Name: Audio-Technica ATH-R50X
Brand: Audio-Technica
SKU: B0DSMG4K6K
Price: 169.00 USD

WH-1000XM5

Momentum 5

Triple Driver

WH-1000XM6

BackBeat GO 810

ULT WEAR

QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen)

QuietComfort Ultra (1st gen)

About

Contact

How We Test

Careers

Terms of Use

External Links Disclosure

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

Reviews

Opinions

News

Versus

Best Products

Deals

Ethics Policy

More

Facebook

Instagram

Youtube

Twitter

Reddit

Audio-Technica

- Being slightly more v-shaped than HD600 means it is just a touch less relaxing to listen to
- Added treble however is not going to be for everyone, for HD600 owners used to that delicate balance the treble changes may not please them
- Small earcups both in diameter and depth, ears can end up touching the driver
- No/limited cup swivel

- Ear cups are ever so slightly too small, not a deal breaker but wish they were a few mm larger

ATH-M50x

AirPods Max (2nd gen)

Christian Thomas

Headphone companies: help me help you

I've reviewed headphones for over a decade: Here are 5 things I wish they did differently

Here's where things are headed.

5 ways headphones are going to change in 2027

Tom Triggs

Wired headphones do not automatically sound better.

Wired vs wireless headphones: Which should you buy?

- Engaging, lively sound with substantially more bass in an open-back compared to both the R70x and HD600
- Sound signature is predominantly accurate, true to life, with a mild focus on adding a touch of bass and a sprinkling of treble to add detail
- New build is minimal yet sturdy and lighter, making it more comfortable for long use
- Single termination cable makes cable managing easier
- Easy to drive, less cash needed for dac/amps, even a simple dongle will do
- Price is very accessible at $140 USD but effortlessly belongs in the HD600/R70x/HD560s camp

- Sleek, simple, industrial design with mostly metal parts
- Nicest ear pad material with soft velour pads and nice headband padding avoiding central hot-spots, very comfortable over long sessions
- Extremely light at 207 grams, great for long listening sessions
- Natural sound signature, well balanced across the entire range straight out of the box
- Intimate and yet spacious soundstage at the same time
- Clean, tight bass with a slight V-shape that does not detract from mids and highs
- Excellent price to performance ratio
- Short and long cable options with 3.5mm and threaded 6.35mm adapter, plus nice soft carry pouch
- Simple, single entry, removable and lockable cable

The Audio-Technica R50x delivers a natural, well-balanced sound signature with excellent separation and an intimate yet spacious soundstage that reveals intricate details in music. Built with premium materials including soft velour pads and an all-metal frame, these extremely lightweight headphones remain comfortable for extended listening sessions. Despite slightly undersized ear cups, the R50x offers exceptional value as a versatile studio monitor that excels at both professional use and everyday listening.

The R50x is a criminally underrated headphone that trades blows with the HD600 depending on presentation preference. For the price at $140 USD it performs on the same technical level as headphones double the cost, making it an exceptional value that can effectively be used for professional work.

The Audio-Technica R50x is an excellent all-rounder headphone that sits at the top of the listening experience hierarchy. With amazing clarity and separation, robust build quality, and outstanding price to performance ratio, these headphones deliver professional-grade sound in a lightweight, comfortable package that works for general music listening of all styles as well as studio monitoring.

ATH-R50X

Wait — at $169, this is within $30 of the all-time low.

Audio-Technica ATH-R50X Open-Back Headphones

Head-Fi

Over-Ear Headphones

Audio-Technica ATH-R50X

Key specs

Connectivity

Design

Build

Sound

Microphone

Features & Opinions

More Over-Ear Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM5

Sennheiser Momentum 5

1MORE Triple Driver

Sony WH-1000XM6

Plantronics BackBeat GO 810

Sony ULT WEAR

Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen)

Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st gen)