Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) vs Sony WH-1000XM4
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) vs Sony WH-1000XM4: which is the right fit? We cover performance, value, and use cases to make the call easier.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black)
Sony WH-1000XM4
Comparison: Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) vs Sony WH-1000XM4
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black)
Sony WH-1000XM4
| Criterion | Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(3,219)Amazon | ★4.5(623)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 + USB-C (Charging) + 3.5mm Jack (Analog) | Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
ANC | No (Passive noise isolation only) | Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling) |
Transparency | No | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) |
Drivers | 45mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets | 40 mm, Dome type (CCAW Voice coil) |
Frequency Response | 15 Hz – 28,000 Hz | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (Wired) |
Microphones | Dual MEMS microphones (beamforming) | 5 mics (Precise Voice Pickup + Dual Noise Sensor) |
Battery Life | Up to 50 hours (Continuous use) | Up to 30 h (ANC On) / 38 h (ANC Off) |
Battery Life | N/A (No charging case) | N/A (Not TWS) |
Charging | USB-C; ~3.5 hours full charge; 10 min rapid charge = up to 3 hours playback | USB-C (Fast charge: 10 min ≈ 5 h playback) |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | Yes (via Audio-Technica CONNECT app) | No (Video sync is good, but no dedicated Gaming Mode) |
Wired Mode | Yes (1.2 m / 3.9' cable included; works with zero battery) | Yes (3.5 mm) |
Water Resistance | None (No IP rating) | No IP Rating |
Weight | 10.8 oz (307 g) | 254 g (8.96 oz) |
Controls | Physical buttons (Power/Pairing, Volume, Multifunction/Voice Assistant) | Touch sensor (Right earcup); Physical buttons (Power, Custom) |
App Eq | Audio-Technica CONNECT app (5-band EQ, Codec switch, Low Latency, L/R Balance) | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) |
Extras | Google Fast Pair; Amazon Alexa built-in; Sidetone circuitry; 1.2 m cable & carrying pouch included | Speak-to-Chat; DSEE Extreme; Wearing Detection (Auto-pause); 360 Reality Audio |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
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
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Sony WH-1000XM4
✓ Pros:
- • Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- • Excellent folding design (more portable than XM5)
- • Multi-device pairing works seamlessly
- • Comfortable lightweight fit for long sessions
✗ Cons:
- • No official IP water resistance rating
- • Microphone quality is good, but not best-in-class anymore
- • Touch controls can be sensitive to moisture/cold
- • LDAC disables when using Multipoint (on older firmware)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Which one is better?
Based on ratings and feature balance, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) has a slight edge for overall satisfaction. Sony WH-1000XM4 remains a strong alternative if its strengths match your needs.
Who should buy each?
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) excels at: Exceptional battery life (up to 50 hours) minimizes charging frequency, High-resolution audio support via LDAC codec
Watch for: Lacks Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency modes found in competitors
Sony WH-1000XM4 excels at: Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Excellent folding design (more portable than XM5)
Watch for: No official IP water resistance rating
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. Sony WH-1000XM4 is better if you prioritize top-tier active noise cancellation (anc). 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.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.