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Audio-Technica ATH M50 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£130
Avg. price in US: ~$160
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Audio-Technica ATH M50 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.1

Poor

4.1

Poor

?

0.2
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
0.9
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
3.6
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
0.2
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
2.2
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
3.6
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

N/A~ £130

Best rankings

Verdict

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50 is a legendary pair of closed-back dynamic monitoring headphones known for delivering professional-grade audio through proprietary 45mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets. These headphones feature a wide frequency response of 15 Hz to 28,000 Hz, an impedance of 38 ohms, and a sensitivity of 99 dB, providing a balanced sound signature with deep, accurate bass and exceptional high-frequency clarity. Main characteristics include a robust, collapsible design with 90-degree swivelling earcups for one-ear monitoring and professional-grade materials for durability. Key pros are its critically acclaimed sonic performance, excellent passive sound isolation, and overall versatility for studio mixing, DJing, and personal listening. However, some users report cons such as a plastic-heavy build, potential ear fatigue during very long sessions due to clamping force, and the lack of a modern boosted bass response for casual listeners.

Technical Specifications of Audio-Technica ATH M50

Overall score

4.1

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?

Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

5.1

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

1.4

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A

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Connectivity

2.9

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

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Features

2.7

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

1.0

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

5.8

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Audio-Technica

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Audio-Technica ATH M50 vs the average headphone

Why is Audio-Technica ATH M50 better than the average headphone?

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5 mm larger driver size
Audio-Technica ATH M50 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (45 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.
Importance: MEDIUM
Audio-Technica ATH M50 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (45 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.45 mm vs 40 mm
8,000 Hz higher treble extension
Audio-Technica ATH M50 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
Audio-Technica ATH M50 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.28000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
14 mm more spacious earcup width
Audio-Technica ATH M50 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (57 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.
Importance: MEDIUM
Audio-Technica ATH M50 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (57 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.57 mm vs 43 mm
Foldable design
Audio-Technica ATH M50 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.
Importance: LOW
Audio-Technica ATH M50 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Boom microphone included
Audio-Technica ATH M50 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.
Importance: LOW
Audio-Technica ATH M50 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
3 Hz lower bass extension
Audio-Technica ATH M50 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (15 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Audio-Technica ATH M50 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (15 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.15 Hz vs 18 Hz
16x higher input power handling
Audio-Technica ATH M50 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,600 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
What it is: Maximum input power the drivers can safely handle
When it matters: When you pair the headphones with stronger sources or dedicated gear.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=300 mW
Audio-Technica ATH M50 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,600 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.1600 mW vs 100 mW
14 mm more spacious earcup width
Audio-Technica ATH M50 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (57 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
Foldable design
Audio-Technica ATH M50 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
5 mm larger driver size
Audio-Technica ATH M50 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (45 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
8,000 Hz higher treble extension
Audio-Technica ATH M50 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
3 Hz lower bass extension
Audio-Technica ATH M50 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (15 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
16x higher input power handling
Audio-Technica ATH M50 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,600 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
Boom microphone included
Audio-Technica ATH M50 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Calls & Controls

Why is Audio-Technica ATH M50 worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Audio-Technica ATH M50 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
30.3% higher weight
Audio-Technica ATH M50 is heavier than the average headphone (284 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
8 mm tighter earcup height
Audio-Technica ATH M50 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (52 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
Tangle-prone cable
Audio-Technica ATH M50 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
3 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Audio-Technica ATH M50 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (99 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
Not headset-ready
Audio-Technica ATH M50 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
Audio-Technica ATH M50 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Audio-Technica ATH M50 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
10 years older release date
Audio-Technica ATH M50 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,007 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
January 2007
No voice assistant support
Audio-Technica ATH M50 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.
Importance: LOW
Audio-Technica ATH M50 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Audio-Technica ATH M50 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Audio-Technica ATH M50 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
30.3% higher weight
Audio-Technica ATH M50 is heavier than the average headphone (284 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Audio-Technica ATH M50 is heavier than the average headphone (284 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.284 g vs 218 g
Not headset-ready
Audio-Technica ATH M50 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.
Importance: MEDIUM
Audio-Technica ATH M50 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
8 mm tighter earcup height
Audio-Technica ATH M50 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (52 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Audio-Technica ATH M50 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (52 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.52 mm vs 60 mm
3 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Audio-Technica ATH M50 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (99 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Audio-Technica ATH M50 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (99 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.99 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
1 fewer microphones
Audio-Technica ATH M50 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2
Audio-Technica ATH M50 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
4.65x less popular
Audio-Technica ATH M50 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Audio-Technica ATH M50 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Audio-Technica ATH M50 and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Audio-Technica ATH M50?

Excellent value for money offering high-end audio performance at a reasonable price point
Highly durable and robust build quality featuring metal-reinforced stress points
Clear, detailed sound profile with accurate stereo imaging and excellent passive isolation
Punchy, controlled bass and energetic treble ideal for casual listening, gaming, and tracking
Highly flexible design with 90-degree swivelling ear cups and a collapsible frame for travel

What customers dislike about Audio-Technica ATH M50?

Tight clamping force out of the box can cause physical fatigue during long listening sessions
Relatively narrow soundstage due to the closed-back ear cup design
V-shaped sound signature means the mid-range frequencies can feel slightly recessed or less accurate for critical mastering
Stock synthetic leather ear pads can make the ears feel warm and may flake over years of heavy use
Original model features a permanently attached cable making replacement difficult if it breaks

Video reviews

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