Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

F
Ranked #25 in Headphones
125 LP on the category ladder what's LP?

Ranked the most overhyped headphone by Headphonesty's audiophile panel. It is not a bad headphone, it is a mediocre one wearing a legendary reputation. Buy the Sony MDR-7506 or Verum 2 instead.

Consolidated from 43 cited sources across 40 outlets

Where the cited sources landed, as we read them

  • 25 positive sources
  • 13 mixed sources
  • 5 unconvinced sources
See the sources
Flagged as a product to avoid

4 of 12 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.

Coasts entirely on a decade-old studio reputation while better-tuned wired options exist; Headphonesty's audiophile crowd-sourced list ranks it the single most overrated headphone to skip.

Flagged 17 October 2026

1 earlier flag predates the point where runs began recording their reasoning, so its grounds were never written down.

  1. Coasts entirely on a decade-old studio reputation while better-tuned wired options exist; Headphonesty's audiophile crowd-sourced list ranks it the single most overrated headphone to skip.

    Flagged 17 October 2026
  2. The specialist press ranks it the most overhyped headphone in the category, a competent monitor whose default-recommendation status comes from reputation rather than current testing. Studio buyers should get the HD 490 Pro Plus instead, and a modern wireless pick serves everything else better.

    Flagged 17 October 2026
  3. The single most overhyped headphone per an audiophile panel, coasting on a decade-old reputation with a well-documented multi-year failure pattern: the headband coating and pads degrade and flake with regular use. Less serviceable and shorter-lived than the wired workhorses ranked above it.

    Flagged 17 October 2026

Why the boards include products to avoid

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Pros & cons

  • ✓ A competent studio monitor
  • ✓ The default 'first serious headphone' recommendation
  • ✓ Durable build
  • ✓ Consistent performance over years
  • ✓ Good sound quality
  • ✗ Mediocre tuning carried by a legendary studio reputation
  • ✗ Better-tuned wired options exist for the money
  • ✗ Its reputation as a default recommendation comes from hype rather than current testing
  • ✗ Headband coating and pads degrade and flake with regular use
  • ✗ Tuning has aged out of favor

The sources behind this ranking

We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found.

