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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 64. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Audio-Technica ATH-S220BT - Average 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
64
54
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
64
54
Released
2020
2020
Availability
Discontinued
Discontinued
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 endurance and everyday practicality over premium extras. It offers a remarkably long battery life, a spacious soundstage for the price, and reliable multipoint connectivity, making it a solid choice for casual listening. The main compromise is its lackluster microphone performance, which affects call quality, and the absence of active noise cancellation.

  • Pro:Exceptional battery life of up to 60 hours
  • Pro:Spacious and clear sound for the price
  • Pro:Supports multipoint connection for two devices
  • Con:Weak microphone quality for calls
  • Con:Only SBC codec support, no AAC or aptX
  • Con:No active noise cancellation

Audio-Technica ATH-SR50BT

The ATH-SR50BT is a comfortable over-ear wireless headphone with active noise cancellation, a balanced and natural sound profile, and an impressively long battery life that can stretch well beyond a day of use. It feels well-built and portable, though its noise reduction is only moderate and it relies on an older micro-USB port for charging, which is slow. While it lacks conveniences like multipoint pairing and a companion app, it offers a solid, versatile listening experience for everyday use.

  • Pro:Very long battery life (around 28–33 hours)
  • Pro:Comfortable fit for larger ears
  • Pro:Natural, flexible sound with good bass presence
  • Con:Noise cancellation is only moderate, not class-leading
  • Con:Charging is slow via micro-USB (no USB-C)
  • Con:No Bluetooth multipoint or app support

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

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