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Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£350
  • Avg. price in US: ~$300
  • Form factor: on-ear/over-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: 16 hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus 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%

5.9

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

7.0

Design

8.0%

6.4

Connectivity

6.0%

6.0

Battery

4.0%

8.6

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

  • 6.8
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    9.0

    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

  • 3.4
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    2.4

    Battery life

    18.0%

    5.5

    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

  • 4.2
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.5

    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

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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £350

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 a unique 2-in-1 modular design with magnetically interchangeable on-ear and over-ear lambskin leather ear pads. It is built with high-end materials including 40mm beryllium drivers, a heavy-grain cowhide leather headband, and machined aluminum components that house an external antenna for a 30-meter Bluetooth 4.1 range with aptX support. Main pros include a rich, warm sound signature with a 5Hz–30kHz frequency response, exceptional build quality without plastic parts, and a 16-hour battery life with USB-C quick charging. However, some users note cons such as a high price point, the lack of active noise cancellation (ANC), and a non-folding design that limits portability.

Technical Specifications of Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus

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 Plus has a technical score of 5.52 points, which is higher than that of 66.6% 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 Plus 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%

8.7

Price

6.5
Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.5 points, which is lower than 60.6% 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 Plus 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 Plus 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 Plus 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 Plus 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 Plus 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 Plus 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 Plus 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 Plus 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

?
Show more
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 Plus 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 Plus 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

100 m
Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus offers a Bluetooth range of 100 m, higher Bluetooth range than 97.9% of headphones and equal to 2.1% of headphones.
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

?
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 Plus 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 Plus 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 Plus 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 Plus 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 Plus 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

2.5 hours
Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus needs 2.5 hours to charge, higher charging time than 52.4% of headphones and equal to 12.9% of headphones.
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

?
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

205 g
Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus weighs 205 g, lighter than 53.4% of headphones and equal to 0.5% 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

?
Show more

Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus vs the average headphone

  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus 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 Plus 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 Plus 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 Plus 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
  • More flexible connectivity
    Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus 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 Plus 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 Plus 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 Plus 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 Plus 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 Plus includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 90 m longer Bluetooth range
    Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus has a higher Bluetooth range than the average headphone (100 m vs 10 m). The average headphones offer a Bluetooth range of 10 m.
    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

    Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus has a higher Bluetooth range than the average headphone (100 m vs 10 m). The average headphones offer a Bluetooth range of 10 m.100 m vs 10 m
  • 10,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus 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 Plus 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
  • Wind noise reduction
    Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
    What it is: Reduces wind interference for clearer outdoor calls
    When it matters: When you take calls outdoors while walking, cycling, or commuting.

    Importance: LOW

    Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus 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 Plus 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 Plus 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.
  • 4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 10x higher input power handling
    Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
  • USB-C charging
    Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • 90 m longer Bluetooth range
    Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus has a higher Bluetooth range than the average headphone (100 m vs 10 m). The average headphones offer a Bluetooth range of 10 m.
  • Clear call microphone
    Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus 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 Plus includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • 1 more microphones
    Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus has more microphones than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • Quick mic mute
    Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.

Total
Sound
Battery
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • 0.5 hours longer charging time
    Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus has a higher charging time than the average headphone (2.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
  • 14 hours shorter battery life
    Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus has a lower battery life than the average headphone (16 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
  • 0.5 hours longer charging time
    Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus has a higher charging time than the average headphone (2.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    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

    Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus has a higher charging time than the average headphone (2.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.2.5 hours vs 2 hours
  • 14 hours shorter battery life
    Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus 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 Plus 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
  • 3.89x more expensive
    Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus is more expensive than the average headphone (£350 vs £90).
    Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus is more expensive than the average headphone (£350 vs £90).£350 vs £90
  • 4.65x less popular
    Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus 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 Plus is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 4.1% worse value for money
    Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.47 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 Plus has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.47 vs 6.736).6.47 vs 6.74
Total
Overall
Battery

Graphic comparison of Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus and

Attribute category
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus?

  • Innovative 2-in-1 design with magnetically interchangeable on-ear and over-ear pads
  • Premium build quality utilizing luxury materials like lambskin, cowhide, and aluminum
  • Rich, warm sound signature with clear vocals and punchy bass
  • Highly comfortable memory foam cushioning suitable for long listening sessions
  • Stunning, attractive retro-modern aesthetic
  • Simple, intuitive physical controls and stable Bluetooth connectivity

What customers dislike about Master & Dynamic MW50 Plus?

  • Expensive premium retail price point
  • Mediocre battery life (around 16 hours) compared to modern market competitors
  • Lacks active noise cancellation (ANC) and companion app support
  • Slightly heavy design with noticeable headband clamping force for larger heads
  • Over-ear pads can occasionally come loose magnetically and offer limited isolation
  • The frame does not fold down completely into a compact travel footprint

Video reviews

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