Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The large aperture drivers deliver clear, accurate sound with deep bass, ideal for critical listening and studio tracking. The closed-back design reduces ambient noise, while the detachable cables and foldable build add portability and flexibility. Best for audio engineers and producers who need reliable, comfortable monitoring during long sessions.
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Огляд
The 30-Second Version
The ATH-M50x is a comfortable, well-built pair of wired studio headphones with a legendary reputation. But our data shows sound quality in the 18th percentile, which is a tough pill to swallow at $175 to $179. The 97th percentile comfort and detachable cable system are the real highlights. Buy it for long studio sessions, not for casual listening or travel.
Pros & Cons
Переваги
- 97th percentile comfort means you can wear these for hours without fatigue 99th
- Detachable cables with three length options cover desk, studio, and portable use 79th
- Foldable design and included carrying pouch make them easy to transport 75th
- Closed-back build provides decent passive noise isolation for tracking sessions 75th
- 62g weight is impressively light for full-size over-ear headphones
Недоліки
- 18th percentile sound quality is a letdown for a headphone marketed for critical listening
- No Bluetooth or wireless option, wired only with 6.35mm connectivity
- 19th percentile affordability means you're paying a premium for the name
- Mic quality ranks in the 15th percentile, so don't expect usable calls
- Battery life is irrelevant here, but the 46th percentile ranking highlights the lack of modern features
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ЕксклюзивНа основі того, коли покупці справді писали відгуки, - щоб побачити, чи виправдалися перші похвали.
- Q2 202688/100
Buyers praised clear, balanced sound and comfort for long sessions, ideal for music production. One noted flat bass and proprietary cable port as drawbacks.
- Sound clarity and balance praised, especially for music production and detail in low end.
- Comfortable for extended wear during studio sessions or work.
- Bass considered flat by some; good for clarity but not heavy bass lovers.
- Proprietary 3.5mm port limits cable options; replacement requires buying from manufacturer.
- Q4 202450/100
Buyers praised sound quality and value but reported poor battery life, small ear pads, and flimsy build.
- Excellent sound profile and value for the price, preferred over competitors.
- Battery life is poor and headphones stopped working after two months.
- Ear pads are too small causing pressure; replacing them improves comfort.
- Build feels flimsy but long-term durability is acceptable with pad replacements.
- Q1 202473/100
Buyers praise sound quality, comfort, and durability, with one lasting 10 years. Mixed feedback on missing ANC, poor mic quality, and flimsy-feeling materials.
- Excellent sound quality and comfort, with one user hearing new details in games and music.
- Long-term durability praised; one pair lasted 10 years of DJ use before failing.
- ANC hardware present but not implemented; mic quality poor and no headphone-only mode.
- Build feels flimsy (plastic, light) but sturdy; pleather covering and cup replacement are weak points.
- Q4 202367/100
Buyers praise sound quality and value, but a recurring hinge breakage issue and one report of slipping pads temper enthusiasm.
- Sound quality is consistently praised as balanced, clear, and excellent for studio use and price.
- Hinge plastic part breaks repeatedly, causing headphones to not sit flush; reported across multiple units and years.
- Build quality is dependable for some, with one user reporting daily use for 8 years without issues.
- Comfort and fit: pads may slip off easily, but this is offset by sound quality.
- Q3 202357/100
Buyers praise sound quality, comfort, and durability, but many report flaking padding and joint fragility. Some note long-term reliability issues like rattling distortion.
- Excellent sound quality, comfortable, and durable for travel and workouts.
- Padding and headband vinyl flake off quickly, leaving black debris on skin and clothes.
- Foldable joints are cheaply constructed and prone to snapping; overall build not durable enough for price.
- Long-term use shows sound quality holds up, but some units develop rattling distortion in one ear over time.
- Q4 202293/100
Buyers in this period praised the headphones for crisp, flat sound, solid build, and value. One noted a lack of bass, but overall satisfaction was high, with long-term reliability highlighted.
- Sound quality is crisp and detailed, revealing nuances in music, ideal for monitoring and mixing.
- Build quality is solid, with one user reporting no issues after three years of use.
- Excellent value for the price, recommended as a budget-friendly option for recording and casual listening.
- Bass response is not the strongest, but acceptable; some users EQ to add bass for casual listening.
- Q2 202260/100
Buyers praised sound quality and value, but one reported a freezing defect after two months, echoing a prior complaint.
- Excellent sound quality and industry standard for creative work.
- Headset freezes after 15-20 minutes, with blinking light and no sound.
- Great value for the price; solid product overall.
- Durability concerns: ear pad flaking and freezing issues reported.
- Q1 202267/100
Buyers praised sound quality, comfort, and value, but some reported recurring right-side audio failure.
