The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are closed-back, over-ear headphones. The manufacturer has a reputation for making well-built products that are well-suited for both professional and home use. Thanks to their closed-back design, comfortable fit, and detachable cable, these headphones are a versatile choice for a variety of listening applications, and they remain a mainstay in studios around the world.
Our Verdict
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are very good for neutral listening. They offer a bit of extra body to bass, a balanced midrange and fairly bright treble audio reproduction suitable for recording, DJing, and general listening. While they don't produce a lot of low-bass, their over-emphasized high-bass compensates for this somewhat, and there's plenty of warmth and boom in your mixes. They have a decently balanced mid-range that reproduces instruments and vocals accurately. However, their closed-back design makes for a poor soundstage performance.
-
Balanced midrange for clear lead instruments.
-
Sturdy and comfortable build.
-
Detachable audio cable.
-
Prone to leakage at higher volumes.
-
Poor noise isolation performance.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are poor for commuting and travel. They only block noise passively, which won't be enough for the noisy environments involved in commuting. They're also bulky to carry around on your person at all times and have no control scheme to change tracks on the go.
-
Sturdy and comfortable build.
-
Detachable audio cable.
-
Prone to leakage at higher volumes.
-
Poor noise isolation performance.
-
No buttons or audio control options.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are poor for sports. They have a decently comfortable design, but they're a bit too bulky and unstable for sports. They also have a thick audio cable with no control scheme to change tracks while working out. They make your ears fairly warm under casual conditions, making you sweat more than usual during more intense activities.
-
Sturdy and comfortable build.
-
Prone to leakage at higher volumes.
-
No buttons or audio control options.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are disappointing for office use. They don't leak too much but will be audible to the people around you at higher volumes. Unfortunately, they also don't block enough noise to use in noisy environments, so you'll hear the ambient chatter of a lively office.
-
Sturdy and comfortable build.
-
Prone to leakage at higher volumes.
-
Poor noise isolation performance.
-
No buttons or audio control options.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are wired headphones; you can't use them wirelessly.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are passable for wired gaming, so long as you don't need mic support or have a standalone mic. Their wired connection ensures a virtually latency-free gaming experience. These comfortable headphones also have extra boom for a more immersive experience and balanced mids, ensuring that dialogue and instruments sound clear and accurate in cinematic cut scenes.
-
Sturdy and comfortable build.
-
Prone to leakage at higher volumes.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x don't have a mic, so you can't use them for calls unless you have a standalone mic. They also struggle to block out background noise, so you may find your conversation hard to hear if there's a lot of ambient sound around you.
- 7.9 Neutral Sound
- 4.7 Commute/Travel
- 5.3 Sports/Fitness
- 5.4 Office
- 4.4 Wireless Gaming
- 6.4 Wired Gaming
- 2.0 Phone Calls
-
Updated Nov 06, 2024:
We added a link to our recommendation article on the Best Audio-Technica Headphones in the product comparisons section of this review.
- Updated Sep 12, 2024: The following test groups have been updated following Test Bench 1.8: Sound Profile, Raw Frequency Response, Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance, Peaks/Dips. There have also been text changes made throughout the review, including to the product comparisons to match these results.
- Updated Sep 12, 2024: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.8, which updates our target curve and Sound tests. You can read more about this in our changelog.
- Updated Jul 12, 2024: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.7, which updates our Noise Isolation test. We've also expanded the scope of this test to include Common Scenarios in addition to Voice Handling and Wind Handling.
- Updated Feb 28, 2024: This review was updated to compare the Stability with the Sennheiser HD 25.
- Updated Dec 05, 2023: We've updated the text to ensure it remains accurate and consistent with new methodologies. We've also added some relevant comparisons.
- Updated Nov 02, 2023: The following test group has been updated following TB 1.6: Wired Connection and Bluetooth Connection. There have also been text changes made throughout the review, including to the usages to match these results.
- Updated Nov 02, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.6 , which updates how we measure latency. We've updated and renamed the following test groups: Wired Connection, Bluetooth Connection, and Wireless Connection (Dongle). We've also added new codec latency measurements and provided an audio sample of recorded latency.
