Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Sony WH-1000XM6
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-1000XM6
No customer feedback yet
Scores
Specifications
| Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | Sony WH-1000XM6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.28 kg | 0.25 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | faux-leather | synthetic leather |
| Headband | professional-grade material | synthetic leather |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 45 mm★ | 30 mm |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 15 Hz | 5 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | 28 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 38 Ω | 48 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 |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✗ | ✓★ |
| ANC Type | — | adaptive |
| Transparency | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.3★ |
| Multipoint | ✗ | — |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | 3 m | — |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | — | 30 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | — | 3 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 10 min for 3 hours playback |
| Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Mic Count | — | 12★ |
| NC Mic | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Touch Controls | ✗ | ✓★ |
| App | — | Sony | Sound Connect |
| 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)
Sony WH-1000XM6
- Strong social proof (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong anc (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong connectivity (89th percentile)89th %ile
Pricing
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x offers 1.4x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 95 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 14 of 36 specs.