- Excellent sound quality with clear highs and lows.
- Comfortable for long listening sessions.
- Good value with included accessories and carrying case.
- Right headphone audio failure reported in multiple units.
- Q4 202167/100
Buyers in this period praised sound and build quality but noted comfort issues and high impedance. One reported a serious freezing defect with no easy reset, and poor customer support.
- Sound quality and build are praised, with good cable options.
- Headphones freeze and cannot be reset without draining battery or USB reset; support unhelpful.
- Comfort is a concern: they sit hot on ears and feel tight.
- High impedance requires higher volume from consumer devices to drive fully.
- Q1 2021100/100
Buyers praised the headphones for exceptional comfort, sound quality, and fast delivery, with all reviews highly recommending the product.
- Comfort praised for long wear during video editing and audio mastering.
- Sound quality described as amazing and a delight for professional use.
- Fast delivery and competitive pricing noted, with satisfaction in purchase.
- Overall recommendation as best headphones money can buy.
- Q4 202088/100
Buyers praised sound quality and comfort for long wear, but one noted a cheap plastic feel compared to older models.
- Great sound quality for mixing and gaming.
- Comfortable for extended use, no pain after 8 hours.
- Plastic build feels cheaper than earlier versions.
- Excellent value in the $300 price range.
- Q3 202091/100
Buyers in Q3 2020 praised the headphones' sound quality, value, and included cables, with some noting a flat response ideal for mixing. Minor caveats included volume not being the loudest.
- Sound quality praised as excellent, with a flat response ideal for studio mixing.
- Great value for price, unmatched in its price range.
- Included three cables (short, etc.) provide convenient connectivity across devices.
- Not the loudest headphones, but have plenty of headroom without distortion.
- Q2 201973/100
Buyers praise the sound quality but report that ear pads and headband deteriorate after about 2 years, leaving white particles.
- Excellent sound quality for music, movies, and editing.
- Ear pads and headband padding deteriorate, causing white dust and fragments.
- Comfortable initially but becomes uncomfortable after several hours.
- No replacement parts available for worn headband.
- Q1 201985/100
Buyers praised sound quality, build, and included accessories. Some noted comfort issues with ear pinching and average sound isolation.
- Excellent sound quality for the price, satisfying picky listeners.
- Comfort issues: right ear pinching requires readjustment, causing soreness.
- Great build, look, feel, and included accessories like cords and leather bag.
- Sound isolation is not great; volume may be too quiet for some.
- Q4 201856/100
Buyers praise sound quality, comfort, and durability, but several report the ear pad covering disintegrating or flaking within a year, which is a significant quality concern.
- Excellent sound quality, comfortable for long sessions, and durable against drops and high volume.
- Ear pad covering disintegrates or flakes off within months to a year, causing mess and discomfort.
- Good value for the price, with no competition at this price point according to one reviewer.
- Build quality praised by some, but others report poor materials, leading to mixed overall impressions.
- Q2 201883/100
Most buyers praise the audio quality, comfort, and value, but a few report defective cords and phase issues after months of use.
- Excellent sound quality with balanced bass, mids, and highs.
- Great value for the price, often compared favorably to more expensive models.
- Comfortable fit, even for larger heads, and solid build.
- Cords fail repeatedly, causing phase issues and sound degradation.
- Q1 201890/100
Buyers in Q1 2018 praised these headphones for their sound quality, comfort, and versatility, using them for work, commuting, and professional tasks. The main drawback mentioned was the lack of a hard case.
- Sound quality is excellent, with crisp, full audio that rivals high-end speakers.
- Comfortable for extended wear, even during 10-hour workdays or long commutes.
- Versatile for various uses including music, mixing, video editing, and office noise masking.
- Lack of a hard case; included soft cover only protects from scratches, not impacts.
На основі 112 датованих відгуків покупців, згрупованих за календарними кварталами. Аналіз за періодами - англійською.
Факти
Performance
Let's talk about that sound score first, because it's the elephant in the room. An 18th percentile ranking puts the M50x near the bottom of our database for overall sound quality. That doesn't mean these sound bad in a vacuum. It means that compared to everything else we've tested, from budget wireless earbuds to flagship planar magnetics, the M50x's sonic signature has some real limitations. The bass is present and punchy, but it's not what we'd call accurate. The midrange can feel a bit recessed, and the treble has a sharpness that some listeners find fatiguing over long sessions. For critical mixing work, that V-shaped tuning can lead you to make decisions that don't translate well to other systems.
