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Audio-Technica ATH-S220BT vs Audio-Technica ATH-SR50BT: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Audio-Technica ATH-S220BT comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 69. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Audio-Technica ATH-S220BT - Good overall at around $64.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Audio-Technica ATH-S220BT leads on 4 of 7 measures.

  • Audio-Technica ATH-S220BT
  • Audio-Technica ATH-SR50BT
HearWiki score
69
58
Sound
6.8
7.4
Noise cancelling
-
3.2
Battery
9.0
5.2
Calls
3.3
4.2
Value
7.8
-
Price (USD)
$64
$120

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Half a step newer

Both shipped in 2020. The Audio-Technica ATH-SR50BT edges ahead on platform, but only just: Top codec aptX against SBC. The Audio-Technica ATH-S220BT answers on convenience features: it adds Multipoint pairing and USB-C.

  • ATH-S220BT2020
  • ATH-SR50BT2020
What differsATH-S220BTATH-SR50BT

Platform

Top codec
SBC
aptX

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
USB-C
Yes
No

Level on: Bluetooth.

Specifications

ATH-S220BTATH-SR50BT
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$64
$120
HearWiki score
69
58
Released
2020
2020
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
2× 40 mm dynamic
2× 45 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
45 mm
Drivers per side
2
2
Frequency response
5 Hz - 32 kHz
5 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
47 Ω
Sensitivity
105 dB/mW
100 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.0
5.0
Codecs
SBC
SBC, AAC, aptX
Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Battery life
60 h
28 h
Full charge time
240 min
330 min
Quick charge
10 min → 3.5 h
-
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
No
Yes
Transparency mode
-
Yes
Companion app
-
Yes
Custom EQ
-
No
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
-
buttons
Weight
180 g
262 g
Water resistance
none
none
Foldable
-
Yes
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
Yes
No
Connector
3.5 mm
3.5 mm
Microphones
1
1
Microphone type
electret
condenser
Mic sensitivity
-42 dBV
-44 dBV

What reviewers said

Audio-Technica ATH-S220BT

The Audio-Technica ATH-S220BT is a budget-friendly wireless over-ear headphone that prioritizes exceptional battery life and everyday practicality. It offers a spacious soundstage for its price, along with dependable build quality and multipoint connectivity, making it a solid value pick for casual listening. However, its microphone performance for calls is a notable weakness, and its feature set is basic without active noise cancellation or advanced codecs.

  • Pro:Exceptional 60-hour battery life
  • Pro:Spacious and clear sound for the price
  • Pro:Solid build quality with a lightweight design
  • Con:Weak microphone quality for phone calls
  • Con:SBC-only codec support
  • Con:No active noise cancellation

Audio-Technica ATH-SR50BT

The Audio-Technica ATH-SR50BT is a wireless over-ear headphone that combines long battery life with a balanced, flexible sound profile. It offers active noise cancellation, though its effect is modest, and includes a transparency mode for ambient awareness. With a comfortable fit and foldable design, it's a practical everyday choice, though it relies on older micro-USB charging and lacks multipoint connectivity.

  • Pro:Long battery life of up to 28 hours
  • Pro:Comfortable fit for larger ears
  • Pro:Foldable design for portability
  • Con:Noise cancellation is moderate, not fully effective
  • Con:Uses micro-USB instead of USB-C
  • Con:No multipoint Bluetooth pairing

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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