Is the Audio-Technica ATH-S220BT worth the upgrade from the Audio-Technica R50x?
Verdict
Downgrade
The Audio-Technica ATH-S220BT actually scores 16.2 points below the Audio-Technica R50x, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. It loses ground on sound (8.4 to 6.8) and value (8.7 to 7.8). On paper: weight 207 g to 180 g, drivers per side 1 to 2 and usb-c. Worth checking: driver size goes 45 mm to 40 mm. It is at least $105 cheaper, so the lower score comes with a saving. Only worth it if a specific feature above matters more to you than overall quality does.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound8.46.8
- Value8.77.8
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | R50x | ATH-S220BT | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 207 g | 180 g | |
| Driver size | 45 mm | 40 mm | |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 | |
| USB-C | No | Yes | |
| Driver | 45 mm dynamic | 2× 40 mm dynamic | |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz - 40 kHz | 5 Hz - 32 kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "R50x to ATH-S220BT". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across over-ear and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.