pcmag.com
80Score and link only; this publisher does not allow quotes.
Read the full review
Image © ShureShure Aonic 50 Gen 2
At a glance
- Brand
- Shure
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Fit
- -
- Connection
- Wireless
- Noise cancelling
- Yes
- Released
- 2023
Score breakdowngood overall
Sound8.0
Noise cancelling5.2
Battery8.8
Calls5.5
Value5.6
The Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 are over-ear wireless headphones with active noise cancellation, offering a 45-hour battery life and a 50mm driver size. They support Bluetooth 5.2 with LDAC and AAC codecs, and feature a detachable cable for wired use.
The HearWiki takeAI-condensed
The Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 are over-ear wireless headphones that deliver a balanced, neutral sound with strong detail retrieval, making them a solid pick for critical listening. They offer excellent battery life, extensive codec support including LDAC and aptX Adaptive, and useful features like adaptive ANC, transparency mode, and a customizable EQ, though their noise cancellation isn't the most potent in the category. With a foldable, wired-capable design and 45-hour playback, they're a versatile option for both home and travel use.
What works
- Excellent 45-hour battery life
- Wide codec support including LDAC and aptX Adaptive
- Balanced, neutral sound with good detail
- Customizable EQ and spatial audio features
- Foldable design with wired and wireless options
What doesn't
- Noise cancellation is decent but not class-leading
- Heavier than some competitors at 334g
- Lacks water resistance
- Sound presentation can feel unexciting to some listeners
Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.
Specifications
| Driver | 50 mm dynamic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | dynamic |
| Driver size | 50 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 22 kHz |
| Impedance | 39 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 97.5 dB/mW |
Audio
| Driver | 50 mm dynamic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | dynamic |
| Driver size | 50 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 22 kHz |
| Impedance | 39 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 97.5 dB/mW |
Wireless
| Bluetooth | 5.2 |
|---|---|
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Voice, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes |
| Wireless range | 100 m |
Battery
| Battery life | 45 h |
|---|---|
| Wireless charging | No |
Features
| Active noise cancelling | Yes |
|---|---|
| ANC type | adaptive |
| Transparency mode | Yes |
| Companion app | Yes |
| Custom EQ | Yes |
| Wear detection | No |
| Controls | buttons |
| Voice assistant | Alexa |
Design
| Weight | 334 g |
|---|---|
| Water resistance | none |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Detachable cable | Yes |
| USB-C | Yes |
| Connector | 3.5 mm |
| Model code | MH36458 |
Calls
| Microphones | 6 |
|---|
What the reviews said
4 source(s) feeding this product's score.
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.
12:01Best Noise Cancelling Headphones? - Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 Review (vs Sony & Bose)
The reviewer finds the Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 to be a solid contender in the premium wireless ANC headphone market, praising its robust build, excellent audio quality with a wide soundstage, and significantly improved battery life and ANC over the previous generation. However, they note the design is generic and heavy, the mid-range is slightly recessed, and the Bluetooth latency is poor for gaming, recommending a cable for that use. Overall, they consider it a worthy upgrade for existing Aonic 50 owners and a strong alternative to Sony and Bose, especially for those prioritizing sound quality.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
11:20Somehow, Shure returned. Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 Review vs. Gen 1 Comparison.
The reviewer finds the Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 a significant improvement over the Gen 1, with much better battery life, effective ANC, and refined sound quality. They praise the unique spatial audio implementation and comprehensive codec support, though they note a minor issue with distortion on strong impacts. Overall, they consider it a well-rounded headphone and one of their favorites of 2023.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
47:53Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 Headphones | Unboxing & Review
The reviewer finds the Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 headphones to be a solid, well-built option with excellent sound quality and battery life, though they note some minor drawbacks like the lack of automatic audio switching and the need to use the physical switch for ANC modes. Overall, they recommend them for those seeking a premium wired and wireless listening experience.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
13:08Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 ANC Headphones -- REVIEW
The reviewer praises the Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 as a significant upgrade over the first generation, highlighting improved sound quality, a much longer 45-hour battery life with ANC on, and solid build quality. He finds them comfortable, with effective adaptive noise cancellation and a useful companion app for EQ and spatial audio, though he notes they are pricey at $349. Overall, he strongly recommends them for their performance and durability.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
11:19Shure, let's try it. - Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2
The reviewer finds the Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 to be a solid, premium-feeling wireless headphone with excellent battery life and good sound quality, especially after EQ tweaks. While the noise cancellation is decent but not class-leading, and the weight is noticeable, the overall value at $349 is strong, making it a worthy competitor to the Sony XM5s.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.
Own these? Rate them.
A minute of your experience with the Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 helps the next person shopping for them.
Alternatives in the $190–$780 range
Other over-ear models at a comparable price, ordered by HearWiki score.
More from Shure
Other Shure models in the database, same category first.
Where it sits in our rankings
The data-driven guides this model qualifies for.