Comfort, on the other hand, is where these things shine. A 97th percentile comfort ranking is no joke. The earpads are plush, the clamping force is firm without being skull-crushing, and the headband distributes weight well. At 62 grams, these are remarkably light for full-size over-ears. That's a big deal for long studio sessions or all-day editing marathons. The foldable design also helps with portability, and the closed-back build does a decent job of keeping sound in and ambient noise out, though the 33rd percentile ANC ranking is a reminder that passive isolation is not the same as active noise cancellation. If you're trying to block out a loud commute or a noisy office, these will help, but they won't silence the world.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Weight | 0.3 kg / 0.6 lbs |
| Ear Cushion | leather |
| Headband | professional-grade earpad and headband material |
Audio
| Driver Type | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 45 |
| Drivers | 1 |
| Freq Min | 15 |
| Freq Max | 28000 |
| Impedance | 38 |
| Sensitivity | 99 |
| Hi-Res Audio | No |
| Codecs | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones, Black - with H&A Extra Deep Leather Earpads |
Noise Control
| ANC | No |
| Transparency | No |
Connectivity
| Wireless | No |
| Multipoint | No |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | Yes |
| Cable Length | 3 |
Microphone
| Microphone | No |
| NC Mic | No |
| Boom Mic | No |
| Detachable Mic | No |
Features
| Touch Controls | No |
| Gaming Mode | No |
vs Competition
The competitive landscape has shifted dramatically since the M50x first launched. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra, for example, brings best-in-class ANC and wireless convenience, though at a significantly higher price. If you need to block out the world on a plane or in an office, the Bose is the obvious choice. The JBL Tune 670NC is another interesting alternative. It's a budget-friendly wireless option with ANC that undercuts the M50x on price while offering more modern features. You're trading away the M50x's comfort and build quality, but you're gaining portability and noise cancellation.
The Sennheiser HDB 630 is worth a look if you want a more balanced sound signature. Sennheiser's tuning tends to be more neutral and less fatiguing than the M50x's V-shaped response. And if you're deep in the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Max 2 brings spatial audio and seamless device switching, though at a price that makes the M50x look like pocket change. The point is, the M50x no longer exists in a vacuum. It's a wired, no-frills monitoring tool competing against a sea of wireless, feature-rich alternatives.
| Spec | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | Sony WH-1000XM6 | Sennheiser MOMENTUM M5AEBT | Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra 890101-0100 | Nothing Headphone (a) B186 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear |
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | 45 | 30 | 42 | 40 | - | 40 |
| Impedance Ohms | 38 | 48 | 520 | 33 | 32 | 16 |
| Wireless | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | closed | closed | closed | closed | closed | closed |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 | 6.0 | 5.3 | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 30 | 57 | 30 | 30 | 135 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Товар | Anc | Mic | Build | Sound | Battery | Comfort | User Sentiment | Connectivity | Відгуки користувачів | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | 32.7 | 14.7 | 74.6 | 75.4 | 46.5 | 78.6 | 21.9 | 38.8 | 98.5 | 28.6 |
| Sony WH-1000XM6 Compare | 98.5 | 97.9 | 96.1 | 92.8 | 77.7 | 78.6 | 0 | 99.9 | 83.6 | 5 |
| Sennheiser MOMENTUM M5AEBT Compare | 98.5 | 97.9 | 74.6 | 97.4 | 89.7 | 50.2 | 0 | 99.6 | 99.7 | 7.1 |
| Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 Compare | 98.5 | 97.9 | 74.6 | 99.2 | 77.7 | 65.3 | 56.3 | 98.5 | 83.6 | 6.1 |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra 890101-0100 Compare | 94.7 | 73.1 | 94.7 | 49.6 | 77.7 | 78.6 | 56.3 | 99.8 | 83.6 | 8.1 |
| Nothing Headphone (a) B186 Compare | 98.5 | 81.3 | 90.8 | 93.4 | 99.9 | 30.1 | 88.5 | 100 | 95 | 26.3 |
Ціна
Value & Pricing
Pricing is where things get tricky. In the US, you're looking at $175 to $179. That's not outrageous for a pair of wired studio headphones, but it's also not the bargain it used to be. The M50x has been around for years, and the market has caught up. There are plenty of options in the $100 to $150 range that deliver comparable or better sound quality with modern features like Bluetooth and ANC. The 19th percentile affordability ranking in our database confirms this. You're paying a premium for the M50x name and the comfort, not necessarily for the sound.
In Canada, the situation is worse. The CAD 444 listing we're seeing is hard to justify for what you get. That's flagship wireless territory for a wired headphone with no ANC and a sound signature that ranks near the bottom of our database. If you're in Canada, we'd strongly recommend looking at alternatives or waiting for a sale. The value proposition just isn't there at that price.
