Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) vs Bose QuietComfort SC
Get the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) unless you need noise cancellation. The numbers: 50 hours of battery life vs 24 hours on the Bose QuietComfort SC means you'll spend way less time charging. In real-world use, that 50-hour battery life means you can enjoy your music for several days on end.
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Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black)
Bose QuietComfort SC
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 Bose QuietComfort SC
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black)
Bose QuietComfort SC
| Criterion | Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) | Bose QuietComfort SC |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(3,219)Amazon | ★4.6(16,733)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 + USB-C (Charging) + 3.5mm Jack (Analog) | Bluetooth 5.1 + 2.5mm Jack (Analog) + USB-C (Charging only) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.1 |
Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
ANC | No (Passive noise isolation only) | Yes (Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, Custom Modes with Wind Block) |
Transparency | No | Yes (Aware Mode with ActiveSense) |
Drivers | 45mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets | Bose TriPort acoustic architecture (Proprietary) |
Frequency Response | 15 Hz – 28,000 Hz | Not disclosed by manufacturer |
Microphones | Dual MEMS microphones (beamforming) | Built-in microphone array (calls/ANC) + In-line microphone on audio cable |
Battery Life | Up to 50 hours (Continuous use) | Up to 24 hours (Bluetooth + ANC) |
Battery Life | N/A (No charging case) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C; ~3.5 hours full charge; 10 min rapid charge = up to 3 hours playback | USB-C; 2.5 hours full charge; 15 min rapid charge = up to 4 hours playback |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | Yes (via Audio-Technica CONNECT app) | No (Standard SBC/AAC latency) |
Wired Mode | Yes (1.2 m / 3.9' cable included; works with zero battery) | Yes (2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable included; works passively without battery) |
Water Resistance | None (No IP rating) | None (No IP rating) |
Weight | 10.8 oz (307 g) | 8.5 oz (240 g) |
Controls | Physical buttons (Power/Pairing, Volume, Multifunction/Voice Assistant) | Physical buttons (Power/BT, Volume +/-, Multi-function, Action button) |
App Eq | Audio-Technica CONNECT app (5-band EQ, Codec switch, Low Latency, L/R Balance) | Bose Music app (3-band EQ, Custom ANC modes, Shortcut settings) |
Extras | Google Fast Pair; Amazon Alexa built-in; Sidetone circuitry; 1.2 m cable & carrying pouch included | Soft carrying case (SC exclusive); SimpleSync (connect to Bose soundbars); Spotify Tap |
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Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black)
✓ Pros:
- • Exceptional battery life (up to 50 hours) minimizes charging frequency
- • High-resolution audio support via LDAC codec
- • Multipoint pairing allows seamless switching between two devices
- • Preserves the acclaimed sonic signature of the wired M50x studio monitors
- • Dedicated low-latency mode improves lip-sync for gaming and video
✗ Cons:
- • Lacks Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency modes found in competitors
- • No official IP water or dust resistance rating
- • Passive noise isolation is effective but not equal to active solutions
- • Clamp force may feel tight for some users during extended listening sessions
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Bose QuietComfort SC
✓ Pros:
- • World-class noise cancellation with adjustable modes and Wind Block
- • Extremely comfortable 'clamp-free' fit suitable for all-day wear
- • Physical buttons provide reliable control compared to touch gestures
- • Soft case makes the headphones easier to pack into tight bags than hard shells
- • Multipoint Bluetooth allows seamless switching between phone and laptop
✗ Cons:
- • Soft case offers significantly less impact protection than the standard hard case
- • Lacks high-bitrate codecs (aptX/LDAC) found in competitors
- • Wired connection requires a 2.5mm cable (less common than 3.5mm)
- • No USB-C audio support (USB port is for charging only)
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Which one is better?
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) is the better buy for most people - its 50-hour battery life crushes the Bose QuietComfort SC's 24-hour battery. That said, grab the Bose if you need top-notch noise cancellation - its features are worth it for those who travel frequently.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) if: you need 50+ hours of battery life, you want high-resolution audio support with LDAC, or you use multiple devices and need seamless switching.
Choose the Bose QuietComfort SC if: you prioritize exceptional noise cancellation, you want maximum comfort for all-day wear, or you often find yourself in windy environments needing Wind Block. (8.47 oz weight)
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) excels if you value exceptional battery life (up to 50 hours) minimizes charging frequency. Bose QuietComfort SC is better if you prioritize world-class noise cancellation with adjustable modes and wind block. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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