Audio-Technica ATH-M50XBT2 Audio Technica Wireless Over-Ear Review

The ATH-M50xBT2 delivers the legendary M50x sound wirelessly with a killer 50-hour battery. It scores an 84/100 for sound, but lacks ANC and has average comfort. Worth it for audio purists, but commuters should look elsewhere.

The ATH-M50xBT2 is the wireless version of the legendary studio headphone. It ditches the cord but keeps the same 45mm drivers and sound profile that made the original a hit. This is for people who want that classic, detailed audio in a package that can connect to their phone and laptop at the same time. It's not trying to be a feature-packed travel headphone. It's trying to be a reliable, great-sounding wireless workhorse for your desk or commute.

The sound is the star here, landing in the 84th percentile. It's clear, detailed, and has a solid bass punch that doesn't muddy the mids. The 50-hour battery is a genuine champ, sitting in the 85th percentile, so you'll rarely need to charge it. The weak spots are clear: there's no active noise cancellation (ANC), and the microphone is just okay, scoring in the 58th percentile. For calls, it's functional but not fantastic.

At around $215, you're paying for the sound and the battery life. You're not getting ANC, top-tier comfort, or a great mic. If your priority is pure audio fidelity in a wireless form, it's a solid value. But if you need any of those other features, your money goes further elsewhere.

Stack it up against the big names, and the trade-offs are clear. The Sony WH-1000XM6 destroys it on ANC and comfort but costs more. The Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus offers decent ANC and sound for less money, though its mic isn't much better. The JBL Tune 770NC is a budget ANC option, but its sound isn't in the same league. The M50xBT2 is the pick if you're an audio purist who hates charging and doesn't care about blocking out the world.

Skip these if you take public transit or work in a noisy office. The lack of ANC is a deal-breaker there. Also, if you're on video calls all day, the mediocre microphone and clampy comfort make it a poor choice. Look at the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus instead.

Buy these if you're a music lover, producer, or podcaster who needs accurate, engaging wireless sound and marathon battery life. They're a fantastic wireless upgrade from the wired M50x, and the multipoint pairing is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade for desk workers. Just know you're sacrificing comfort and noise isolation for that legendary audio profile.