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Audio-Technica ATH R50x Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£150
Avg. price in US: ~$170
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Audio-Technica ATH R50x review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.7

Poor

3.7

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
1.3
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
5.5
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
2.7
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
5.5
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~ £150

Best rankings

Verdict

The Audio-Technica ATH-R50x is a professional open-back reference headphone designed for critical listening, mixing, and mastering, featuring 45mm dynamic drivers and a broad frequency response of 5Hz to 40,000Hz. These headphones are exceptionally lightweight at approximately 207g and utilize breathable velour ear cushions and a 50-ohm impedance, making them easy to drive even without a dedicated amplifier. Main pros include a natural and expansive soundstage, high midrange clarity, and superior long-session comfort due to their minimal weight and balanced clamping force. Notable cons include a bass response that may lack deep sub-bass impact for some users and a treble response that can occasionally lean toward being overly bright or splashy.

Technical Specifications of Audio-Technica ATH R50x

Overall score

3.7

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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

4.1

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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

1.1

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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

N/A

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

6.7

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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

open-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 R50x vs the average headphone

Why is Audio-Technica ATH R50x better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
Audio-Technica ATH R50x has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.
Importance: LOW
Audio-Technica ATH R50x has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
13 Hz lower bass extension
Audio-Technica ATH R50x has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 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 R50x has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
5 mm larger driver size
Audio-Technica ATH R50x 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 R50x 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
20,000 Hz higher treble extension
Audio-Technica ATH R50x has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (40,000 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 R50x has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.40000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
Open-back design
Audio-Technica ATH R50x uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.
Importance: MEDIUM
Audio-Technica ATH R50x uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
9 mm more spacious earcup width
Audio-Technica ATH R50x offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (52 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 R50x offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (52 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.52 mm vs 43 mm
16x higher input power handling
Audio-Technica ATH R50x 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 R50x 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
8 years newer release date
Audio-Technica ATH R50x was released more recently than the average headphone (2,025 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
January 2025
What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2020
Audio-Technica ATH R50x was released more recently than the average headphone (2,025 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2025 vs 2017
Open-back design
Audio-Technica ATH R50x uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
9 mm more spacious earcup width
Audio-Technica ATH R50x offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (52 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Audio-Technica ATH R50x has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
13 Hz lower bass extension
Audio-Technica ATH R50x has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
5 mm larger driver size
Audio-Technica ATH R50x uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (45 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
20,000 Hz higher treble extension
Audio-Technica ATH R50x has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
16x higher input power handling
Audio-Technica ATH R50x 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.
8 years newer release date
Audio-Technica ATH R50x was released more recently than the average headphone (2,025 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.

Why is Audio-Technica ATH R50x worse than the average headphone?

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2.4 higher clamp force
Audio-Technica ATH R50x has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (6.7 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
9 mm tighter earcup height
Audio-Technica ATH R50x has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (51 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
No passive noise reduction
Audio-Technica ATH R50x does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
8.7 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Audio-Technica ATH R50x has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (93.3 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
9.7 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
Audio-Technica ATH R50x has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (93.3 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
Not headset-ready
Audio-Technica ATH R50x is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
Audio-Technica ATH R50x has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Audio-Technica ATH R50x does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No passive noise reduction
Audio-Technica ATH R50x does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.
Importance: MEDIUM
Audio-Technica ATH R50x does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
No voice assistant support
Audio-Technica ATH R50x 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 R50x does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
8.7 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Audio-Technica ATH R50x has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (93.3 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 R50x has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (93.3 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.93.3 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Not headset-ready
Audio-Technica ATH R50x 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 R50x is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
2.4 higher clamp force
Audio-Technica ATH R50x has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (6.7 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
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
Audio-Technica ATH R50x has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (6.7 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.6.7 vs 4.3
9 mm tighter earcup height
Audio-Technica ATH R50x has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (51 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 R50x has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (51 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.51 mm vs 60 mm
22.3% worse value for money
Audio-Technica ATH R50x has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.51 vs 6.736).
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.
Audio-Technica ATH R50x has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.51 vs 6.736).5.51 vs 6.74
1 fewer microphones
Audio-Technica ATH R50x 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 R50x has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Audio-Technica ATH R50x and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Audio-Technica ATH R50x?

Extremely lightweight design weighing only 207 grams
Exceptional comfort suitable for long mixing and listening sessions without fatigue
Breathable velour ear pads and split headband design that prevents hot spots
Natural, well-balanced sound signature with clear and forward mid-range presence
Spacious soundstage and great spatial imaging excellent for both music and gaming
Excellent price-to-performance ratio making them a budget-friendly reference option
Includes two detachable cables of different lengths (1.2m and 3.0m)
Easily powered by standard portable devices and scales well with better amplification

What customers dislike about Audio-Technica ATH R50x?

Sub-bass rolls off significantly below 50Hz and can feel thin on certain tracks
Out-of-the-box tuning leans neutral-bright with a slightly sharp or aggressive treble edge
Proprietary 2.5mm twist-and-lock cable connection system is single-ended only and lacks easy balanced compatibility
Stock cables are stiff and tend to retain their folded packaging shape
Ear cups may feel a bit too small for users with larger ears
Open-back design results in zero noise isolation, allowing external sound to leak freely in and out

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