Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Time to compare Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) with Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones. We will cover the essentials so you can buy with confidence.
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Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black)
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Comparison: Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black)
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
| Criterion | Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) | Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(3,219)Amazon | ★4.2(18,670)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed, dynamic) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 + USB-C (Charging) + 3.5mm Jack (Analog) | Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | 5.2 |
Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
ANC | No (Passive noise isolation only) | Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation) |
Transparency | No | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) |
Drivers | 45mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets | 30 mm (1.18") precision-engineered driver unit |
Frequency Response | 15 Hz – 28,000 Hz | 4 Hz–40,000 Hz (Wired) / 20 Hz–40,000 Hz (LDAC) |
Microphones | Dual MEMS microphones (beamforming) | 8 total (4 per earcup for NC and calls) |
Battery Life | Up to 50 hours (Continuous use) | Up to 30 hrs (NC on) / Up to 40 hrs (NC off) |
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; ~3.5 hrs full charge; 3 min = 3 hrs playback (PD) |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously) |
Low Latency Mode | Yes (via Audio-Technica CONNECT app) | No dedicated mode (Connection priority via app) |
Wired Mode | Yes (1.2 m / 3.9' cable included; works with zero battery) | Yes (3.5mm cable included) |
Water Resistance | None (No IP rating) | None (No IP rating) |
Weight | 10.8 oz (307 g) | 250 g (approx.) |
Controls | Physical buttons (Power/Pairing, Volume, Multifunction/Voice Assistant) | Touch sensor (right cup) + Physical buttons (power/NC) |
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, 360 Reality Audio, Auto NC Optimizer |
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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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Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
✓ Pros:
- • Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC)
- • Excellent call quality with 8-microphone system
- • Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- • Fast charging (3 min for 3 hours playback)
- • Multipoint connection works seamlessly
✗ Cons:
- • Non-foldable design reduces portability
- • Price increase compared to previous generation
- • No IP water resistance rating
- • Auto NC Optimizer cannot be manually forced to max
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Which one is better?
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) is stronger in quality and performance, but Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones could still be the better pick if you value its unique advantages.
Who should buy each?
Choose Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) if:
- You want Exceptional battery life (up to 50 hours) minimizes charging frequency, High-resolution audio support via LDAC codec
- Rating: 4.4★ (3219 reviews)
Choose Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones if:
- You prefer Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC), Excellent call quality with 8-microphone system
- Rating: 4.2★ (18670 reviews)
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
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-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is better if you prioritize market-leading 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.
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