Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

The sound quality is the real deal here, scoring in the 84th percentile and making these a top pick for studio work on a budget. Just know that the mic is terrible, landing in the bottom 21st percentile, and long-term durability of the pads is a common headache. For around $127, you're getting phenomenal audio, but you're making some clear sacrifices on the extras.

The 45mm dynamic drivers here are the star of the show, pushing a frequency response from 15Hz all the way up to 28kHz. In practice, that translates to a sound that's detailed without being harsh, with a bass presence that's punchy but not bloated. Our sound score puts it well above average, making it a reliable reference point for mixing or just enjoying your music the way it was mastered. The 38Ω impedance and 99dB sensitivity mean you can drive these pretty well from a phone or laptop, though a dedicated amp will wake them up a bit more.

Isolation is handled passively by the closed-back design, and it does a decent job of blocking out chatter, though the ANC score is a mediocre 34th percentile. Don't expect it to hush a plane engine, but it'll keep your focus in a busy office. The wired connectivity is dead simple with a 3.5mm jack, and the included cables are removable, which is a nice touch for longevity. Just don't expect any wireless tricks here.

Stacked against the Sony WH-1000XM6, the M50x wins on pure, uncolored sound but loses badly on features. The Sony's ANC and mic quality are in a different league, and you get wireless freedom. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 is a closer fight, with a more comfortable fit and better battery life, but the M50x's sound signature is more analytical and true to the source. If you're a creator who needs to hear every detail, the Audio-Technica is the better tool. For everyone else who just wants a great all-around wireless headphone, the Sony or Sennheiser are the smarter buys.

Pricing on the ATH-M50x is all over the map, with a wild spread from $127 to $4370 across vendors. That top-end price is clearly for some bundled or scalped listings, so ignore it. The real sweet spot is around that $127 mark, where you're getting top-tier sound for a very reasonable price. For a pair of headphones that can pull double duty for critical listening and casual enjoyment, that's a strong value proposition. Just make sure you're buying from a reputable store_name to avoid the inflated prices.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x lands in the 84th percentile for sound in our database, which puts it in 'standout' territory for audio quality. That's the headline here. You're getting a pair of wired, closed-back cans with 45mm drivers that deliver a clear, balanced sound profile that's been a go-to for producers and casual listeners alike for over a decade. The 2025 ENSO limited edition just adds a slick, all-black finish with some unique engravings, but under the hood, it's the same workhorse we've known since 2014.

But the numbers also tell a story of trade-offs. While sound is a strong point, the mic quality is a real letdown, sitting in the bottom 21st percentile. Don't plan on taking calls with these. Comfort is solidly average at the 62nd percentile, and the social proof score is surprisingly low at the 10th percentile, which might reflect some long-term durability grumbles we're seeing from owners. It's a classic case of a product that nails its primary job but stumbles on the extras.

Skip these if you take a lot of calls. The mic quality is a real weak spot, scoring in the bottom 21st percentile, and you'll sound like you're talking from the bottom of a well. Also, if you're hard on your gear or want a pair of headphones that will look pristine for years, the well-documented issues with the ear pads flaking and the headband padding disintegrating should give you serious pause. These are for sound-first users who don't mind replacing pads as a maintenance cost.

The ATH-M50x remains a fantastic-sounding pair of headphones for the money, especially if you can snag them near that $127 low point. The audio performance is the main event, and it delivers. But you have to go in with your eyes open about the comfort quirks and the near-useless mic. If your world revolves around music production or critical listening on a budget, this is an easy recommendation. If you need a headset for Zoom calls and travel, look elsewhere.