Over-Ear Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM5
8.6/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
$239.99at Amazon
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1 / 11Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The wired ATH-M50x: still good.
Noise Isolation
3.1/ 10
3.1
0.010.0
A 3.1 puts its noise isolation in the bottom quarter of over-ear headphones we've measured.
Measured on 89 of the 238 we've cataloged.
See the lab data ↓Frequency response · Isolation
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Key specs
Connection Type
Wired 3.5mmMost commonWired-3.5mm48%Bluetooth44%Wired-usb-c7%Others2%
Wired-3.5mm is the most common — on 48% of the 239 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 238).
Weight
285 gAbove average285 g
120 g427 g
above average for over-ear headphones — based on 198 of 238 we've cataloged.
Connectivity
- Connection Type
- Wired 3.5mm
Design
- Weight
- 285 g
- Color Options
- Black
- Ear Pad Type
- Leatherette
- Detachable Cable
- Yes
- Foldable
- Yes
- Headband Type
- Adjustable over-head
Build
- Material Chassis Primary
- Plastic with metal accents, leatherette padding
- Material Ear Cups
- Synthetic leather
Sound
- Acoustic Design
- Closed-back
- Driver Count
- 1
- Driver Size
- 45 mm
- Driver Type
- Dynamic
- Frequency Response
- 15 Hz – 28,000 Hz Hz
- Frequency Response High Hz
- 28000 Hz
- Frequency Response Low Hz
- 15 Hz
- Frequency Response Signature
- Neutral
- Impedance
- 38 Ω
- Max Spl
- 110 dB SPL
- Noise Cancellation Type
- None
- Sensitivity
- 99 dB/mW
Identity
- Model Number
- ATH-M50x
Microphone
- Microphone
- No
Release
- Date
- 2011
- Msrp Usd
- 159 USD
- Year
- 2011
Lab data
How we test ›Objective measurements from the SoundGuys test lab — overlay other models to see how this one compares.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve
Measured frequency response (dB relative) against the SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve. When the measurement goes above the dashed line, that frequency is louder than our preference curve, and when it goes below: it's quieter. Use the curve for comparison purposes only, as your taste may vary.
| Frequency (Hz) | Response (dB) |
|---|---|
| 20 | -9.7 |
| 25 | -5.8 |
| 32 | -3.4 |
| 40 | -0.3 |
| 50 | 1.0 |
| 63 | -1.5 |
| 80 | -0.1 |
| 100 | -0.4 |
| 125 | -0.2 |
| 160 | -2.1 |
| 200 | -2.3 |
| 250 | -3.6 |
| 315 | -6.4 |
| 400 | -5.1 |
| 500 | -2.7 |
| 630 | -1.2 |
| 800 | -0.5 |
| 1000 | -0.0 |
| 1250 | 0.4 |
| 1600 | 0.9 |
| 2000 | 3.8 |
| 2500 | 6.0 |
| 3150 | 6.0 |
| 4000 | 8.2 |
| 5000 | 4.3 |
| 6300 | 0.1 |
| 8000 | 4.6 |
| 10000 | 5.0 |
| 12500 | 0.0 |
| 16000 | -0.8 |
| 20000 | -13.6 |
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Passive isolation (dB) with ANC off — how much ambient noise the fit blocks on its own. Higher on the chart means more attenuation.
| Frequency (Hz) | Attenuation (dB) |
|---|---|
| 21 | 0.6 |
| 26 | 0.1 |
| 33 | -0.4 |
| 41 | -0.7 |
| 52 | -0.7 |
| 65 | -0.4 |
| 82 | -1.4 |
| 103 | -1.4 |
| 130 | -1.4 |
| 163 | -1.7 |
| 205 | -2.5 |
| 259 | -1.7 |
| 325 | 0.2 |
| 410 | 0.8 |
| 516 | 6.0 |
| 613 | 8.7 |
| 772 | 8.7 |
| 972 | 11.0 |
| 1220 | 9.4 |
| 1540 | 13.3 |
| 1940 | 14.3 |
| 2440 | 21.8 |
| 3070 | 27.5 |
| 3870 | 32.1 |
| 4870 | 26.4 |
| 6130 | 22.7 |
| 7720 | 24.0 |
| 9720 | 22.2 |
| 12200 | 20.8 |
| 15400 | 28.5 |
| 19400 | 31.4 |
SoundGuys review
Isolation3.1
Comfort & fit6.9
Connectivity6.5
Design7.5
Portability7.2
Features6.5
The verdict
Once the best choice in the ATH-M line, the ATH-M50x is still a good choice for casual listening and recording audio. With its three cables and proprietary connectors, it's a mixed bag, especially compared to the Bluetooth version and the ATH-M40x. Find it at the right price and you won't regret it for the good sound, but these days it's an awkward sibling.
✓Liked: Rotating, swiveling ear cups, Well made, foldable design, Pretty good sound, Three removable cables included
✕Could be better: Cable connection is proprietary, Heat build up, Not enough low-end, Not comfortable with glasses
Owners
How we verify ownersNobody who owns the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x has written in yet.
Owner notes are not paid for, not solicited from specific owners, and not edited by us. The commission SoundGuys may earn on this page comes from retail links, never from notes.
Own the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x?
Three answers, four quick reads, one sentence nobody tells you before buying. Shown under a pseudonym.
Features & Opinions
More from the team ›Commentary and deep dives from the SoundGuys editorial team.
How to choose the right headphones for different music genresWhether you listen to EDM, rock, or classical, we have you covered.
Tom TriggsContributorThe vinyl revival: Why imperfection still mattersVinyl’s return feels like more than nostalgia. It’s a small act of resistance.
Ansel TanVideo ProducerThis absurd record player reminded me what music is all about.In a sea of sterile innovation, a flawed little record player brought me back to the joy of listening.Ansel TanVideo ProducerThe Audio-Technica Sound Burger is a deliciously impractical nostalgia tripVinyl-to-go that's more conversation than commute-ready.
Adam BirneyManaging EditorI've reviewed headphones for over a decade: Here are 5 things I wish they did differentlyHeadphone companies: help me help you
Christian ThomasEditor-at-large5 ways headphones are going to change in 2027Here's where things are headed.Christian ThomasEditor-at-largeWired vs wireless headphones: Which should you buy?Wired headphones do not automatically sound better.Tom TriggsContributor
Tom TriggsContributorThe vinyl revival: Why imperfection still mattersVinyl’s return feels like more than nostalgia. It’s a small act of resistance.Ansel TanVideo ProducerThis absurd record player reminded me what music is all about.In a sea of sterile innovation, a flawed little record player brought me back to the joy of listening.Ansel TanVideo ProducerThe Audio-Technica Sound Burger is a deliciously impractical nostalgia tripVinyl-to-go that's more conversation than commute-ready.Adam BirneyManaging EditorI've reviewed headphones for over a decade: Here are 5 things I wish they did differentlyHeadphone companies: help me help youChristian ThomasEditor-at-large5 ways headphones are going to change in 2027Here's where things are headed.Christian ThomasEditor-at-largeWired vs wireless headphones: Which should you buy?Wired headphones do not automatically sound better.Tom TriggsContributorMore Over-Ear Headphones
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