- Updated Mar 01, 2023: We've included a comparison to the Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X in the Comfort box.
- Updated Jan 23, 2023: Added a comparison between the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and the Audio-Technica ATH-R70x in the Comfort box.
- Updated Jun 29, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
- Updated Feb 05, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.4.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.1.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.
- Updated Sep 09, 2019: We've updated the Build Quality score of these headphones.
- Updated Feb 16, 2018: Converted to Test Bench 1.2.
- Updated Aug 10, 2017: Converted to Test Bench 1.1.
- Updated Mar 01, 2017: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated Apr 21, 2016: Review published.
- Updated Apr 19, 2016: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Apr 11, 2016: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x come in two color variants: 'Black' and 'White'. The manufacturer holds a poll every year to pick a new limited edition colorway, so you might see other colors like 'Ice Blue', 'Purple and Black', 'Deep Sea Blue' and 'Lantern Glow' available new or on the secondhand market. We tested the 'Black' variant, but we expect all colorways to perform similarly. If you encounter another variant of these headphones, please let us know in the forums, and we'll update our review.
Compared To Other Headphones
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are closed-back headphones well-suited for both audiophiles and audio professionals. Their closed-back design and sturdy construction resemble the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO. The Audio-Technica have a conveniently detachable audio cable, but otherwise, preferences between the two in terms of sound and comfort will come down to personal taste. The manufacturer also offers other headphones in the same series to suit a range of budgets, like the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x, which offer a similar design and fit at a more wallet-friendly price. That said, they don't sound as neutral, and their build quality isn't as good. Audio-Technica has also since released a Bluetooth-equipped, wireless variant: the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2. While they're more portable and feature an integrated mic, they lack the wired version's boomy bass. For more, check out our recommendations on the best Audio-Technica headphones.
If you're interested in other brands, see our articles on the best headphones for music, the best DJ headphones, and the best headphones for studio use.
The Audio-Technica will be more comfortable to wear during long listening sessions and they feel better-built than the Sony MDR-7506. Both are tuned for monitoring and recording audio. The headphones are fairly similar, but you might be able to find the Sony at a cheaper price point, so they might offer better value, even though the Audio-Technica include swappable cables for longevity.
The Audio Technica ATH-M50x are very similar to the Audio Technica M40x, but they have a slight edge over them. They feel a bit sturdier and better-built than the M40x. Also, the M40x have elevated distortion, so they might sound a bit impure at high volumes, while the M50x will sound cleaner. Both headphones will give you great sound and are also great options for critical listening, but the M50x offer one of the best values on the market due to their great price-to-performance ratio.
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 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.
The Sennheiser HD 560S are better headphones if you want an open and spacious soundstage than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. The Sennheiser are open-back headphones that are more comfortable and have a significantly better passive soundstage performance. 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 isolate well.
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 Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are better for audio production 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.
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 have a more spacious and immersive soundstage and offer a more stable fit.
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 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.
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.
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 bit more neutral sound profile, which works if you're producing audio. On the other hand, the Audio-Technica have a more stable fit and feel much better built, and their frequency response is also more consistent among users.
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 Philips Fidelio X2HR are better headphones for neutral sound than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x if you want an open and spacious sound. The Philips are open-back headphones with a more comfortable fit and a significantly bigger passive soundstage performance. 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.
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 deliver more consistent 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 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 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 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 active noise cancellation which isolates you from noise better and their fit is much more comfortable. On the other hand, the Audio-Technica are wired headphones intended for audiophiles and audio production. They're better built, and their passive soundstage is perceived as more open and spacious without requiring a charged battery.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x are the more budget-minded variant of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. As a result, they're not as comfortable or well-built. They also lack a detachable cable design. For a similar sound profile and a more robust build with extra cables, the ATH-M50x are better for most people.
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.
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 passive soundstage is much more spacious and open on the ATH-R70x. 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.
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 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 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 sound more consistent between wears, and they're more comfortable.
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.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ are passive headphones aimed at audio professionals. The Audio-Technica headphones have a more neutral 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. 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.
