Over-Ear Headphones · owner-verdict comparison
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Sony WH-1000XM5: what real owners say
Real owners rate these about evenly: 55% of 663 Audio-Technica ATH-M50x owners recommend it, vs 60% of 359 for the Sony WH-1000XM5.
Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score
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
60%of 359 owners recommend
60% recommend · 15% neutral · 25% don't
Owners praise
- Class-leading noise cancellation
- Comfortable and lightweight for long wear
- Excellent, well-rounded sound quality
Owners complain about
- Hinges crack or break, often within a year
- Sound underwhelming or muddy for the price
- Headband presses painfully on top of head
What Audio-Technica ATH-M50x owners say
“I can absolutely recommend these, even today.”
“Just got these in too, love the detachable cable.”
“the M50x isn't even good for monitoring”— @DJScopeSOFM on
YouTube
What Sony WH-1000XM5 owners say
“I actually love the fact that they won't fold. Folding make them weaker and they rattle a lot.”— @LLANTALOBOTOMIK on
YouTube
“I think not being foldable will eventually be better for durability in the long term”
“Wow the sound quality sounds just like my phone speakers”