Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Sony WH-1000XM4
What Buyers Say
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
These headphones are widely praised for their superb sound quality, balanced audio, and excellent value for the price, making them a top choice for both casual listening and professional studio work. However, a significant number of users report durability issues, particularly with the ear pads and headband padding flaking or disintegrating after a year or two of use. Some also mention a tight clamping force that can become uncomfortable over time, and the Bluetooth model has occasional firmware or battery problems. Overall, the audio performance is exceptional, but prospective buyers should be aware of the potential longevity concerns.
Pros
- Superb sound quality
- Balanced and clear audio
- Great value for the price
- Excellent passive noise isolation
- Comfortable for long sessions
Cons
- Ear pad peeling/disintegration
- Headband padding flaking
- Tight clamping force
- Plastic hinge breakage risk
- Bluetooth freezing issues
Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones receive mostly positive feedback for their excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and comfort. However, many users report durability issues, particularly with the hinges, and some complain about software quirks like the speak-to-chat feature and Bluetooth connectivity problems. While the audio experience is highly praised, the build quality and software reliability are common concerns.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Effective noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit
- Great battery life
- Customizable EQ via app
Cons
- Hinge durability issues
- Speak-to-chat feature glitchy
- Bluetooth connectivity problems
- Charging issues
- Touch controls unreliable
Scores
Specifications
| Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | Sony WH-1000XM4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.28 kg | 0.25 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | faux-leather | foamed urethane |
| Headband | professional-grade material | — |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 45 mm★ | 40 mm |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | 15 Hz | 4 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | 28 kHz | 40 kHz★ |
| Impedance | 38 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB | 105 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Codecs | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones (Black) with Carrying Case, 6Ave Cleaning Kit and 1-Year | LDAC |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✗ | ✓★ |
| ANC Type | — | industry-leading |
| Transparency | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.0★ |
| Profiles | — | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Multipoint | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | 3 m | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Range | — | 9.100000381469727 m★ |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | — | 30 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | — | 3 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 10 min for 5 hours playback |
| Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Mic Count | — | 5★ |
| NC Mic | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | — | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Touch Controls | ✗ | ✓★ |
| App | — | Sony | Headphones Connect |
| Gaming Mode | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX0 |
Pros & Cons
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Strong social proof (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong comfort (80th percentile)80th %ile
- Strong sound (79th percentile)
- Strong build (76th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Sony WH-1000XM4
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong social proof (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong sound (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong anc (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (13th percentile)13th %ile
Pricing
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x offers 1.5x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 18 of 40 specs.
