Should You Buy the Audio-Technica M50xBT2? An Honest Review

Explore the Audio-Technica M50xBT2 headphones' sound quality, features, and design to see if they’re worth adding to your collection.

A Classic That Just Keeps Getting Better

You know the saying down South: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” That’s exactly how I feel about the Audio-Technica M series headphones. Why mess with a formula that’s already near-perfect? Enter the latest in this beloved lineup: the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2, or as I’ll call them for short, the M50x2.

If you haven’t crossed paths with Audio-Technica before, let me fill you in. This brand has been a pro’s trusted companion for decades. From podcasters and studio musicians to everyday music lovers, these headphones have earned their place on countless heads worldwide.

What Sets the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Apart?

First off, the name is a mouthful, but the experience is anything but complicated. The M50x2 packs some serious upgrades:

• Extended battery life: You'll get nearly 50 hours of wireless listening. I even squeezed out 60 hours, which was a pleasant surprise.
• Bluetooth connectivity: The freedom from wires without sacrificing sound quality.
• Improved internal components: Delivering a richer, cleaner listening experience than ever before.

I put these headphones to the test, and straight up—they sound fantastic. The audio is crisp and well-balanced, with no single frequency overpowering the others. The bass isn’t boomy, the mids aren’t muddy, and the highs don’t pierce your ears. Plus, using the Audio-Technica Connect app, you can tweak the equalizer settings to tailor your sound exactly how you like it.

“The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 headphones sound superb with a clean, well-balanced sound." – Personal listening experience

You can control the frequency and other settings directly through the app, making it a playground for audio geeks.

Listening to John Mayer’s Neon, his harmonies shine through clearly, and his signature guitar riffs resonate beautifully via the 45mm dynamic drivers inside the M50x2. These drivers really breathe life into the music.

Codecs and Connectivity: Tailored for Discerning Ears

If you’re a bit of an audiophile, you’ll appreciate that the M50x2 supports a handful of Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC, LDAC, and a low-latency mode perfect for syncing sound with video or gaming.

And for those moments when wireless won’t do—say your battery is running low—there’s a trusty 3.5mm headphone jack. Plug in, and you get even better sound quality plus uninterrupted listening.

No Active Noise Cancellation, But Still Immersive

Now, here’s a key point: these headphones don’t have active noise cancellation (ANC). Many wireless headphones use ANC, but it often takes a toll on battery life. Audio-Technica’s approach with the M50x2 is different.

Thanks to their snug fit and the 45mm drivers nestled inside vinyl ear pads, they block a decent amount of ambient noise naturally. You won’t hear everything around you, but don’t expect the same isolation as you’d get with ANC headphones.

Heads up, though—because they’re so tightly sealed, wearing these for hours straight can get a bit uncomfortable. I found myself needing to take breaks after long listening sessions.

Design That Stands Apart From The Crowd

Speaking of looks, I’m a sucker for the M50x2’s retro-inspired design. In a sea of futuristic, minimalist headphones, these stand out with bold logos on the headband and ear cups that shout quality and musical passion.

While many new headphones mimic the slick, uniform style of Sony’s WH series, the M50x2 proudly wears its heritage on its sleeve, or rather, on its ear cups.

One minor gripe? Given the price point, I expected a hard carry case. Instead, Audio-Technica includes a polyurethane leather pouch. It’s better than nothing, but a sturdier case would have been a nicer touch.

Is the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Worth Buying?

So, what do you get for around $250? You get sound quality that rivals other premium headphones like the Sennheiser Momentum 4. You won’t get the powerful noise cancellation that Bose QuietComfort 45 or Apple AirPods Max offer, but if canceling noise isn’t a dealbreaker, the M50x2 is a winner.

These headphones keep things simple—no complicated software or flashy extras—just the exceptional sound that’s made the M series beloved since 2007.

Color-wise, they're available in classic black for $250 or in stylish Deep Sea and Ice Blue shades for around $270. And if you’re patient, you can sometimes snag them for less on sites like Amazon.

Wrapping It All Up

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is a solid choice for anyone who values sound quality and a classic design over the latest bells and whistles. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or just someone who loves their music loud and clear, these headphones deliver a rich musical experience that’s tough to beat.

FAQ

• How long does the battery last on the M50xBT2?
  Officially about 50 hours, but in real use, some have experienced up to 60 hours.
• Do these headphones have active noise cancellation?
  No ANC is included, but the closed-back design and snug fit provide good passive noise isolation.
• Can I use these headphones wired?
  Yes, there’s a 3.5mm jack for wired listening, which also supports higher sound quality.
• Which Bluetooth codecs are supported?
  The M50x2 supports AAC, SBC, LDAC, and a low-latency mode ideal for gaming and video.
• Are these headphones comfortable for long sessions?
  They fit snugly, which helps with sound isolation but may cause discomfort after several hours. Taking breaks is recommended.

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