Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The 45mm drivers deliver a flat 15Hz-28kHz frequency response ideal for analytical listening, while the 285g foldable design and 38Ω impedance make it easily portable without a dedicated amp. This ENSO edition distinguishes itself with custom sumi ink-inspired engravings on the rings and sliders, plus a unique serial number on the matte black finish. It’s best for studio engineers and musicians who need reliable closed-back monitoring and value a collectible design marking a decade of the M50x.
Нет актуальной цены у продавцов
Обзор
The 30-Second Version
The sound quality is the real deal here, scoring in the 84th percentile and making these a top pick for studio work on a budget. Just know that the mic is terrible, landing in the bottom 21st percentile, and long-term durability of the pads is a common headache. For around $127, you're getting phenomenal audio, but you're making some clear sacrifices on the extras.
Pros & Cons
Плюсы
- Sound quality is a standout, landing in the 84th percentile for clear, balanced audio. 95th
- Removable cable design adds real-world longevity and lets you swap between the included 3.5mm options. 80th
- The 38Ω impedance makes them easy to drive from a phone or laptop without a separate amp. 79th
- Passive noise isolation from the closed-back design is effective for blocking office chatter. 76th
- The 285g weight and foldable design make them genuinely portable for a set of studio monitors.
Минусы
- Mic quality is a weak spot, scoring in the bottom 21st percentile and sounding muffled on calls.
- Long-term durability is a common gripe, with ear pads and headband padding prone to flaking after a year or two.
- The clamping force can feel tight out of the box, which may lead to discomfort during longer sessions.
- ANC performance is disappointing, sitting in the 34th percentile and doing little to hush low-end rumble.
- The included 3.5mm cable is often called out as too short for desktop use.
Мнение владельцев
The Word on the Street
Как менялось мнение владельцев со временем
ЭксклюзивНа основе того, когда покупатели действительно писали отзывы, - чтобы увидеть, оправдались ли первые похвалы.
- 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 основе 112 датированных отзывов покупателей, сгруппированных по календарным кварталам. Анализ по периодам - на английском языке.
Факты
Performance
The 45mm dynamic drivers here are the star of the show, pushing a frequency response from 15Hz all the way up to 28kHz. In practice, that translates to a sound that's detailed without being harsh, with a bass presence that's punchy but not bloated. Our sound score puts it well above average, making it a reliable reference point for mixing or just enjoying your music the way it was mastered. The 38Ω impedance and 99dB sensitivity mean you can drive these pretty well from a phone or laptop, though a dedicated amp will wake them up a bit more.
Isolation is handled passively by the closed-back design, and it does a decent job of blocking out chatter, though the ANC score is a mediocre 34th percentile. Don't expect it to hush a plane engine, but it'll keep your focus in a busy office. The wired connectivity is dead simple with a 3.5mm jack, and the included cables are removable, which is a nice touch for longevity. Just don't expect any wireless tricks here.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Weight | 0.3 kg / 0.6 lbs |
| Ear Cushion | faux-leather |
| Headband | professional-grade 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 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones (Black) with Carrying Case, 6Ave Cleaning Kit and 1-Year |
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
Stacked against the Sony WH-1000XM6, the M50x wins on pure, uncolored sound but loses badly on features. The Sony's ANC and mic quality are in a different league, and you get wireless freedom. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 is a closer fight, with a more comfortable fit and better battery life, but the M50x's sound signature is more analytical and true to the source. If you're a creator who needs to hear every detail, the Audio-Technica is the better tool. For everyone else who just wants a great all-around wireless headphone, the Sony or Sennheiser are the smarter buys.