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 if you want a studio-style tuning.
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 were a bit more consistent. Here, the ATH-M50x have the advantage of a more consistent sound. The Audio-Technica are also a bit lighter and more compact.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and the TOZO T6 Truly Wireless are very different headphones. The Audio-Technica are wired headphones designed 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 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.
Test Results
These headphones have the same studio design as the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x. They sport a non-descript, all-black color scheme. The flat oval ear cups add a bit more flare to the overall look of the headphones, with silver accents around the logo. They're also available in the 'White' colorway or limited edition color variants like 'Ice Blue'.
The Audio-Technica M50x's ear cups are slightly larger than the similarly modeled Audio-Technica ATH-M40x, which makes them a little more comfortable. The additional space easily accommodates larger ears, and they don't feel too tight on the head. Unfortunately, the padding feels stiff and squeaky, especially when moving or adjusting the headphones on your head. For audiophile headphones with less stiffness, consider the open-back Audio-Technica ATH-R70x. However, if you want more plush ear pads, check out the Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X.
These headphones don't have a control scheme and don't come with an additional audio cable with an in-line remote like some other wired designs.
These headphones are more breathable than the Focal Elegia, but they still make your ears fairly warm during long listening sessions. They have a closed-back over-ear design that prevents a lot of airflow, so they won't be suitable for exercising or working out.
They're on the larger side for over-ear headphones. Thankfully, they fold into a more compact format and can easily be carried in a backpack but will be too large for most jacket pockets. The swiveling ear cups also lay flat, taking up less space but not as much as when folded. The audio cable is also detachable and you can swap it out for a non-braided one, so it takes up less space.
These headphones come with a soft pouch that will protect them from scratches while in your bag, but it won't protect them from falls.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are well-built headphones. They feel sturdy and durable because of the dense plastic used for the ear cups and headband. They'll withstand a few drops without taking much damage. However, like the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x, the headphones seem susceptible to breaking at their joints, which feel weaker than the rest of their build. The metal frame used to reinforce the headband is thicker than the one utilized for the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x.
These headphones are reasonably stable but easily slip off your ears during high-intensity head movements, like headbanging. Fortunately, they're stable during casual use, even if you often tilt your head. If you DJ or move around quite a bit, the Sennheiser HD 25 can provide better stability with different hairstyles and head sizes with its splittable headband to hold the headphones in place.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones
- Carrying pouch
- Audio cables (x3)
- 1/8" to 1/4" adapter
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x produce natural and balanced midrange, with extra punch and boom in the bass, and bright top-end. Their low-bass isn't especially rumbly, but for monitoring audio, it's not the most important region, so this depends on how you're using the headphones. That added punch in the high-bass is good for beat-matching, but it can add extra body to mixes. Also, a note on the divergent bass curves between L/R, this is the result of how the headphones don't fit perfectly on our testing rig, but when worn by humans, you can expect a better matched L/R response.
Meanwhile, the relatively even midrange lets you hear natural-sounding lead guitars, keys, and speech. The treble range of these headphones is largely bright and a bit uneven, leading to alternatingly harsh or piercing sibilants (S and T sounds) and somewhat recessed details.
The frequency response consistency is decent. Bass range delivery is relatively consistent between different listening sessions and people. However, there's a bit of inconsistency in their treble delivery, so it's important to ensure good positioning, fit, and seal each time you use them to receive more consistent audio delivery.
They have excellent bass target compliance. While the range isn't perfectly aligned with our target, the response delivers ample boom and fullness to kick drums and bass guitars. Deep synths are comparatively a bit lighter on the low rumble in tracks like Aerodynamic by Daft Punk. If you use these headphones for wired gaming, this bump in the high-bass can also help bring out the sound of footsteps. Due to the headphones' rigid headband design and somewhat shallow ear cups, the L/R ear cups make it difficult to obtain an even seal over our testing rig, which yields the mismatched results in the bass range. This is an artifact of the testing rig and won't impact what you hear in real-world listening sessions.
