Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M50xBT2
Sony WH-1000XM4
What Buyers Say
Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M50xBT2
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 are widely praised for their excellent, balanced sound quality that rivals the wired M50x, with rich detail, tight bass, and clear highs. Users highlight the solid Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, support for LDAC and AAC codecs, multipoint pairing, and exceptional battery life of over 50 hours as major advantages. While comfort is generally high, many note that the headband clamping force is strong, and the earpad and headband padding use a faux leather that tends to peel and flake over time, sometimes within a year. Build quality concerns, including fragile plastic hinges and a cheap-feeling headband, are recurrent complaints, though the overall value for sound performance is consistently rated very high.
Pros
- Excellent balanced sound quality
- Long 50+ hour battery life
- Stable Bluetooth 5.0 and LDAC support
- Multipoint device pairing
- Comfortable for long sessions
Cons
- Fake leather padding peels and flakes
- Strong headband clamping force
- Fragile plastic hinge joints
- Short included cables
- No active noise cancellation
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 M-Series ATH-M50xBT2 | Sony WH-1000XM4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.45 kg | 0.25 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | professional-grade earpad | foamed urethane |
| Headband | professional-grade headband 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 | AAC, LDAC | LDAC |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✗ | ✓★ |
| ANC Type | — | industry-leading |
| Transparency | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Profiles | — | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | 1.2000000476837158 m | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Range | 10.100000381469727 m★ | 9.100000381469727 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 50 hrs★ | 30 hrs |
| Charge Time | 3.5 hrs | 3 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | 10-Minute Charge for 3 Hours of Audio | 10 min for 5 hours playback |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 2 | 5★ |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Amazon Alexa | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Touch Controls | ✗ | ✓★ |
| App | A-T Connect | Sony | Headphones Connect |
| Gaming Mode | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX0 |
Pros & Cons
Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M50xBT2
- Strong sound (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong connectivity (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong battery (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong social proof (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Below average comfort (6th percentile)6th %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 M-Series ATH-M50xBT2
Sony WH-1000XM4
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 6 of 7 usage categories and 9 of 40 specs.
