Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB

M50x sound plus a real studio mic in one wired package. Buy it for streaming, not for commuting.

Sound sits at the 87th percentile, which means it's one of the best on the market for clarity and bass response. The 45mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils do real work here. Comfort is also a standout at the 88th percentile, so long sessions won't crush your skull. The mic lands at the 83rd percentile, which is impressive for a headset, and the 24-bit/96kHz A/D converter keeps your voice crisp. The surprise? Build quality only hits the 35th percentile, which is mediocre for a $274 headset. You're paying for audio and mic performance, not tank-like durability.

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM M5AEBT and Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B both offer wireless connectivity and active noise cancelling, which the ATH-M50xSTS-USB completely lacks. The Technics EAH-A800 also brings ANC and a more premium build. But none of those have a boom mic, and that's the whole point here. The JBL Tune 670NC and TOZO HT3 are cheaper but sound nowhere near as good. If you need a wired headset with studio sound and a real mic, this is the only one in the group that delivers.

At $274 USD, this is a tough sell unless you specifically need the M50x sound plus a boom mic in one package. You're paying a premium for the convenience of not buying a separate headphone and mic setup. If you already own M50x headphones and a USB mic, skip this. If you're starting from scratch and want a clean streaming rig, the math works out better.

The ATH-M50xSTS-USB is Audio-Technica taking their legendary M50x sound and bolting on a proper studio mic. It's a streamer's dream if you want one cable, one headset, and zero fuss. The 45mm drivers deliver that familiar punchy, detailed M50x signature, and the boom mic is genuinely good, borrowed from their 20 series studio mics. Just don't expect wireless freedom or any noise cancelling, because this thing is wired USB-C and proud of it.

If you want wireless freedom, active noise cancelling, or a headset you can toss in a bag without worry, this isn't it. Go get the Sony ULT WEAR or Sennheiser MOMENTUM instead. This is a desk-bound tool for creators, not a travel companion.

The ATH-M50xSTS-USB is a niche product that nails its niche. Streamers and podcasters who want the M50x sound signature with a genuinely good boom mic will love it. Everyone else should look at wireless ANC options. It's not a general-purpose headphone, and it doesn't pretend to be.