Evidence 17 articles, 23 video reviews and 3 community sources

25 positive sources

B BGR Krishi Chowdhary · reviewer · Feb 2026
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is rated the "#1 Top Rated" wired headphone on Amazon and enjoys a mind-blowing 4.6 average rating after more than 33,000 reviews. It's drowned in positive feedback, with users saying they love not only the sound but also the design (the earcups fold inwards), as well as the value for money this pair offers at just $159. Although they're advertised as dedicated studio/audio monitoring headphones, several reviewers have noted that they're just as good for general listening and work seamlessly with iPhone, Android, PC, and other platforms.
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M Marques Brownlee Marques Brownlee · 21.4M subscribers · Feb 2014
The M50x have that exact same excellent, balanced, rich sound. So, I love that.
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S San Carlo Scoop Lorenzo Bianchi · reviewer
From the versatile Audio-Technica ATH-M50x to the audiophile-grade Sennheiser HD 660 S2, the bass-heavy Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro, and the feature-rich Sony WH-1000XM4 (in wired mode), there’s a perfect pair of headphones out there for everyone. Remember, the best wired over-ear headphones for you will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and budget.
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T TechSource TechSource · 4.2M subscribers · Mar 2015
Sound-wise, the M50X has very rich, deep lows with balanced mids and detailed highs.
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Q Quora Quora answer
The Audio Technicas have good solid but accurate bass (no artificial Beats-like boost), and a solid cup that blocks sound well. It has an overall neutral and detailed tonal balance. How little sound leaks out will depend to some extent on how well the earpads seal to your head.
Read answer
G Geekyranjit Geekyranjit · 3.3M subscribers · Oct 2016
Audio Technica M50x VS M40x headphones which are better and I also briefly compare it with Bose QC 35 both the M50x & M40x are similar in there sound signature offering excellent clarity but there are some differences find out which one might be better for you
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H Home DJ Studio Patryk Biernacki · reviewer
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X is among my favorite pairs of headphones, so I was very curious to see how the cheaper ATH-M40X performed. Surprisingly, after our extensive testing, the sound quality was very similar to the ATH-M50X, albeit with a different sound signature.
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R RTINGS Home Theater RTINGS Home Theater · 433K subscribers · Aug 2018
So overall between the M60x and the M50x which should choose. Well if you care mostly about sound quality get the M50x. They are a bit better in most aspects, They have a more comfortable over-ear fit. they also sturdier more durable and have a better-balanced sound that packs more bass and sounds more exciting with most tracks than the 60x.
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S SoundGuys Lil Katz · reviewer
Ultimately, if you’re going to spend this much on a pair of barebones headphones, we recommend the Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X or save some money with the ATH-M50x.
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J Jared Busch Jared Busch · 216K subscribers · Mar 2014
The whole point of these M50x, this "X", is to be able to detach the cable. And that 's fantastic
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E Eneba Eli Manikan · reviewer · May 2026
My Verdict: With its consistent, clear audio, strong sound profile, and reasonable price, there’s a good reason why the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X is everywhere.
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A Archie Beatz Archie Beatz · 107K subscribers · Oct 2022
Not only are they built well and they're a good bargain in price, they sound out of their price range. And I'm not just saying that. When it comes to singers and vocalists, when we're recording music, we want to hear certain instruments. We want to hear certain detail. We want to hear certain dimensions.
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M MakeUseOf Brady Snyder · reviewer
By comparison, the Audio Technica ATH-M50x headphones work great with any device, making them a great choice for beginners.
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S Slime Green Beats Slime Green Beats · 102K subscribers · Jun 2026
These are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. I last purchased these in August 25th, 2021. Time flies. It's been a great experience with these headphones.
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M MusicRadar Article
We’d happily mix with the M50x, which we would have shied away from on the old model.
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A Adam Talks Tech Adam Talks Tech · 51.2K subscribers · Feb 2023
I've used the ATH-M50X Headphones for several years now and have been very pleased with them! They sound great, are very comfortable, and are great for musicians, podcasters, and video editors.
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D Digital Photographer magazine Facebook post
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X is affordable, durable and delivers great-quality audio.
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S Stefan Zanev Stefan Zanev · 4K subscribers · Nov 2016
Today we're doing a review of the Audio Technica ATTH M50X studio monitor headphones. These are in the price range of around $190 for this limited edition color. I have mine in the matte gray limited edition color. And to be honest, it's worth every penny to go out and buy this color instead of the regular colors.
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M Melodics Melodics · reviewer
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x delivers excellent sound with slightly less isolation.
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L Luis Cameraman Luis Cameraman · 2.5K subscribers · Feb 2024
That's why I prefer the Audio-Technica M50x for final sound checks. They provide real sound without any artificial amplification of low or high frequencies
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S Sound House Article
It is a versatile model that excels from everyday use to music production.
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C Chris Tarroza Music Chris Tarroza Music · 2.3K subscribers · Feb 2024
Are the more expensive Audio-Technica M50x better than the more budget-friendly M20x? The answer is yes.
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K KevRev Finds KevRev Finds · 1.9K subscribers · Feb 2024
So, these are the Audio-Technica ATH-M 50 x, and the difference between these two headphones is that these are closed-back. They're very soft, so they're similar in that way, but when you put them on, you can barely hear anything except what's playing in the headphones. So they are great if you want to listen to music and fully immerse yourself in it or watch a movie
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P PC HUB PC HUB · 1.7K subscribers · Oct 2025
So, is the ATTH M50X still a good choice for PC and laptop users in 2025? For its price, the sound quality, and the sheer durability, the answer is a definite yes. It's a reliable workhorse that delivers an engaging audio experience. While the comfort may not be for everyone and the lack of an integrated mic is a minor inconvenience, the M50X remains an excellent choice, especially for those who prioritize sound quality and durability above all else
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P PC HUB PC HUB · 1.6K subscribers · Oct 2025
The ATTH M50X is praised for its clear, detailed, and punchy sound. It has a slightly V-shaped sound signature with a nice bass response and a sparkly treble, which makes it a very engaging and fun listen. For gaming, this means you can clearly distinguish footsteps and other crucial audio cues.
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13 mixed sources

