Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Headphones (wired)

ATH-M50x

Audio-Technica

Released Dec 2012

Wired monitor headphones comfortable for extended use, with detachable cables, good sound isolation, and high-fidelity sound. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x scores 82/100 based on 41 professional critic reviews in the headphones (wired) category. Coverage includes reviews from Performermag, Musictech, Wired, and Prosoundpicks.

Critic Score

8241 reviews

Where to buy

Pros

  • Comfortable for extended use(25)
  • Detachable cables(21)
  • Good sound isolation(16)
  • Good value for the price(14)
  • Fantastic sound quality(11)

Cons

  • Plastic-heavy build(6)

41 Critic Reviews

95
PerformermagMay 2014

The ATH-M50x may be the finest pair of mixing headphones we've ever auditioned in this price range.

93
MusictechMay 2014

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones deliver excellent sound quality, comfort, and practical features that make them ideal for studio monitoring and mixing.

90
WiredJul 2015

The new ATH-M50x has the same sound as the previous version, but with a few added features.

90
ProsoundpicksAug 2025

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a trusted, versatile headphone that bridges the gap between professional monitoring and casual listening.

90
99percentlifestyleMar 2016

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X are my current favorite headphones and in this review you will find out why.

87
CnetMay 2014

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones are among the best-sounding you'll find for less than $200, offering excellent build quality and very detailed, balanced sound.

87
Videomaker

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x meets all of our demands with unquestionably accurate audio, outstanding comfort, and versatility for both field and studio monitoring.

87
TheheadphonelistDec 2012

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50 is a well-built, comfortable, and versatile headphone that offers excellent value for its price point.

87
9to5macMay 2016

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x closed-back studio monitor headphones live up to the hype with excellent sound quality, comfort, and value at under $150.

87
TrustedreviewsSep 2014

Great sound and good comfort make the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x a smash.

85
AudiophileonAug 2024

The ATH-M50x is a powerful sounding headphone with good low-end grunt that retains tightness and control, making it excellent for monitoring purposes.

85
HomestudiobasicsApr 2025

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is an exceptional pair of headphones that remains relevant even now, with clarity and overall resolution that have no business being this good at this price point.

85
TapeopMay 2016

The ATH-M50x maintains the trusted sound quality of its predecessor with improved cable options and remains a reliable choice for professional monitoring.

85
SoundonsoundMay 2014

Audio-Technica's range gives you a lot of headphone for not very much money.

85
MajorhifiSep 2021

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is an incredible headphone that earns its reputation each time I use it, despite growing competition throughout the years.

85
SoundgaleNov 2024

The Audio-Technica ATH-M series offers professional monitor headphones with varying sound characteristics across models, with the M50x being the top choice for both studio monitoring and music listeni...

85
GavinsgadgetsMar 2016

For the money these are exceptionally sounding headphones.

85
JhongelectronicsApr 2014

The ATH-M50x is the worthy successor to the original Audio-Technica ATH-M50 headphones with the key upgrade being detachable locking cables.

85
DjboothJul 2014

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional headphones are a serious professional monitoring solution both production studios and for the DJ in the mix.

85
AustinbazaarJan 2015

For audiophiles, DJs and producers it can be hard to find a good pair of professional monitor headphones that are easy on the eyes and your wallet.

85
Djcorner

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x remains a solid choice for anyone seeking high-quality sound without breaking the bank, offering durability, versatile sound profile, and affordable price.

85
StereophileApr 2014

The Audio Technica ATH-M50x is the latest revision of a legendary headphone, and with this iteration I feel their position in the pantheon of all-time great headphones is permanently secure.

85
Gear4musicMay 2024

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are an extremely impressive pair of headphones not just for the price, but at any price, and the sizeable praise they receive from audiophiles, producers, musicians, and ca...

85
MusicradarApr 2014

The M50x may be more expensive than the outgoing M50 (which is now under £100) but it's worth it.

85
DirtydiscoradioSep 2014

Topnotch headphones for studio use, DJ'ing or purely listening pleasure.

85
DcsoundopJan 2018

The Audio Technica ATH-M50x has been the consistent favorite among audio professionals, receiving 31.5% of votes in a headphone survey.

85
ProducelikeaproJul 2024

The Audio Technica ATH-M50X headphones offer superior clarity, comfort, and durability at a reasonable price point, making them an excellent choice for both professionals and enthusiasts.

85
LaptopmagApr 2022

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is a sonic gem that awards brand enthusiasts with strong connectivity and playtime in a retro package.

85
WearesoundspaceJul 2016

The ATH-M50X has received praise from the best audio engineers in the game, resulting in it becoming the Japanese company’s most critically acclaimed model.

85
Proaudio

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x impresses professionals with exceptional performance and delivers reliable quality for studio and personal listening.

83
TechradarMay 2018

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X are lively, have an extra hit of bass and make for a particularly involving listen if you prefer electronic music to introspective singer-songwriters.

82
ExpertreviewsDec 2020

Fun to listen to, comfortable and robust, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is an audio design classic

82
Consumerreports

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x delivers very good overall sound with a warmish to neutral character, though it has some minor audio imperfections and comfort issues.

82
TechgearlabJan 2022

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x offers great sound quality at a fairly reasonable price for over ear headphones.

80
PcmagNov 2022

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones give equal attention to the lows, mids, and highs, which makes them ideal for studio use.

80
AppleinsiderFeb 2023

The Audio Technica ATH-M50x is a now-classic, well-performing set of over-the-ear, studio-wired headphones that come in under $200.

78
WhathifiDec 2014

A great effort from Audio Technica: these are a good pair of portable over-ears

75
Sam-malleryDec 2015

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are very good headphones that don't quite suit the reviewer's current needs.

70
SlashgearMar 2023

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 headphones offer flat sound ideal for studio mixing, comfortable wear, and reasonable pricing, but have some usability issues and may not suit all listeners.

65
Podcastage

After 2 weeks of using these headphones, I honestly just don't understand the hype.

0
Rtings

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Review - RTINGS.com