Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) vs Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) is the more budget-friendly choice, boasting an impressive 50 hours of battery life, making it ideal for extended use without frequent charging. On the flip side, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones offers luxurious build quality and Active Noise Cancelling, albeit with a shorter 35-hour battery life when ANC is on. In real-world use, the lack of ANC on the ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) means you might miss out on some immersive listening experiences, while the Beoplay HX excels in blocking out distractions during your commute or in noisy environments. Key specs: Active Noise Cancelling: Yes vs No and Battery: 35h (with ANC) vs 50h.
Why compare these? The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) (mid-range) and Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (high-end) represent different approaches to headphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 | Bang & |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.4★ (3,219 reviews) | 4.2★ (1,325 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Exceptional battery life (up to 50 hours) minimizes charging frequency | Luxurious build quality with aluminum, polymer, and lambskin leather |
| Main Drawback | Lacks Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency modes found in competitors | No digital audio support via USB-C (charging only) |
| Market Position | Mid-range | ✓Premium |
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black)
Over-ear (closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.0 + USB-C (Charging) + 3.5mm Jack (Analog)
Bluetooth 5.0
LDAC, AAC, SBC
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Over-ear (Circumaural)
Bluetooth 5.1 (Multipoint); 3.5 mm Analog Input
5.1
aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) vs Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black)
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
| Criterion | Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) | Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(3,219)Amazon | ★4.2(1,325)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (Circumaural) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 + USB-C (Charging) + 3.5mm Jack (Analog) | Bluetooth 5.1 (Multipoint); 3.5 mm Analog Input |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | 5.1 |
Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC | aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC |
ANC | No (Passive noise isolation only) | Yes (Digital Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation) |
Transparency | No | Yes (Transparency Mode) |
Drivers | 45mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets | 40 mm Electro-dynamic drivers with Neodymium magnets |
Frequency Response | 15 Hz – 28,000 Hz | 20 Hz – 22,000 Hz |
Microphones | Dual MEMS microphones (beamforming) | 4 x Digital MEMS voice mics (2 shared with ANC) + 4 x Dedicated MEMS ANC mics |
Battery Life | Up to 50 hours (Continuous use) | Up to 35 hours (Bluetooth + ANC) / Up to 40 hours (Bluetooth only) |
Battery Life | N/A (No charging case) | N/A (Headphones only) |
Charging | USB-C; ~3.5 hours full charge; 10 min rapid charge = up to 3 hours playback | USB-C (Approx. 3 hours for full charge) |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (Connect two devices simultaneously) |
Low Latency Mode | Yes (via Audio-Technica CONNECT app) | Yes (via aptX Adaptive automatically) |
Wired Mode | Yes (1.2 m / 3.9' cable included; works with zero battery) | Yes (3.5 mm mini-jack; Passive playback supported; Mic does not work in wired mode; USB-C is charging only) |
Water Resistance | None (No IP rating) | No (No official IP rating) |
Weight | 10.8 oz (307 g) | 285 g (10.1 oz) |
Controls | Physical buttons (Power/Pairing, Volume, Multifunction/Voice Assistant) | Touch interface (Right earcup: Play/Pause, Volume, Skip) + Physical buttons (Power/Pairing, ANC toggle, Voice Assistant) |
App Eq | Audio-Technica CONNECT app (5-band EQ, Codec switch, Low Latency, L/R Balance) | Bang & Olufsen App (Beosonic™ intuitive tone-touch EQ; not a standard band EQ) |
Extras | Google Fast Pair; Amazon Alexa built-in; Sidetone circuitry; 1.2 m cable & carrying pouch included | Google Fast Pair; Microsoft Swift Pair; Made for iPhone (MFi); Replaceable battery (serviceable); Lambskin leather ear cushions; Fabric carrying case included |
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Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black)
Over-ear (closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.0 + USB-C (Charging) + 3.5mm Jack (Analog)
Bluetooth 5.0
LDAC, AAC, SBC
No (Passive noise isolation only)
No
Pros
- Exceptional battery life (up to 50 hours) minimizes charging frequency
- High-resolution audio support via LDAC codec
Cons
- Lacks Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency modes found in competitors
- No official IP water or dust resistance rating
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Over-ear (Circumaural)
Bluetooth 5.1 (Multipoint); 3.5 mm Analog Input
5.1
aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC
Yes (Digital Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation)
Yes (Transparency Mode)
Pros
- Luxurious build quality with aluminum, polymer, and lambskin leather
- Excellent battery life (35 hours with ANC) for a lightweight headset
Cons
- No digital audio support via USB-C (charging only)
- Charging is slow (approx. 3 hours) compared to competitors
Which one is better?
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) is the better buy for most people - its 50-hour battery life crushes the Beoplay HX's 35 hours with ANC. That said, grab the Bang & Olufsen if you need superior noise cancellation and are okay with less battery life.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) if: you need 2+ days of battery, prefer passive noise isolation, or are looking for a more affordable option.
Choose the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones if: you want luxurious materials, need Active Noise Cancelling, or value comfort for long listening sessions. (10.05 oz weight)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.4★ vs 4.2★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 3,219 reviews vs 1,325
→ Choose Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Bang &
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Bottom line: The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) edges ahead with a 4.4★ rating compared to 4.2★. However, Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) or Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones?
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) is the better choice if you prioritize exceptional battery life (up to 50 hours) minimizes charging frequency. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones wins if you value luxurious build quality with aluminum, polymer, and lambskin leather. Both are rated highly (4.4★ vs 4.2★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) and Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones?
Key differences: Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) offers exceptional battery life (up to 50 hours) minimizes charging frequency, while Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones stands out with luxurious build quality with aluminum, polymer, and lambskin leather. Consider that Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) lacks active noise cancelling (anc) and transparency modes found in competitors. Meanwhile, Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones no digital audio support via usb-c (charging only). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: February 7, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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