Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
Quick take: The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x costs $40 less; only the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 supports multipoint (two devices at once).
| Spec | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$159 | ~$199 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Wired & Studio | Over-Ear Headphones |
| Noise Cancelling | None | None |
| Battery (single charge) | — | 50 hrs |
| Battery (with case) | — | — |
| Quick Charge | — | 10 min = 3 hr |
| Codecs | — | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | No | Yes |
| Driver Size | 45 mm | 45 mm |
| Weight | 285 g | 307 g |
| Water Resistance | — | — |
| Wireless Charging | No | No |
| Transparency Mode | No | No |
| Spatial Audio | No | No |
| App EQ | No | Yes |
Pros & cons
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- ✓Runs happily from a phone dongle at 38 ohms
- ✓Legendary durability — years of backpack abuse, still working
- ✓Folds flat with three detachable cables included
- ✓Punchy tuning flatters hip-hop and electronic
- ✓Cheap replacement pads make it effectively immortal
- ✓Decade-plus default first studio headphone for a reason
- ✗Coiled cable is heavy enough to tug your head
- ✗Pleather pads run hot and flake by year two
- ✗Clamp is firm on larger heads
- ✗Mid-bass bump and forward treble aren't mixing-flat
- ✗Trails the DT 770 for long-session comfort
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
- ✓Flat-leaning, detail-rich M50x tuning that beats consumer rivals on accuracy
- ✓50 hr battery with 10 min = 3 hr rapid charge over USB-C
- ✓LDAC hi-res codec alongside AAC and SBC
- ✓Proven long-term durability with folding, swiveling metal-reinforced build
- ✓Detachable cables including a mic cable for wired listening
- ✓A-T Connect app adds EQ and a low-latency mode for video
- ✓Multipoint pairing across two devices
- ✗No ANC or transparency mode at a price where both are standard
- ✗Multipoint switching requires manually pausing the first device
- ✗Heavier 307g build with a firm studio-style clamp
- ✗Call mics struggle to reject background noise outdoors
- ✗Flat tuning can feel bass-light to listeners raised on Sony/JBL