Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black)
The Sony WH-1000XM4 outshines the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) due to its industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature. With ANC, you get a serene listening experience, perfect for busy environments. In 2026, this makes the WH-1000XM4 a no-brainer for daily commuters and travelers alike. . This means less time worrying about charging and more time enjoying your favorite tunes—ideal for extended use during road trips or long workdays.
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Sony WH-1000XM4
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: Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black)
Sony WH-1000XM4
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black)
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(623)Amazon | ★4.4(3,219)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC | Bluetooth 5.0 + USB-C (Charging) + 3.5mm Jack (Analog) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling) | No (Passive noise isolation only) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | No |
Drivers | 40 mm, Dome type (CCAW Voice coil) | 45mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (Wired) | 15 Hz – 28,000 Hz |
Microphones | 5 mics (Precise Voice Pickup + Dual Noise Sensor) | Dual MEMS microphones (beamforming) |
Battery Life | Up to 30 h (ANC On) / 38 h (ANC Off) | Up to 50 hours (Continuous use) |
Battery Life | N/A (Not TWS) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C (Fast charge: 10 min ≈ 5 h playback) | USB-C; ~3.5 hours full charge; 10 min rapid charge = up to 3 hours playback |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Video sync is good, but no dedicated Gaming Mode) | Yes (via Audio-Technica CONNECT app) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5 mm) | Yes (1.2 m / 3.9' cable included; works with zero battery) |
Water Resistance | No IP Rating | None (No IP rating) |
Weight | 254 g (8.96 oz) | 10.8 oz (307 g) |
Controls | Touch sensor (Right earcup); Physical buttons (Power, Custom) | Physical buttons (Power/Pairing, Volume, Multifunction/Voice Assistant) |
App Eq | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) | Audio-Technica CONNECT app (5-band EQ, Codec switch, Low Latency, L/R Balance) |
Extras | Speak-to-Chat; DSEE Extreme; Wearing Detection (Auto-pause); 360 Reality Audio | Google Fast Pair; Amazon Alexa built-in; Sidetone circuitry; 1.2 m cable & carrying pouch included |
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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)
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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 Sony WH-1000XM4 is the better buy for most people - its top-tier ANC feature crushes the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black). Battery life: Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) is rated for up to 50 hours.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM4 if: you value top-notch noise cancellation, you travel frequently, or you enjoy immersive audio experiences. (8.96 oz weight)
Choose the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) if: you need exceptional battery life for long sessions, you want to save money, or you often switch between devices. (10.83 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?
Sony WH-1000XM4 excels if you value top-tier active noise cancellation (anc). 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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