Skip to content
HearWiki
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xImage © Amazon

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

72/ 100
Great
HearWiki score

Good value

$160
typical price, USD
Still sold newupdated
Buy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
Audio-Technica
Type
Over-Ear
Fit
-
Connection
Wired
Noise cancelling
No
Released
2014

Score breakdowngreat overall

Sound7.4
Value6.5

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a wired, closed-back studio headphone known for its robust build and versatile sound. It delivers a warm-to-neutral signature with solid bass and good detail, making it a dependable choice for monitoring or casual listening. However, its bulky frame, lack of noise cancellation, and tendency to cause ear fatigue limit its portability and long-session comfort.

What works

  • Warm, engaging sound with good bass impact
  • Detachable cable with multiple included options
  • Foldable design for easier storage
  • Solid build quality for studio use

What doesn't

  • Bulky and not travel-friendly
  • No active noise cancellation or wireless support
  • Ear pads can become hot and sticky over time
  • Sound can feel thick and lack dynamic punch

Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.

Specifications

Audio - Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Driver45 mm dynamic
Driver typedynamic
Driver size45 mm
Drivers per side1
Frequency response15 Hz - 28 kHz
Impedance38 Ω
Sensitivity99 dB/mW

Where to buy

Retailers we matched to this exact model. Prices are periodic snapshots - the link always opens the retailer's current listing.

What the reviews said

2 source(s) feeding this product's score. 1 more source(s) feed the score but are not listed, at the publisher's request.

whathifi.com

What Hi-Fi views the ATH-M50x as a good portable over-ear headphone with very good sound, decent detail, and good separation. Their main criticism is that it can sound a little thick and could use more clarity and dynamic punch.

Read the full review

What YouTube reviewers say

Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.

The consensus

Positiveacross 6 videos

Reviewers generally agree that the ATH-M50x offers excellent build quality, a detachable cable system, and a balanced, accurate sound that makes it a strong value under $200.

Reviewers liked

  • Excellent build quality and durability
  • Detachable cable system with multiple included cables
  • Accurate, balanced sound with good bass and detail
  • Portable and foldable design

Reviewers flagged

  • Uncomfortable for long listening sessions for some
  • Narrow soundstage
  • Higher price than the previous M50 model
  • Sound leaks at high volumes
4:34

Audio Technica ATH-M50X Review!

Marques Brownlee2.5M viewsFeb 2014

The reviewer finds the ATH-M50x to be an excellent buy, praising its unchanged sound quality and build while highlighting the new detachable cable system with three included cables as the main upgrade. He notes that existing M50 owners may not need to upgrade unless they specifically want the removable cable, but for new buyers, it's a top recommendation under $200.

6:03

Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Review

SoundGuys322.5K viewsApr 2014

The reviewer praises the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x for its excellent build quality, comfort, and accurate sound, calling it the best option under $200. He notes minor drawbacks like a loose bass response and sound leakage at high volumes, but overall highly recommends them.

15:13

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Review - Everyone's Favorite Headphone?

metal571116.8K viewsJan 2016

The reviewer finds the ATH-M50x to be a well-built and durable headphone, but criticizes its comfort for long sessions and its sound signature, which he describes as colored, lumpy, and V-shaped rather than flat or neutral. He notes that while it EQ's well, its narrow soundstage and mid-bass bloat are significant drawbacks, and he concludes that there are better options available for the price.

11:45

Audio Technica ATH M50X - 2022 Detailed Headphone Review

askdrtk61.1K viewsApr 2022

The reviewer finds the ATH-M50x to be a solid, accurate-sounding pair of closed-back headphones that perform well for music, studio work, and general listening, with a very true frequency response. They are comfortable, well-built, and offer good value for the price, though they can get warm and have a slight coloration on spoken word. The reviewer recommends them for most use cases.

3:45

Does A $100 Difference Matter? Audio-Technica ATH-M50X And M20X Comparison

WePC58K viewsFeb 2024

The reviewer compares the ATH-M50x and ATH-M20x, finding the M50x has a sturdier build, more swivel, a detachable locking cable, and a carrying case, with slightly clearer high-end sound. However, they conclude the M20x offers incredible value for the price and is a fantastic entry-level option, while the M50x is the better choice for professionals who need the extra quality and features.

Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.

What owners say

A sample of buyer reviews, quoted as written. They aren't verified and they don't feed the HearWiki score - that comes from published reviews only.

Best closed back headphones out there.

PREFACE: The last two 5 star reviews I posted on Amazon for two different pair of headphones, they were posted but when I went back to add something, both had been removed by Amazon after posted andRead more

Great sound, lasted 4 years, but they are noisy if you re a recording artist and the material sheds

TLDR love these but there are some design issues that make them uncomfortable and less durable, they are great headphones for editing but I have had some issues using them as a voice actor whileRead more

Possibly the best headphone under $175

I ve looked at and seen M50x s in the wild I don t know how many thousands of times. A good chunk of my favorite streamers and YouTubers use them, I see them out in public commonly, and every time IRead more

Easily the best pair of headphones I ve ever owned and I m Hard of Hearing

Let me start off with a disclaimer that I am rather severely hard of hearing (require good hearing aids to hear well...ish) caused by a bout with bacterial menigitis as a toddler, so take theRead more

via Amazon customer reviews

Own these? Rate them.

A minute of your experience with the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x helps the next person shopping for them.

Alternatives in the $80–$320 range

Other over-ear models at a comparable price, ordered by HearWiki score.

More from Audio-Technica

Other Audio-Technica models in the database, same category first.

Where it sits in our rankings

The data-driven guides this model qualifies for.