Is the Audio-Technica R50x worth the upgrade from the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)?
Verdict
Downgrade
The Audio-Technica R50x actually scores 5.4 points below the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen), so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. The gains are concentrated in value (7.5 to 8.7). On paper: weight 236 g to 207 g and driver size 40 mm to 45 mm. Worth checking: active noise cancelling goes Yes to No and usb-c goes Yes to No. It is at least $190 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.
- Sound8.28.4
- Value7.58.7
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) | R50x | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | No | |
| Weight | 236 g | 207 g | |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 45 mm | |
| USB-C | Yes | No | |
| Driver | 40 mm dynamic | 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 R50x". 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.