Over-Ear Headphones · owner-verdict comparison

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: 55% of 663 owners recommend it, vs 35% of 474 for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen).

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

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 →

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

35%of 474 owners recommend

35% recommend · 23% neutral · 42% don't

Owners praise

Exceptional comfort for long sessions, owners repeatedly say they "disappear" on your head and can be worn for hours or all day, often rated more comfortable than the Sony XM6, Bose QC45, and even AirPods Max
Best-in-class active noise cancelling, especially for steady low-frequency noise like airplane engines, HVAC, and trains
Rich, detailed sound with punchy bass that many say sounds great right out of the box without needing EQ

Owners complain about

A persistent white-noise/hissing sound from the ANC circuit that owners describe as annoying during quiet moments, calls, and pauses in audio
A firmware update stripped out features many relied on, including cycling between paired Bluetooth devices via the headphone button, multipoint switching, and battery-percentage announcements on power-up
Creaking, popping, or clicking noises from the hinges and headband, plus a jarring "thump" when the adaptive ANC reacts to sudden noises like a door slamming

Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

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

Get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) if

✓Frequent travelers who want top-tier ANC and all-day comfort on long flights
✓Glasses wearers and long-session listeners who prioritize a soft, low-clamp fit
✓Upgraders from Bose QC35/QC45 who value premium build over Sony's plastic feel
✓Listeners who want strong out-of-the-box sound without needing an EQ

Skip it if

People who make lots of calls, since mic and call quality draw frequent complaints
Anyone needing to fully disable ANC, since wind noise and hiss bother some owners

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

What Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) owners say

“My ultra used daily for over a year is still working great. Had some firmware issue at the start but currently it is Ok. Good anc, great sound and sturdy.”
— GrumpyBitFlipper on Reddit

“I come from the xm5 earbuds and just bought the QC Ultra 2nd gen’s because even though I loved the Sony’s, I don’t like wearing them knowing there’s too much toxic chemicals in them.”
— therealpurpledolpin on Reddit

“but not the Ultras (not worth the price increase imo)”
— xolavenderwitch on Reddit

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): frequently asked questions

Is the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) better?

Real owners lean toward the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: 55% of 663 owners recommend it, vs 35% of 474 for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen).

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.

Who should get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)?

Owners point the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) at frequent travelers who want top-tier ANC and all-day comfort on long flights, and glasses wearers and long-session listeners who prioritize a soft, low-clamp fit.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is bloated bass that muddies the mids. For the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), it's a persistent white-noise/hissing sound from the ANC circuit that owners describe as annoying during quiet moments, calls, and pauses in audio.