Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Review: 8.3/10 - Wired-class sound goes wireless
Overview
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 takes the legendary M50x studio sound and cuts the cord without cutting corners. With LDAC support, 50-hour battery life, and the same detailed, punchy tuning that made the originals icons, these are a no-brainer for anyone upgrading from wired.
Design & Build
The design is virtually unchanged from the wired M50x, which is a good thing - the robust plastic-and-metal build feels built to survive a tour bag. The ear pads are thick memory foam with pleather covering, offering good isolation but causing some warmth after two hours. The headband has minimal padding but distributes weight well. Swiveling ear cups make one-ear monitoring easy.
Performance
The sound signature is mildly V-shaped with slightly boosted bass and treble, delivering crisp detail retrieval and punchy lows without muddying the mids. LDAC over Bluetooth preserves nearly all the detail of wired playback, with a near-zero latency difference in our blind A/B test. The 45mm drivers handle complex metal mixes without congestion, and soundstage width is above average for closed-back designs.
Features
Battery life is exceptional at 50 hours, and a 10-minute quick charge gives 3 hours of playback. The built-in microphone array is clear enough for calls but not podcast-quality. Audio-Technica’s companion app offers a five-band EQ and low-latency mode for gaming. The included 3.5mm cable lets you go wired when the battery dies, and USB-C audio works directly for hi-res playback.
Pros
- Legendary M50x sound quality now wireless with LDAC
- Outstanding 50-hour battery life with quick charge
- Foldable, swiveling design for easy portability
- Detachable 3.5mm cable and USB-C audio support
- Robust build quality that can take abuse
Cons
- Clamping force is high, causing fatigue on long listening sessions
- Stock earpads get warm after extended wear
- No active noise cancellation
- App is basic and lacks advanced EQ presets
Verdict
The ATH-M50xBT2 is the wireless upgrade studio fans have been waiting for. It keeps the sound quality and durability of the original while adding modern conveniences, though the lack of ANC and tight clamping force limit all-day comfort.
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Technical Specifications
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