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Master & Dynamic MW50 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£400
  • Avg. price in US: ~$450
  • Form factor: on-ear/over-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: 16 hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Master & Dynamic MW50 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.5

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

5.5

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
5.5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

6.0

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

6.6

Design

8.0%

5.7

Connectivity

6.0%

6.6

Battery

4.0%

8.0

Calls & Controls

Good
?

User score

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 components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 7.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    10

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    1.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    2.4

    Battery life

  • 3.3
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    2.4

    Battery life

    18.0%

    4.7

    Weight

    16.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 7.5
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    2.4

    Battery life

    14.0%

    1.0

    Companion app

  • 3.9
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.7

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    2.4

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £400

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Master & Dynamic MW50 is a premium wireless headphone featuring 40mm high-performance beryllium drivers that deliver a rich, warm sound signature across a broad frequency range of 5Hz – 30,000Hz. Crafted from luxury materials including heavy-grain cowhide leather, lambskin-wrapped memory foam ear pads, and machined aluminium, the MW50 weighs approximately 240g and utilizes Bluetooth 4.1 with aptX for high-quality audio streaming. Key pros include its exceptional build quality, an innovative external aluminium antenna for extended signal range, and a 16-hour battery life with rapid USB-C charging. However, notable cons include its high price point, the lack of active noise cancellation (ANC), and a non-folding design that may limit portability for some users.

Technical Specifications of Master & Dynamic MW50

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

5.5
Master & Dynamic MW50 has a technical score of 5.46 points, which is higher than that of 65.7% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Master & Dynamic MW50 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

5.5

Overall score

40.0%

8.4

Price

6.3
Master & Dynamic MW50 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.3 points, which is lower than 70.8% of products in this category.
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

no
Master & Dynamic MW50 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
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

40 mm
Master & Dynamic MW50 uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% of headphones.
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

1
Master & Dynamic MW50 uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
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

5 Hz
Master & Dynamic MW50 reaches a lowest frequency of 5 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 10.8% of headphones.
Show more
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

yes
Master & Dynamic MW50 supports a noise-canceling microphone. 54.5% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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

yes
Master & Dynamic MW50 is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
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

2
Master & Dynamic MW50 has 2 microphones, more microphones than 78.2% of headphones and equal to 8.8% of headphones.
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

no
Master & Dynamic MW50 does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
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

?
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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

wireless
Master & Dynamic MW50 supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 52.6% of headphones and equal to 47.4% of headphones.
supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
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

4.1
Master & Dynamic MW50 uses Bluetooth version 4.1, newer Bluetooth version than 62.2% of headphones and equal to 5.3% of headphones.
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

?
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

35 ms
Master & Dynamic MW50 has audio latency of 35 ms, lower audio latency than 92.8% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
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

yes
Master & Dynamic MW50 supports multipoint. 35% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
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

no
Master & Dynamic MW50 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
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

no
Master & Dynamic MW50 does not work with a companion app. 44.4% of headphones support companion apps.
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

yes
Master & Dynamic MW50 supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
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

16 hours
Master & Dynamic MW50 offers battery life of 16 hours, lower battery life than 77.3% of headphones and equal to 2.4% of headphones.
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

?
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

yes
Master & Dynamic MW50 supports quick charge. 31% of headphones support quick charge.
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

?
Show more
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

Master & Dynamic
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

on-ear/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

240 g
Master & Dynamic MW50 weighs 240 g, heavier than 57.6% of headphones and equal to 1.5% of headphones.
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

4.4
Master & Dynamic MW50 has a clamp force of 4.4, higher clamp force than 50.7% of headphones and equal to 4.2% of headphones.
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Master & Dynamic MW50 vs the average headphone

  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Master & Dynamic MW50 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

    Master & Dynamic MW50 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Master & Dynamic MW50 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

    Master & Dynamic MW50 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
  • 92.5 ms lower audio latency
    Master & Dynamic MW50 has a lower audio latency than the average headphone (35 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
    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

    Master & Dynamic MW50 has a lower audio latency than the average headphone (35 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.35 ms vs 127.5 ms
  • More flexible connectivity
    Master & Dynamic MW50 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    supports both wireless and wired 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

    Master & Dynamic MW50 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    Master & Dynamic MW50 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
    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

    Master & Dynamic MW50 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Master & Dynamic MW50 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
    What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
    When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Master & Dynamic MW50 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 10,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Master & Dynamic MW50 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (30,000 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

    Master & Dynamic MW50 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.30000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    Master & Dynamic MW50 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
    When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=1%

    Master & Dynamic MW50 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Master & Dynamic MW50 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Master & Dynamic MW50 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 10,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Master & Dynamic MW50 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    Master & Dynamic MW50 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Master & Dynamic MW50 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • USB-C charging
    Master & Dynamic MW50 uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Removable battery
    Master & Dynamic MW50 has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Master & Dynamic MW50 has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • 92.5 ms lower audio latency
    Master & Dynamic MW50 has a lower audio latency than the average headphone (35 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Master & Dynamic MW50 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • Clear call microphone
    Master & Dynamic MW50 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Master & Dynamic MW50 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Master & Dynamic MW50 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • 1 more microphones
    Master & Dynamic MW50 has more microphones than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.

Total
Sound
Battery
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • 10.1% higher weight
    Master & Dynamic MW50 is heavier than the average headphone (240 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Master & Dynamic MW50 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 14 hours shorter battery life
    Master & Dynamic MW50 has a lower battery life than the average headphone (16 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
  • 14 hours shorter battery life
    Master & Dynamic MW50 has a lower battery life than the average headphone (16 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    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

    Master & Dynamic MW50 has a lower battery life than the average headphone (16 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.16 hours vs 30 hours
  • 4.44x more expensive
    Master & Dynamic MW50 is more expensive than the average headphone (£400 vs £90).
    Master & Dynamic MW50 is more expensive than the average headphone (£400 vs £90).£400 vs £90
  • 4.65x less popular
    Master & Dynamic MW50 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.
    Master & Dynamic MW50 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Master & Dynamic MW50 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
    What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
    When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.

    Importance: LOW

    Master & Dynamic MW50 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 10.1% higher weight
    Master & Dynamic MW50 is heavier than the average headphone (240 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

    Master & Dynamic MW50 is heavier than the average headphone (240 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.240 g vs 218 g
  • 6.1% worse value for money
    Master & Dynamic MW50 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.35 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.
    Master & Dynamic MW50 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.35 vs 6.736).6.35 vs 6.74
Total
Overall
Design
Battery

Graphic comparison of Master & Dynamic MW50 and

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Master & Dynamic MW50?

  • Premium build quality featuring authentic cowhide and lambskin leather
  • Extremely comfortable memory foam ear cushions for long listening sessions
  • Detailed, rich, and warm sound signature with excellent vocal clarity
  • Strong and reliable Bluetooth wireless signal range
  • Modular magnetic design allows easy swapping between on-ear and over-ear pads
  • Beautiful and stylish aesthetics made from aluminum and stainless steel
  • High-quality braided cables and luxurious accessories included in the packaging

What customers dislike about Master & Dynamic MW50?

  • Very expensive retail price compared to other consumer headphones
  • Earcups do not fold flat into a compact form factor for easy travel
  • Onboard physical control buttons are small and difficult to use
  • Average battery life of 16 hours falls below competitor standards
  • Noticeable sound leakage and poor passive noise isolation
  • Over-ear cups can feel somewhat cramped or small for users with larger ears
  • Microphone struggles with background noise and wind rejection during calls

Video reviews

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