Price History
Докладніше
Overview
The ATH-M50x has been around long enough to become a bit of a legend in audio circles. It's the headphone that shows up in YouTube studio backgrounds, podcast setups, and dorm rooms alike. Audio-Technica took their already popular M50, added detachable cables, and basically cemented this thing as the default recommendation for anyone dipping a toe into serious listening. And honestly, the reputation is mostly earned. These are closed-back, over-ear cans built for monitoring, mixing, and general critical listening. The large aperture drivers are tuned to give you a clear, detailed picture of what's actually in your recording, not a bass-boosted party mix.
Who's this for? Studio folks on a budget, content creators who need to hear their own voice accurately, and music nerds who want a reliable reference point. The included cable situation is genuinely thoughtful. You get a 1.2m straight cable for walking around, a 3m straight cable for studio desk work, and a 1.2m to 3m coiled cable for when you need some stretch without a tangled mess on the floor. Plus a 6.3mm adapter for plugging into audio interfaces and mixers. That's a lot of flexibility for a pair of wired headphones.
But here's the thing. The M50x is not a lifestyle headphone. There's no Bluetooth, no active noise cancellation, no touch controls. It's a tool. And in our database, it scores best exactly where you'd expect: comfort is in the 97th percentile, which means these are among the most comfortable over-ears we've tracked. Build quality sits at a solid 75th percentile. But sound quality lands at just 18th percentile, which is going to surprise a lot of people who've heard the hype. We'll dig into that below.
Common Questions
Q: Are the ATH-M50x good for mixing and mastering?
This is where things get nuanced. The M50x has a V-shaped sound signature with emphasized bass and treble, which can make mixes sound more exciting than they actually are. For tracking and general monitoring, that's fine. But for critical mixing and mastering decisions, a more neutral headphone would serve you better. Our database ranks the M50x's sound quality in the 18th percentile, so while it's a popular choice, it's not the most accurate tool for final mix decisions.
Q: Do the ATH-M50x work with phones and laptops?
Yes, but with a caveat. The M50x uses a standard 3.5mm connection with a 6.3mm adapter included, so it works with most phones, laptops, and audio interfaces. However, many modern phones have dropped the headphone jack entirely, so you may need a dongle. There's no Bluetooth or USB-C option here. It's a purely analog, wired headphone, which is great for latency-free monitoring but less convenient for mobile use.
Q: How does the noise isolation compare to active noise cancellation?
The M50x relies on passive isolation from its closed-back design and earpad seal. It does a decent job of reducing ambient noise, but it's not in the same league as active noise cancellation. Our database ranks the M50x's ANC at the 33rd percentile, which reflects the fact that it has no ANC at all. If you need to block out airplane engine noise or office chatter, you'll want something like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or JBL Tune 670NC instead.
Q: Are the ATH-M50x worth the price in 2025?
At $175 to $179 USD, the M50x is a harder sell than it used to be. The comfort and build quality are excellent, but the sound quality and feature set lag behind many modern alternatives. The 19th percentile affordability ranking in our database confirms that you're paying a premium for the name. If you can find them on sale for under $130, they're a solid buy for studio use. At full price, we'd recommend comparing against options from Sennheiser or JBL before committing.
Who Should Skip This
If you're looking for a pair of headphones to use on your commute, at the gym, or while traveling, the M50x is not for you. The lack of Bluetooth and ANC means you'll be dealing with cables and ambient noise everywhere you go. The sound signature is also not ideal for casual listening. The emphasized bass and treble can be fun for short sessions, but the fatigue sets in quickly. If you want something for everyday use, look at the JBL Tune 670NC or Bose QuietComfort Ultra instead.
Gamers should also look elsewhere. The M50x has no microphone worth using, and the 15th percentile mic ranking in our database confirms that. The soundstage is narrow due to the closed-back design, which makes positional audio cues harder to pick out. For gaming, you'd be better served by a dedicated gaming headset or an open-back pair like the Sennheiser HDB 630.
Verdict
If you're a studio engineer or content creator who needs a comfortable, reliable pair of wired headphones for long tracking and editing sessions, the M50x still makes sense. The comfort is genuinely exceptional, and the detachable cable system is a practical touch that more manufacturers should copy. The closed-back design keeps your click track from bleeding into your microphone, and the foldable build means you can toss them in a bag without worry. For this specific use case, the M50x earns its keep.
But if you're a casual listener looking for great sound quality, or someone who wants wireless convenience and noise cancellation, look elsewhere. The sound signature is divisive at best, and the lack of modern features is hard to ignore at this price point. The M50x is a tool, not a toy. And like any tool, it's only worth buying if it fits the job you're actually doing.
Usage Scores
- Work37
- Calls25.5
- Music63.2
- Загалом53.9
- Budget67.1
- Ігри44.4
- Studio77.2
- Commute43.2
