Over-Ear Headphones · owner-verdict comparison

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Sonos Ace Ultra: what real owners say

Real owners rate these about evenly: 55% of 663 Audio-Technica ATH-M50x owners recommend it, vs 56% of 18 for the Sonos Ace Ultra.

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 →

Sonos Ace Ultra

56%of 18 owners recommend
56% recommend · 22% neutral · 22% don't
Owners praise
  • Clear sound upgrade over the original Ace, especially in the bass
  • Pulling TV audio from a Sonos soundbar to the headphones works well for some owners
  • Comfortable fit
Owners complain about
  • The TV audio link to a Sonos soundbar drops out, picks up static, or fails to connect for a few owners, and one returned a pair over it
  • A few owners still rate rivals higher, such as the AirPods Max 2 overall or Bowers & Wilkins headphones for music
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 Sonos Ace Ultra if
  • ✓Sonos soundbar owners who want to watch TV on headphones
  • ✓Original Ace owners who want more bass
Skip it if
  • Buyers counting on the soundbar link to work without dropouts from day one

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 Sonos Ace Ultra owners say

“I think these sound leagues above the original Ace tho thanks to that custom dual-ring magnet motor. The bass is deep and tactile while the sound stage is far more wide and open in comparison to its predecessor.”
— @ventus77777-h on YouTube
“I have the Ace Ultra and i love them....especially with my Sonos Theatre system...i had the first ones and i like these ones more....no complaints whatsoever”
— @SpankyGolfaddict65 on YouTube
“do NOT buy these for TV audio swap. the feature sucks. source: i own these headphones.”
— @Beanz0911 on YouTube

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Sonos Ace Ultra: frequently asked questions

Is the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x or the Sonos Ace Ultra better?

Real owners rate these about evenly: 55% of 663 Audio-Technica ATH-M50x owners recommend it, vs 56% of 18 for the Sonos Ace Ultra.

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 Sonos Ace Ultra?

Owners point the Sonos Ace Ultra at sonos soundbar owners who want to watch TV on headphones, and original Ace owners who want more bass.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is bloated bass that muddies the mids. For the Sonos Ace Ultra, it's the TV audio link to a Sonos soundbar drops out, picks up static, or fails to connect for a few owners, and one returned a pair over it.