Over-Ear
Audio-Technica M50x
76Great
$175
Full review dataAudio-Technica M50x vs Sony WH-1000XM4: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sony WH-1000XM4 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Sony WH-1000XM4 - Outstanding overall at around $300.
Over-Ear
Sony WH-1000XM4
88Outstanding
$300
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Audio-Technica M50x
Sound8.0
Value8.0
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls8.0
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | Audio-Technica M50x | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $175 | $300 |
| HearWiki score | 76 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2014 | 2020 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 45 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 15Hz-28kHz | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 38 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB/mW | 105 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | 5 |
| Bluetooth version | - | 5.0 |
| Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Multipoint pairing | No | Yes |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | - | 38 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 30 h |
| Full charge time | - | 180 min |
| Quick charge | - | 10 min = 5 h |
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | Yes |
| ANC type | - | adaptive |
| Transparency mode | - | Yes |
| Companion app | - | Yes |
| Custom EQ | - | Yes |
| Wear detection | - | Yes |
| Controls | - | touch |
| Voice assistant | - | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 285 g | 254 g |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| Foldable | Yes | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | - | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 2 |
What reviewers said
Audio-Technica M50x
The Audio-Technica M50x is a dependable wired over-ear headphone known for its warm, bass-forward sound and sturdy build. It's a practical choice for studio monitoring and portable use, thanks to its foldable design, detachable cables, and comfortable fit, though it lacks wireless features and active noise cancellation. Its sound signature is engaging but can feel a bit thick, and passive isolation is only moderate, so it's best suited for quieter environments rather than noisy commutes or travel.
- Pro:Warm, bass-rich sound with good impact
- Pro:Foldable, swivel design for easy portability
- Pro:Detachable cables offer flexibility
- Con:Sound can be thick and lack some clarity
- Con:Noise isolation is only average
- Con:Wired-only, no Bluetooth or ANC
Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4 are premium wireless over-ears that blend top-tier adaptive noise cancellation with a well-balanced, detailed sound signature. They offer a lengthy 30-hour battery, LDAC support, and a comfortable, lightweight build that still holds up well against newer competitors. With handy features like multipoint pairing, touch controls, and a quick charge function, they remain a versatile choice for daily use and travel.
- Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
- Pro:Detailed, accurate audio with LDAC support
- Pro:Comfortable and lightweight for long sessions
- Con:No dedicated aptX codec support
- Con:Touch controls can be finicky for some users
- Con:Plastic build feels 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.
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