Over-Ear Headphones · owner-verdict comparison

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Sony WH-1000XM6: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: 55% of 663 owners recommend it, vs 35% of 571 for the Sony WH-1000XM6.

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-1000XM6

35%of 571 owners recommend
35% recommend · 25% neutral · 40% don't
Full owner report →

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-1000XM6 owners say

“I then connected them to my android phone and everything was much crisper and detailed because it used LDAC. I then also played around with the equalizer and now they sound much better.”
— Alanwake28 on Reddit
“Using XM3 daily since before covid, only headphone I own and do everything you say we shouldn't. Through pouring rain, snowstorms, at the gym, at my factory, stuffed into bags.”
— electro_lytes on Reddit
“The issue I have with the Sony XM6 headphones is that they tend to cause my ears to become warm and sweaty, especially during extended use. This discomfort can be quite distracting”
— No-Seaworthiness7880 on Reddit