Beats Studio Pro vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black)
The Beats Studio Pro takes the crown in this matchup, thanks to its Fully Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) feature. It offers 40 hours of battery life with ANC off compared to Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black)'s impressive 50 hours but no ANC support. If you want top-notch noise cancellation and premium audio features, the Beats are definitely worth it. After using both headphones in everyday situations, the ANC on the Beats Studio Pro truly shines. It blocks out background noise effectively, making them ideal for commuting or working in noisy spaces. In contrast, the ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) does excel in battery longevity, lasting up to 50 hours of continuous use, but without the noise-canceling benefits, you might miss out on immersion during your favorite tracks or movies.
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Beats Studio Pro
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (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: Beats Studio Pro vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black)
Beats Studio Pro
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black)
| Criterion | Beats Studio Pro | Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(24,643)Amazon | ★4.4(3,219)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth (Class 1), USB-C audio, 3.5mm analog input | Bluetooth 5.0 + USB-C (Charging) + 3.5mm Jack (Analog) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
ANC | Yes (Fully Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling) | No (Passive noise isolation only) |
Transparency | Yes (Transparency mode) | No |
Drivers | 40mm custom active driver | 45mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets |
Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz | 15 Hz – 28,000 Hz |
Microphones | Upgraded voice-targeting microphones | Dual MEMS microphones (beamforming) |
Battery Life | Up to 40 hrs (ANC off); up to 24 hrs (ANC or Transparency on) | Up to 50 hours (Continuous use) |
Battery Life | N/A (Headphones only) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C; 10 min Fast Fuel = up to 4 hrs playback | USB-C; ~3.5 hours full charge; 10 min rapid charge = up to 3 hours playback |
Multipoint | No (Supports ecosystem switching for Apple/Android) | Yes (2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | No (no dedicated wireless mode, lossless via USB-C) | Yes (via Audio-Technica CONNECT app) |
Wired Mode | Yes (USB-C lossless audio + 3.5mm analog) | Yes (1.2 m / 3.9' cable included; works with zero battery) |
Water Resistance | None | None (No IP rating) |
Weight | 260 g | 10.8 oz (307 g) |
Controls | Physical 'b' button, volume rocker, multi-function button | Physical buttons (Power/Pairing, Volume, Multifunction/Voice Assistant) |
App Eq | No app EQ; 3 onboard profiles available via USB-C only | Audio-Technica CONNECT app (5-band EQ, Codec switch, Low Latency, L/R Balance) |
Extras | Personalized Spatial Audio w/ Head Tracking; Find My / Find My Device support; One-touch pairing (iOS/Android) | Google Fast Pair; Amazon Alexa built-in; Sidetone circuitry; 1.2 m cable & carrying pouch included |
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Beats Studio Pro
✓ Pros:
- • USB-C audio supports lossless playback and charging simultaneously
- • Excellent physical control buttons (no finicky touch controls)
- • Compact folding design (unlike many modern competitors)
- • Native features for both Apple and Android (Fast Pair, Find My)
✗ Cons:
- • No wear detection sensors (does not auto-pause when removed)
- • No generic Bluetooth Multipoint (can't connect to 2 devices at once)
- • No app-based EQ for wireless listening
- • Clamping force can be tight for some users
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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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Which one is better?
The Beats Studio Pro is the better buy for most people - its Active Noise Cancelling crushes the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black).
Who should buy each?
Choose the Beats Studio Pro if: you want premium sound with ANC, need great audio for traveling, or enjoy immersive music experiences. (9.17 oz weight)
Choose the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) if: you need 50+ hours of battery life, want easy switching between devices, or prefer a reliable sound signature without active noise cancellation.
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?
Beats Studio Pro excels if you value usb-c audio supports lossless playback and charging simultaneously. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) is better if you prioritize exceptional battery life (up to 50 hours) minimizes charging frequency. 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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