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Audio-Technica ATH-SR50BT vs HiFiMAN Edition Xv: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN Edition Xv comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: HiFiMAN Edition Xv - Great overall at around $275.

Score breakdown

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

Audio-Technica ATH-SR50BT leads on 4 of 7 measures.

  • Audio-Technica ATH-SR50BT
  • HiFiMAN Edition Xv
HearWiki score
54
84
Sound
7.4
8.6
Noise cancelling
3.2
-
Battery
5.2
-
Calls
4.2
-
Value
-
9.2
Price (USD)
$120
$280

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?

Same generation

The HiFiMAN Edition Xv is 5 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • ATH-SR50BT2020
  • Edition Xv20255 yr newer

Specifications

ATH-SR50BTEdition Xv
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$120
$280
HearWiki score
54
84
Released
2020
2025
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
2× 45 mm dynamic
80 mm planar magnetic
Driver type
dynamic
planar
Driver size
45 mm
80 mm
Drivers per side
2
1
Frequency response
5 Hz - 40 kHz
8 Hz - 50 kHz
Impedance
47 Ω
12 Ω
Sensitivity
100 dB/mW
92 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.0
-
Codecs
SBC, AAC, aptX
-
Multipoint pairing
No
-
Battery life
28 h
-
Full charge time
330 min
-
Wireless charging
No
-
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
Transparency mode
Yes
-
Companion app
Yes
-
Custom EQ
No
-
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
buttons
none
Weight
262 g
452 g
Water resistance
none
-
Foldable
Yes
-
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
-
Connector
3.5 mm
-
Balanced connection
-
Yes
Microphones
1
-
Microphone type
condenser
-
Mic sensitivity
-44 dBV
-

What reviewers said

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

HiFiMAN Edition Xv

The HiFiMAN Edition Xv is an open-back planar headphone that leans toward a warm, smooth sound with gentle treble and lush bass/mids, making it easy to listen to for extended sessions. It offers spacious, immersive staging and pairs well with modest gear, though its midrange can feel veiled or overly warm and its accessories and ergonomics don't match the sonic quality.

  • Pro:Warm, forgiving tuning that's easy on the ears
  • Pro:Spacious, immersive soundstage
  • Pro:Comfortable for long listening despite weight
  • Con:Midrange can sound veiled or less defined
  • Con:Headband stiffness can affect fit
  • Con:Build and accessories feel less premium than price suggests

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

Compare something else

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New comparisonAudio-Technica ATH-SR50BTHiFiMAN Edition Xv