Over-Ear Headphones · owner-verdict comparison

Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: what real owners say

Real owners rate these about evenly: 53% of 196 Apple AirPods Max 2 owners recommend it, vs 55% of 663 for the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Apple AirPods Max 2

53%of 196 owners recommend
53% recommend · 19% neutral · 28% don't
Owners praise
  • Rich, clear sound, the reason owners who keep it give most often
  • Strong noise cancelling, one of the features owners praise most
  • Comfortable for many owners, some for whole flights or workdays, though about as many find it too heavy
Owners complain about
  • Faults reported by many owners, mainly battery drain while sitting in the case and dropped connections, with several needing resets or a replacement unit
  • Heavy for many owners, some of whom get sore heads or headaches within an hour or two
  • Most first-generation owners who upgraded hear only small gains, though a smaller group calls it a clear step up
Full owner report →

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

55%of 663 owners recommend
55% recommend · 16% neutral · 29% don't
Owners praise
  • Excellent sound quality for the price
  • Built like a tank, lasts for years
  • Comfortable for long listening sessions
Owners complain about
  • Bloated bass that muddies the mids
  • Too-tight clamping force, uncomfortable for long sessions
  • Earpads and headband flake and peel
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the Apple AirPods Max 2 if
  • ✓Apple users who value tight integration with their devices and can exchange a faulty unit
  • ✓Listeners who want strong noise cancelling paired with full, detailed sound
  • ✓Buyers who can try them on and return them if the fit is wrong
Skip it if
  • Anyone sensitive to heavy headphones, especially for long sessions
  • First-generation Max owners hoping for a big jump in sound
Get the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x if
  • ✓Producers and DJs wanting durable closed-back monitors
  • ✓Budget buyers wanting a build that lasts many years
  • ✓Listeners who enjoy a bass-forward, fun sound signature
  • ✓Anyone needing solid passive isolation for tracking
Skip it if
  • Mixers wanting a flat, reference-neutral response
  • Glasses-wearers or big heads doing long sessions with tight clamp

What Apple AirPods Max 2 owners say

“My AirPods Max 2 are pretty good and little bit better than AirPods Pro 3 in terms of ANC.”
— @AdityaBandaru13 on YouTube
“I bought a pair of these on a whim and couldn't be happier. I had resisted because a friend said they were uncomfortable. I actually find them comfortable and the noise cancelation is insane.”
— @jimtipton8888 on YouTube
“Just got my AirPods Max 2 yesterday and I’m already experiencing a massive battery drain.”
— @KevinHouseyutiol on YouTube

What Audio-Technica ATH-M50x owners say

“I can absolutely recommend these, even today.”
— @jonas4288 on YouTube
“Just got these in too, love the detachable cable.”
— @TLD on YouTube
“the M50x isn't even good for monitoring”
— @DJScopeSOFM on YouTube

Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: frequently asked questions

Is the Apple AirPods Max 2 or the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x better?

Real owners rate these about evenly: 53% of 196 Apple AirPods Max 2 owners recommend it, vs 55% of 663 for the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x.

Who should get the Apple AirPods Max 2?

Owners point the Apple AirPods Max 2 at apple users who value tight integration with their devices and can exchange a faulty unit, and listeners who want strong noise cancelling paired with full, detailed sound.

Who should get the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x?

Owners point the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x at producers and DJs wanting durable closed-back monitors, and budget buyers wanting a build that lasts many years.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Apple AirPods Max 2 is faults reported by many owners, mainly battery drain while sitting in the case and dropped connections, with several needing resets or a replacement unit. For the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, it's bloated bass that muddies the mids.