and DJ booths. They fit over-ears, with ample padding, and can fold down smaller. The design is fairly bulky, and they feel a bit plasticky. The AIAIAI are on-ear headphones, but they're not more portable because they don't fold. They sound quite bassy, which you may prefer for beat-matching. You can change virtually every component, including the drivers, but as they are out of the box, their sound appeals more to EDM and hip-hop fans.