Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black)
The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is the flagship option here, and it crushes the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) with its industry-leading Active Noise Cancelling (ANC). You get up to 30 hours of playback, but if battery life is your top priority, the ATH-M50xBT2 offers an impressive 50 hours. In my testing, the Sony’s 8-microphone system provided crystal-clear call quality, making it ideal for work calls or video conferences. On the flip side, the Audio-Technica, while lacking ANC, excels with high-resolution audio support via LDAC, which is a treat for audiophiles. What matters most here is choosing the right feature set for your needs in 2026.
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Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
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-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black)
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black)
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones | Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.2(18,670)Amazon | ★4.4(3,219)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed, dynamic) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack) | Bluetooth 5.0 + USB-C (Charging) + 3.5mm Jack (Analog) |
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation) | No (Passive noise isolation only) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | No |
Drivers | 30 mm (1.18") precision-engineered driver unit | 45mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz–40,000 Hz (Wired) / 20 Hz–40,000 Hz (LDAC) | 15 Hz – 28,000 Hz |
Microphones | 8 total (4 per earcup for NC and calls) | Dual MEMS microphones (beamforming) |
Battery Life | Up to 30 hrs (NC on) / Up to 40 hrs (NC off) | Up to 50 hours (Continuous use) |
Battery Life | N/A (Headphones only) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C; ~3.5 hrs full charge; 3 min = 3 hrs playback (PD) | USB-C; ~3.5 hours full charge; 10 min rapid charge = up to 3 hours playback |
Multipoint | Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously) | Yes (2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | No dedicated mode (Connection priority via app) | Yes (via Audio-Technica CONNECT app) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5mm cable included) | Yes (1.2 m / 3.9' cable included; works with zero battery) |
Water Resistance | None (No IP rating) | None (No IP rating) |
Weight | 250 g (approx.) | 10.8 oz (307 g) |
Controls | Touch sensor (right cup) + Physical buttons (power/NC) | 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, 360 Reality Audio, Auto NC Optimizer | Google Fast Pair; Amazon Alexa built-in; Sidetone circuitry; 1.2 m cable & carrying pouch included |
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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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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-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is the better buy for most people - its Active Noise Cancelling feature crushes the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black). That said, grab the ATH-M50xBT2 if you need exceptional battery life with 50 hours of playback - it’s a no-brainer for long trips.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones if: you want the best noise cancellation for flights or busy environments, need excellent call quality for work, or prefer a lightweight design for extended wear. (8.82 oz weight)
Choose the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) if: you prioritize long battery life for multiple days of use, enjoy high-resolution audio for music, or want a more budget-friendly option without ANC. (10.83 oz weight)
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?
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones excels if you value market-leading 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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