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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Audio-Technica ATH M50rd Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£150Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Audio-Technica ATH M50rd Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Audio-Technica ATH M50rd
5.4/10

Overall score

Score
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components

80%

5.4

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 89% of headphones
6.7

Value for money

Value for money
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components

70%

5.4

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

â–¼Worse than 87%
5.4

Technical score

Technical score
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components

52%

6.4

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.8

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

5.0

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 78%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • audio-technica-ath-m50rd
audio-technica-ath-m50rd
Where to buy
    N/A~ £150
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Audio-Technica ATH M50rd

Technical score
Technical score
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components:

52%

6.4

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.8

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

5.0

Calls & Controls

5.4
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Audio-Technica ATH M50rd has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 73.4% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components:

70%

5.4

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

6.7
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
45 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 45 mm, larger driver size than 83.7% of headphones and equal to 2.4% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
15 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 15 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 58.3% of headphones and equal to 5.8% of headphones.
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Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
yes
This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone. 86.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
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Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
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Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
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Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
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Brand name
Audio-Technica
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
284 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 284 g, heavier than 75.5% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
4
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 4, lower clamp force than 51.2% of headphones and equal to 7.4% of headphones.
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Audio-Technica ATH M50rd vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 5 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (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
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 3 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (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
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (1,600 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    1,600 mW vs 100 mW
  • Boom microphone included
    This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone, the average pair of headphones does not. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 22 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (132 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    132 dB vs 110 dB
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 5 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (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
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 3 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (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
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (1,600 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    1,600 mW vs 100 mW
  • 22 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (132 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    132 dB vs 110 dB
  • Boom microphone included
    This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone, the average pair of headphones does not. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 30.3% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (284 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    284 g vs 218 g
  • 9 mm tighter earcup height
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (51 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    51 mm vs 60 mm
  • 3 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (99 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    99 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 5.87x less popular
    Audio-Technica ATH M50rd is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 5.87x less popular
    Audio-Technica ATH M50rd is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 8% worse value for money
    Audio-Technica ATH M50rd has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.73 vs 7.3).
    6.73 vs 7.27
  • 66.7% more expensive
    Audio-Technica ATH M50rd is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£150 vs £90).
    £150 vs £90
  • 30.3% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (284 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    284 g vs 218 g
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 9 mm tighter earcup height
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (51 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    51 mm vs 60 mm
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 6 mm tighter earcup width
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (38 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    38 mm vs 44 mm
  • 3 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (99 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    99 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Audio-Technica ATH M50rd

  • High-fidelity, crisp, and clear audio quality across an extended frequency range
  • Tight, deep, and impactful bass response without feeling artificially bloated
  • Highly detailed sound presentation that helps identify minor audio imperfections during mixing
  • Exceptionally robust, flexible, and tank-like build quality featuring durable metal reinforcements
  • Collapsible, fold-flat design with a protective pouch that ensures convenient portability
  • Excellent passive noise isolation from the tight-sealing circumaural ear cups
  • Highly adjustable headband and smooth 180-degree swivelling ear cups that accommodate different head shapes
  • Striking and aesthetically appealing matte red limited-edition styling

What customers don't like about Audio-Technica ATH M50rd

  • Equipped with a non-detachable cable that can easily get caught on objects when walking around
  • The bundled stock cable is exceptionally long and cumbersome for casual, portable use
  • Soundstage feels noticeably narrow, flat, and closed-off due to the closed-back design
  • The upper treble region features a prominent spike that can sound harsh, sibilant, or piercing at high volumes
  • Intense, forward sound presentation can easily cause listening fatigue during long sessions
  • High clamping force and stock ear pads can become uncomfortable or hot over extended periods of wear
  • The faux leather material on the original ear pads tends to crack, peel, and harden over years of use
  • Lacks modern conveniences like active noise cancellation (ANC) or an in-line microphone/remote unit

Verdict

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50RD is a limited-edition red version of the critically acclaimed professional studio monitor headphones, featuring proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers with neodymium magnets and CCAW voice coils for exceptional clarity and a deep, accurate bass response. These closed-back dynamic headphones offer a wide frequency range of 15 – 28,000 Hz, a sensitivity of 99 dB, and a 38-ohm impedance, making them efficient for both studio gear and portable devices. Main characteristics include a space-saving collapsible design, 180° swiveling earcups for easy one-ear monitoring, and a robust 284g build with a single-sided coiled cable. Pros include superior sound isolation for loud environments and high power handling (1,600 mW), though some users find them slightly uncomfortable during long sessions due to clamping force or lack of soundstage depth.

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