Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Nothing Headphone Pro B175
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
Nothing Headphone Pro B175
The CMF by Nothing headphones are widely praised for their exceptional value at around $80, offering premium build quality, comfortable fit, and impressive sound with deep bass and clear mids/highs. Active noise cancellation is effective for the price, though not top-tier, and battery life is excellent. Minor drawbacks include a soft carrying pouch instead of a hard case, a slightly bulky design, and a volume scroll wheel that adjusts in 6% increments. Overall, users strongly recommend them as a budget-friendly alternative to high-end models like Sony XM4/XM5.
Pros
- Exceptional value for money
- Premium build quality and design
- Comfortable for long wear
- Deep, punchy bass with clear mids/highs
- Effective ANC for the price
Cons
- Soft carrying pouch instead of hard case
- Slightly bulky design
- Volume wheel adjusts in 6% increments
- ANC not top-tier
- Cushioning may lose shape over time
Scores
Specifications
| Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | Nothing Headphone Pro B175 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.28 kg | 0.28 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | faux-leather | memory foam |
| Headband | professional-grade material | cap-friendly |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 45 mm★ | 40 mm |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 15 Hz★ | — |
| Freq Max | 28 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 38 Ω | — |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Codecs | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones (Black) with Carrying Case, 6Ave Cleaning Kit and 1-Year | LDAC |
| Surround | — | Spatial Audio |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✗ | ✓★ |
| ANC Type | — | Adaptive |
| Transparency | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.4★ |
| Multipoint | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✓★ | — |
| Cable Length | 3 m | — |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | — | 50 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 5 mins for up to 4 hrs of playtime |
| Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Mic Count | — | 3★ |
| NC Mic | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | — |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | — | Google Fast Pair & Microsoft Swift Pair |
| Touch Controls | ✗ | — |
| App | — | Nothing X |
| Gaming Mode | ✗ | — |
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)
Nothing Headphone Pro B175
- Strong anc (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong connectivity (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong sound (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Below average build (34th percentile)
Pricing
Nothing Headphone Pro B175 offers 2.1x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 84 overall, wins 6 of 7 usage categories and 12 of 37 specs.