| Spec | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | Sony WH-1000XM6 | Sennheiser HDB 630 | JBL Tune 670NC | TOZO HT3 | Beyerdynamic Aventho 1001609 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | on-ear | over-ear | on-ear |
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | 45 | 30 | 42 | 32 | 40 | 45 |
| Impedance Ohms | 38 | 48 | 480 | 32 | 16 | 48 |
| 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 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 6.0 | 5.4 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 40 | 60 | 70 | 90 | 60 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Товар | Anc | Mic | Build | Sound | Battery | Comfort | User Sentiment | Connectivity | Отзывы пользователей |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | 32 | 15 | 75.9 | 78.8 | 46 | 80 | 13.7 | 39.9 | 95.1 |
| Sony WH-1000XM6 Compare | 98.2 | 89.4 | 75.9 | 89.8 | 82 | 80 | 87.5 | 99.3 | 98.7 |
| Sennheiser HDB 630 Compare | 98.2 | 82.7 | 75.9 | 98.1 | 91.3 | 44.4 | 87.5 | 98.4 | 95.1 |
| JBL Tune 670NC Compare | 98.2 | 64.2 | 75.9 | 84.8 | 94.3 | 87.1 | 81.7 | 99.1 | 98.7 |
| TOZO HT3 Compare | 89.8 | 82.7 | 94.3 | 98.6 | 97.7 | 51.9 | 96.3 | 96.7 | 95.1 |
| Beyerdynamic Aventho 1001609 Compare | 98.2 | 75.6 | 94.3 | 98.2 | 91.3 | 51.9 | 0 | 97.7 | 61.2 |
Цена
Value & Pricing
Pricing on the ATH-M50x is all over the map, with a wild spread from $127 to $4370 across vendors. That top-end price is clearly for some bundled or scalped listings, so ignore it. The real sweet spot is around that $127 mark, where you're getting top-tier sound for a very reasonable price. For a pair of headphones that can pull double duty for critical listening and casual enjoyment, that's a strong value proposition. Just make sure you're buying from a reputable store_name to avoid the inflated prices.
Price History
Подробнее
Overview
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x lands in the 84th percentile for sound in our database, which puts it in 'standout' territory for audio quality. That's the headline here. You're getting a pair of wired, closed-back cans with 45mm drivers that deliver a clear, balanced sound profile that's been a go-to for producers and casual listeners alike for over a decade. The 2025 ENSO limited edition just adds a slick, all-black finish with some unique engravings, but under the hood, it's the same workhorse we've known since 2014.
But the numbers also tell a story of trade-offs. While sound is a strong point, the mic quality is a real letdown, sitting in the bottom 21st percentile. Don't plan on taking calls with these. Comfort is solidly average at the 62nd percentile, and the social proof score is surprisingly low at the 10th percentile, which might reflect some long-term durability grumbles we're seeing from owners. It's a classic case of a product that nails its primary job but stumbles on the extras.
Common Questions
Q: How good is the noise isolation on these?
The passive isolation from the closed-back design is solid for blocking out voices and higher-frequency noise, but the ANC score is a disappointing 34th percentile. They won't do much to cancel out the low rumble of an engine or AC unit, so they're better suited for a busy office than a noisy commute.
Q: Are these comfortable for wearing all day?
It depends on your head. The clamping force is known to be tight out of the box, and our comfort score lands in the middle of the pack at the 62nd percentile. Many users find they loosen up over time, but if you're sensitive to pressure, you might find them fatiguing after a couple of hours.
Q: Is the wired version better than the Bluetooth model for sound quality?
For pure, uncompromised audio, the wired ATH-M50x is the way to go. You're getting the full 15Hz-28kHz frequency response without any wireless compression. The Bluetooth model adds convenience but can introduce slight latency and potential firmware hiccups, so for critical mixing and mastering, stick with the cord.
Who Should Skip This
Skip these if you take a lot of calls. The mic quality is a real weak spot, scoring in the bottom 21st percentile, and you'll sound like you're talking from the bottom of a well. Also, if you're hard on your gear or want a pair of headphones that will look pristine for years, the well-documented issues with the ear pads flaking and the headband padding disintegrating should give you serious pause. These are for sound-first users who don't mind replacing pads as a maintenance cost.
Verdict
The ATH-M50x remains a fantastic-sounding pair of headphones for the money, especially if you can snag them near that $127 low point. The audio performance is the main event, and it delivers. But you have to go in with your eyes open about the comfort quirks and the near-useless mic. If your world revolves around music production or critical listening on a budget, this is an easy recommendation. If you need a headset for Zoom calls and travel, look elsewhere.