E Esquire Bryn Gelbart · reviewer
The M50X headphones are the best wired option Audio-Technica offers. The audio quality shines (especially on bass-heavy tracks), and the detachable cord is beyond convenient. Really the only downside is that most modern smartphones don't have a 3.5mm-headphone headphone jack.
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H HiTechKing HiTechKing · 67K subscribers · Nov 2025
The clamping force can be prominent out of the box. Compared to my main studio headphone, the ATTH R50X, the comfort between these two are night and day. I was actually just using the M50X, but the tight clamp and the pressure on top of my head it created pushed me to switch back to the R50X.
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D Dekoni Audio Samuel Guilmore · reviewer
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a staple in studios and home setups, but its stock earpads are often cited as its weakest link. Over time, the factory protein leather becomes stiff and prone to flaking, which negatively impacts both comfort and sound stage.
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L lachlanlikesathing lachlanlikesathing · 58.3K subscribers · Jun 2014
However in that kind of time and I've owned the M50 for quite some time my thoughts on it have kind of stabilised and I think that the M50 while it's a really good headphone that was originally designed for studio monitoring I don't feel it's appropriate to use as a portable headphone and the main reason for that is because the cable on the M50 is not suited for portable use.
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M Musiconstage Article
If you want one pair of headphones for mixing, tracking, and occasional listening, the M50x remains the smarter buy. Many working engineers own both — M70x for critical listening, M50x for tracking and everyday use.
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D Dracomies Dracomies · 23K subscribers · Jan 2026
So, the bass on this is actually, um, it's accurate but a little fun. Um, in a good way, but it's actually so it's in this fine line where it's fun, but at the same time accurate. So, it kind of pleases both crowds in a way. For bass, for subbase, um, it's actually pretty accurate. like I thought it was like pretty accurate. Um, for female vocals, it sounded actually um it's full.
Watch
M Musiconstage Article
If you want one pair of headphones for mixing, tracking, and occasional listening, the M50x remains the smarter buy. Many working engineers own both — M70x for critical listening, M50x for tracking and everyday use.
Read
M Minidisc Minidisc · 12.2K subscribers · Jul 2018
They have a very direct, energetic sound with a lot of detail and emphasis in the bass and the treble regions, and as a result not everyone loves the sound of the M50x because it can sound quite harsh and sibiliant with bad recordings. But it does sound the way it does because it was designed for studio monitoring so it's important for producers and musicians to be able to hear distortion or sibil
Watch
B Bhphotovideo Article
Pros: Great value, balanced sound, and effective isolation make these a great choice for engineers and producers who need a pro-quality reference headphone for use in any work environment.
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M Minidisc Minidisc · 12.2K subscribers · Oct 2018
The M50xBT still has a lot of the M50x’s weaknesses: the soundstage is still very compressed, so music tends to sound like its squeezed up right against your ears. And just like the M50x, the M50xBT has high clamping force and shallow earpads. This means impressive passive noise isolation, but it also means that the M50xBT is less comfortable than your average portable headphone.
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H Headphonesty Article
Still, one thing the M50x has going for it is durability. It’s built like a tank and folds up quite nicely.
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V Verified Reviews Verified Reviews · 1K subscribers · Feb 2026
What you actually get is a fun, energetic V-shaped tuning, boosted bass, lively treble, slightly recessed mids. Here's why. Community measurements and my own sweeps show a midbase lift and a treble peak around 810 kHz. That makes kick drums punch and high hats sparkle, but vocals can sit a step back. For tracking or DJ monitoring, that excitement helps.
Watch
A Audiochronicle Article
You’ll hear the flaws in your mix, but you won’t hate your track for it.
Read

Frequently asked questions

It ranks #25 of 28 on our headphones tier list, in F tier. That placement draws on 43 cited sources across 40 outlets.

5 of the 43 sources with a clear view are critical of it, among them Edward Smith, Gearspace and r/HeadphoneAdvice. Mediocre tuning carried by a legendary studio reputation. Better-tuned wired options exist for the money. Its reputation as a default recommendation comes from hype rather than current testing. Headband coating and pads degrade and flake with regular use. Tuning has aged out of favor.

On our headphones board, Sony MDR-7506 ranks #3 (S tier) ahead of Audio-Technica ATH-M50x at #25 (F tier). Sony MDR-7506: Decades of studio duty, replaceable everything, zero firmware risk. No wireless flagship can match this ownership record.

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