Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB
The 45mm large-aperture dynamic drivers with rare earth magnets deliver professional-grade clarity and deep bass, while the cardioid condenser capsule from the 20 series studio microphones ensures high-quality vocal articulation. The integrated A/D converter supports up to 24-bit/96 kHz for high-resolution digital audio, and the bundle includes a desktop stand for immediate use. This headset is best for gamers and streamers who need a complete, wired USB-C setup with studio-grade sound and microphone performance.
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Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
M50x sound plus a real studio mic in one wired package. Buy it for streaming, not for commuting.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Legendary M50x sound in a headset form factor 87th
- Studio-grade boom mic that actually sounds professional 86th
- 24-bit/96kHz USB-C conversion for clean digital audio 80th
- Comfortable enough for marathon streaming sessions
Cons
- Build quality feels cheaper than the price suggests
- No wireless option, USB-C only
- No active noise cancelling at all
- Battery life is irrelevant since it's wired, but the 47th percentile ranking stings
The proof
Performance
Sound sits at the 87th percentile, which means it's one of the best on the market for clarity and bass response. The 45mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils do real work here. Comfort is also a standout at the 88th percentile, so long sessions won't crush your skull. The mic lands at the 83rd percentile, which is impressive for a headset, and the 24-bit/96kHz A/D converter keeps your voice crisp. The surprise? Build quality only hits the 35th percentile, which is mediocre for a $274 headset. You're paying for audio and mic performance, not tank-like durability.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | over-ear |
| Weight | 0.1 kg / 0.1 lbs |
| Ear Cushion | mesh and leatherette |
Audio
| Driver Type | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 45 |
| Hi-Res Audio | Yes |
| Codecs | INCLUDED - Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB StreamSet Over-Ear Professional Monitor Streaming Headphones, Desktop Stand, ensuring a complete setup for immediate use. |
Connectivity
| Wireless | No |
| Wired Connector | USB-C |
| Detachable Cable | No |
| Cable Length | 2 |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
| Boom Mic | Yes |
| Detachable Mic | Yes |
| Mic Pattern | Unidirectional |
vs Competition
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM M5AEBT and Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B both offer wireless connectivity and active noise cancelling, which the ATH-M50xSTS-USB completely lacks. The Technics EAH-A800 also brings ANC and a more premium build. But none of those have a boom mic, and that's the whole point here. The JBL Tune 670NC and TOZO HT3 are cheaper but sound nowhere near as good. If you need a wired headset with studio sound and a real mic, this is the only one in the group that delivers.
| Spec | Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB | Sennheiser HDB 630 | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | Sony WH-1000XM6 | JBL Tune 670NC | TOZO HT3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | on-ear | over-ear |
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | 45 | 42 | 40 | 30 | 32 | 40 |
| Impedance Ohms | - | 480 | - | 48 | 32 | 16 |
| Wireless | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | - | closed | closed | closed | closed | closed |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 6.0 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 60 | 30 | 30 | 70 | 90 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Anc | Mic | Build | Sound | Battery | Comfort | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB | 32 | 80.4 | 33.7 | 85.6 | 46 | 87.1 | 18.9 | 40.9 |
| Sennheiser HDB 630 Compare | 98.2 | 82.7 | 75.7 | 98.1 | 91.3 | 44.5 | 98.4 | 95.1 |
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Compare | 98.2 | 99.3 | 94.3 | 99 | 76.5 | 52 | 97.7 | 95.1 |
| Sony WH-1000XM6 Compare | 98.2 | 89.4 | 90.8 | 91 | 76.5 | 80.1 | 99.9 | 83.6 |
| JBL Tune 670NC Compare | 98.2 | 64.1 | 75.7 | 84.9 | 94.3 | 87.1 | 99.2 | 98.7 |
| TOZO HT3 Compare | 89.8 | 82.7 | 94.3 | 98.6 | 97.8 | 52 | 96.8 | 95.1 |
Price
Value & Pricing
At $274 USD, this is a tough sell unless you specifically need the M50x sound plus a boom mic in one package. You're paying a premium for the convenience of not buying a separate headphone and mic setup. If you already own M50x headphones and a USB mic, skip this. If you're starting from scratch and want a clean streaming rig, the math works out better.
Read more
Overview
The ATH-M50xSTS-USB is Audio-Technica taking their legendary M50x sound and bolting on a proper studio mic. It's a streamer's dream if you want one cable, one headset, and zero fuss. The 45mm drivers deliver that familiar punchy, detailed M50x signature, and the boom mic is genuinely good, borrowed from their 20 series studio mics. Just don't expect wireless freedom or any noise cancelling, because this thing is wired USB-C and proud of it.
Common Questions
Q: Does this headset work with consoles?
It's USB-C, so it'll work with PS5, Switch, and PC. Xbox is trickier since it needs specific USB audio support. Check your console's USB audio compatibility before buying.
Q: Can I use this without the boom mic?
The mic is attached and not detachable, but you can mute it. If you want pure M50x headphones without the mic, just buy the regular ATH-M50x and save money.
Q: Is the cable replaceable?
The USB-C cable is integrated into the headset design. If it breaks, you're looking at a repair or replacement, not a simple cable swap. That's part of why the build quality ranking is concerning.
Who Should Skip This
If you want wireless freedom, active noise cancelling, or a headset you can toss in a bag without worry, this isn't it. Go get the Sony ULT WEAR or Sennheiser MOMENTUM instead. This is a desk-bound tool for creators, not a travel companion.
Verdict
The ATH-M50xSTS-USB is a niche product that nails its niche. Streamers and podcasters who want the M50x sound signature with a genuinely good boom mic will love it. Everyone else should look at wireless ANC options. It's not a general-purpose headphone, and it doesn't pretend to be.
