Is the Audio-Technica ATH-SR50BT worth the upgrade from the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)?
Verdict
Downgrade
The Audio-Technica ATH-SR50BT actually scores 31.1 points below the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen), so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. It loses ground on noise cancelling (9.4 to 3.2) and calls (6.7 to 4.2). On paper: battery life 24 h to 28 h, driver size 40 mm to 45 mm and drivers per side 1 to 2. Worth checking: active noise cancelling goes Yes to No and weight goes 236 g to 262 g. It is at least $239 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.
- Sound8.27.4
- Noise cancelling9.43.2
- Battery6.55.2
- Calls6.74.2
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) | ATH-SR50BT | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 24 h | 28 h | |
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | No | |
| Codecs | AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX | |
| Weight | 236 g | 262 g | |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.0 | |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | No | |
| Full charge time | 180 min | 330 min | |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 45 mm | |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 | |
| Microphones | 6 | 1 | |
| USB-C | Yes | No | |
| Driver | 40 mm dynamic | 2× 45 mm dynamic | |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz | 5 Hz - 40 kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) to ATH-SR50BT". 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.