The mid-range target compliance is impressive. Overall, the response is fairly neutral across the entire range. As a result, vocals and lead instruments are generally present and detailed. A slight dip in the low-mid makes lead instruments sound a little thin, but the rest of the mids are fairly even, if a touch elevated, in the high-mids to intensify vocals slightly.
Their treble's target compliance is very good, though it's uneven and mostly over-emphasized, leading to a bright sound, most of the peaks aren't notably large. The lower half of the low-treble is quite balanced and produces clear vocals. However, the subsequent peaks cause harshness and somewhat piercing exaggerations to the harmonics of vocals and cymbals, while a dip in the center of the range veils details.
These headphones have a good peaks and dips performance. They follow their own sound profile for the most part, with narrow deviations for the most part. Due to the rigid design of the headphones and the difficulty getting an adequate seal over our testing rig, the bass appears more mismatched than it sounds in real-world circumstances. That said, the bass is overall somewhat flat, except for sharp dips that reduce the rumble of sub-bass synths, and a gradual over-emphasis in the higher bass regions adds extra punch to kicks. A narrow notch in the low-mids declutters the bloat of the high-bass a bit, while the rest of the mids are rather even for balanced-sounding leads. The treble range sees a series of narrow peaks and dips which result in uneven sounding vocal harmonics and cymbals, that come across as either overly bright, shrill, or a somewhat muffled and veiled in the details.
These headphones have a great imaging performance. Imaging performance usually indicates a manufacturer's dedication to quality control and ergonomics, and our unit's performance indicates that Audio-Technica's reputation for quality is deserved. However, imaging varies across units. Our unit's group delay response is below the audibility threshold, resulting in tight bass and transparent highs. The L/R drivers are well-matched in phase, amplitude, and frequency, ensuring accurate placement and localization of objects (instruments, footsteps, voice) in the stereo image. While there's a slight mismatch in phase in the low-mid, this is difficult to hear in real-life audio content.
The passive soundstage performance is sub-par, which is normal for closed-back headphones. The soundstage sounds closed-off and not particularly spacious-sounding. Audio sounds like it's coming from inside your head, as opposed to from speakers positioned around you.
These headphones have an excellent weighted harmonic distortion performance. Even at higher listening volumes, audio reproduction is still clean and pure, with only a small peak in the low-bass range. Listening at normal listening volumes will be entirely distortion-free.
These are the settings used to test these headphones. Our results are only valid when used in this configuration.
The Audio-Technica M50x's isolation performance is poor. There's no Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) system, so these headphones rely on their closed-back design to isolate you passively. As a result, they offer very little reduction in the bass range, so sounds like engine rumble will find their way into your audio. However, they do better at blocking out higher-frequency noises like office chatter or fridge hum.
The leakage performance is decent. Escaping audio is primarily concentrated in the mid and treble ranges, so audio leakage sounds thin. That said, the level of leakage isn't too loud. People around you can hear what you're listening to, but only if you're cranking your tunes in a quiet office or a library.
The headphones don't have a dedicated, compatible app for added customization.
These headphones come with three detachable audio cables, all of which lack in-line controls: two TRS cables with standard 1/8" jacks and a coiled 1/8" to 1/4" TRS cable. There's also a 1/8" to 1/4" adaptor provided. When you connect these headphones, latency is very low, and you'll experience no syncing issues between audio and video.
These headphones are wired and don't have a Bluetooth connection. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Wireless are similarly designed wireless headphones, or if you want a good Bluetooth headset for more casual use, the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Wireless 2016 are also a solid option.
These headphones are audio-only compatible with PCs when connected via an audio cable. While there's no integrated microphone, you can always purchase a standalone mic to send audio to your PC.
They only support audio via their analog connection on PlayStation consoles. They lack an integrated microphone, so if you want mic support, you can purchase a standalone mic.
These headphones are audio-only compatible with Xbox consoles when connected via an audio cable. There isn't an integrated microphone, but you can always purchase a standalone mic separately.
They don't have a dock. If you need a headset with a dock that also has a wired connection for gaming or watching movies, consider the SteelSeries Arctis 7.