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

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 →

Sony WH-1000XM5

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
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 Sony WH-1000XM5 if
  • ✓Frequent flyers and commuters wanting top-tier noise cancellation
  • ✓Office workers on frequent calls and video meetings
  • ✓Long-session listeners who value all-day comfort
  • ✓Listeners who fine-tune sound with the app's EQ
Skip it if
  • Audiophiles chasing reference-grade sound quality
  • Gym and sweaty workouts (not water resistant)

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 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”
— @RaedVS on YouTube
“Wow the sound quality sounds just like my phone speakers”
— @Gpinky765 on YouTube

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Sony WH-1000XM5: frequently asked questions

Is the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x or the Sony WH-1000XM5 better?

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.

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 Sony WH-1000XM5?

Owners point the Sony WH-1000XM5 at frequent flyers and commuters wanting top-tier noise cancellation, and office workers on frequent calls and video meetings.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is bloated bass that muddies the mids. For the Sony WH-1000XM5, it's hinges crack or break, often within a year.