Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) vs Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black)
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) is the better buy for most people, especially if you value battery life—50 hours is a game-changer. In real-world usage, this means you can listen for days without needing to charge, perfect for long trips or daily commutes. The Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black) offers Adaptive Hybrid ANC, which makes a noticeable difference in noisy environments. If you're someone who frequently finds yourself in bustling places and needs that extra audio isolation, this could be a compelling reason to consider the ACCENTUM Plus despite the similar battery performance.
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Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black)
Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black)
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 Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black)
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black)
Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black)
| Criterion | Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) | Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(3,219)Amazon | ★4.1(1,285)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 + USB-C (Charging) + 3.5mm Jack (Analog) | Bluetooth 5.2 + USB-C (Audio/Charging) + 2.5mm Jack (Analog input on earcup) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC | aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™, AAC, SBC, mSBC, CVSD |
ANC | No (Passive noise isolation only) | Yes (Adaptive Hybrid ANC) |
Transparency | No | Yes (Transparency Mode) |
Drivers | 45mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets | 37mm dynamic drivers (Angled) |
Frequency Response | 15 Hz – 28,000 Hz | 10 Hz – 22,000 Hz |
Microphones | Dual MEMS microphones (beamforming) | 2 beamforming microphones (Speech) + ANC microphones |
Battery Life | Up to 50 hours (Continuous use) | Up to 50 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; ~3.5 hours full charge; 10 min rapid charge = 5 hours playback |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | Yes (via Audio-Technica CONNECT app) | Yes (via aptX Adaptive) |
Wired Mode | Yes (1.2 m / 3.9' cable included; works with zero battery) | Yes (USB-C Digital Audio + Analog via included 2.5mm to 3.5mm cable) |
Water Resistance | None (No IP rating) | None (No IP rating) |
Weight | 10.8 oz (307 g) | 8.0 oz (227 g) |
Controls | Physical buttons (Power/Pairing, Volume, Multifunction/Voice Assistant) | Touch pad (Right earcup: Volume, Play/Pause, Skip, ANC toggle) + Physical Power/Pairing button |
App Eq | Audio-Technica CONNECT app (5-band EQ, Codec switch, Low Latency, L/R Balance) | Sennheiser Smart Control app (5-band EQ, Sound Personalization, Sound Zones) |
Extras | Google Fast Pair; Amazon Alexa built-in; Sidetone circuitry; 1.2 m cable & carrying pouch included | Smart Pause (Wear detection); Wind Noise Reduction; Carrying case included; 3.9' USB-C cable & 4.2' audio cable |
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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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Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black)
✓ Pros:
- • Impressive 50-hour battery life with ANC enabled reduces charging anxiety
- • Sound Personalization feature creates a custom audio profile for your hearing
- • Supports high-resolution wired audio via USB-C (plug-and-play with PC/phones)
- • Includes a robust carrying case (unlike the standard Accentum model)
- • Touch controls are responsive and intuitive for playback/volume adjustments
✗ Cons:
- • Earcup input is 2.5mm (sub-standard size), making replacement cables harder to find
- • Clamp force can feel slightly tight on larger heads due to the compact headband
- • Lacks an official IP rating for water or sweat resistance
- • Design does not fold completely for compact storage (earcups swivel flat only)
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Which one is better?
The Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black) is the smarter buy for those needing noise cancellation—its Adaptive Hybrid ANC crushes the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black). That said, grab the ATH-M50xBT2 if you want a longer battery life without the ANC features.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) if: you need up to 50 hours of battery life for long journeys, prefer physical controls for ease of use, or want the classic Audio-Technica sound.
Choose the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black) if: you want Adaptive Hybrid ANC for better focus in noisy environments, enjoy customizable audio profiles, or prefer touch controls for a modern feel. (8.01 oz weight)
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
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. Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black) is better if you prioritize impressive 50-hour battery life with anc enabled reduces charging anxiety. 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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