Main trade-off
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
There is no Bluetooth or active noise cancellation.
Head-to-head
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs ATH-M50xBT2: BT2 adds wireless calls, its cable loses the mic
The short answer
Choose ATH-M50x for recording and a longer supplied cable. Choose ATH-M50xBT2 if you also want Bluetooth, a microphone and laptop-to-phone switching. BT2 still plays through a cable with an empty battery, but its microphone does not work in that wired mode.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
Wireless adds 22 g
BT2 is about 8% heavier by the published headphone weights.
What this is based on
307 - 285 = 22 g. 22 / 285 × 100 = 7.7%.
Main trade-off
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
It has no active noise cancellation for flights.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Choose it for
- Your recording setup needs the supplied 3 m lead.
- You want a headphone with no battery to maintain.
- Main trade-off
- There is no Bluetooth or active noise cancellation.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
- Choose it for
- You need Bluetooth and phone calls.
- You want a passive cable backup after the battery runs out.
- Main trade-off
- It has no active noise cancellation for flights.
About this comparison
ATH-M50x or ATH-M50xBT2? Compare passive cable use, Bluetooth, microphones, charging and cable lengths before choosing a studio or everyday pair.
Choose ATH-M50x for recording and a longer supplied cable. Choose ATH-M50xBT2 if you also want Bluetooth, a microphone and laptop-to-phone switching. BT2 still plays through a cable with an empty battery, but its microphone does not work in that wired mode.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
Tracking into a recording interface
Both can use analog audio, but M50x supplies the longer studio leads.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Better fit
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
- Good
Music on a laptop and calls on a phone
BT2 adds multipoint and a wireless microphone.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Not suitable
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
- Better fit
Battery runs out away from home
Both can play through a compatible analog output.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Similar
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
- Similar
A USB-only laptop with no adapter
BT2 works over Bluetooth, not directly over USB audio.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Not suitable
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
- Depends
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
Wireless adds 22 g
BT2 is about 8% heavier by the published headphone weights.
How we reached this conclusion
307 - 285 = 22 g. 22 / 285 × 100 = 7.7%.
The long studio lead is 2.5 times as long
M50x supplies 3 m of straight cable reach, compared with the BT2 1.2 m lead.
How we reached this conclusion
3 / 1.2 = 2.5. Route the cable with slack rather than pulling it tight.
Cable mode preserves music, not calls
A flat BT2 battery does not end wired listening, but it does remove the wireless microphone and controls.
How we reached this conclusion
The official manual explicitly allows battery-free playthrough and disables buttons and microphone in wired mode.
Check your own setup
Which headphones work with the way you listen?
Start with the way you listen. USB charging is not the same as USB audio, and some headphones need power even with a cable. These choices are examples until you apply yours.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Does not meet these checksThis model does not play over Bluetooth.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
Meets these checksBluetooth listening.
Battery figures are manufacturer claims for the stated mode, not measured travel time. Volume, codec, calls and battery age change runtime. Closed earcups can still leak sound. Weight alone does not predict comfort. USB audio needs a compatible source and cable. This check does not assess sound quality, microphone quality or amplifier power.
Choice A
Audio-Technica, ATH-M50x
ATH-M50x
A foldable wired pair that comes with short, long and coiled cables. Move between a laptop and audio interface without buying a second lead.
- Best matched use
- One wired pair for a recording desk and a laptop bag
Checked facts
- The package includes 1.2 m straight, 3 m straight and 1.2 to 3 m coiled cables.
- The headphone weighs 285 g without cable and connector.
- It is a closed-back 38-ohm design with inward-folding earcups.
Choice B
Audio-Technica, ATH-M50xBT2
ATH-M50xBT2
Adds Bluetooth and phone calls to a closed-back folding design, with a passive cable backup when the battery runs out. USB-C is for charging.
- Best matched use
- Bluetooth at work and battery-free wired listening at home
Checked facts
- The manufacturer rates wireless playback at up to 50 hours.
- Multipoint keeps two Bluetooth devices connected.
- The manual confirms wired playback with no battery power.
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No | Yes, with multipoint | BT2 can stay paired to a laptop and phone. |
| Headphone weight | 285 g without cable | 307 g | Wireless capability adds 22 g to the published headphone weight. |
| Supplied straight leads | 1.2 m and 3 m | 1.2 m | The wired model covers a more distant interface without another cable. |
| Works without battery power | Yes | Yes, over the analog lead | BT2 is not unusable when its charge is gone. |
| Microphone | None | Bluetooth calls only | Wired playthrough does not carry the built-in mic signal. |
| USB-C digital audio | No | No, USB-C charges the battery | A charging connector is not a USB sound-card input. |
| ANC | No | No | BT2 is not an ANC travel upgrade. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- The supplied cables have no microphone.
If you choose Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
- The microphone and buttons do not work over the supplied analog cable.
Recommendation switch
The decision flips if...
Your recording setup needs the supplied 3 m lead.
Choose Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. M50x comes with both short and long straight leads plus a coiled lead. BT2 has a short analog lead, so a distant interface may require an extra compatible cable.
You need Bluetooth and phone calls.
Choose Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2. BT2 lets a laptop and phone stay connected and includes a microphone for calls. That can replace a separate everyday headset when wireless calls matter more than long cable reach.
What matters in practice
How to make the call
Buy the recording connection you need
M50x comes with both short and long straight leads plus a coiled lead. BT2 has a short analog lead, so a distant interface may require an extra compatible cable.
Bluetooth changes the daily workflow
BT2 lets a laptop and phone stay connected and includes a microphone for calls. That can replace a separate everyday headset when wireless calls matter more than long cable reach.
Do not assume USB or ANC arrived with Bluetooth
The manual calls USB-C a charging connection and confirms no digital USB playback. There is no ANC hardware, so the upgrade does not target aircraft noise.
What this comparison cannot tell you
- The 50-hour BT2 claim is a manufacturer maximum, not a guarantee under every codec and call workload.
- No claim is made that wired or wireless playback sounds identical.
What the facts say
What the comparison shows
Useful conclusions from the current headphones comparison, followed by the checked facts used to reach them.
Compared set
Only 17 of 60 models checked match every need here: “I want music when the battery is empty”, “My bag is already full”, and “I plug into a headphone jack”.
17 matching models from 60 checkedSee the checked facts and calculation notes
Match countThe count uses the current product-to-need assignments for “I want music when the battery is empty”, “My bag is already full”, and “I plug into a headphone jack”. A need with no documented match does not count.
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio-Technica ATH-M50x |
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| Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 |
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Ready to choose?
Check the price. Read the owner reviews.
Open either model on Amazon to check the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Your recording setup needs the supplied 3 m lead.
See price & reviews on AmazonAudio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
You need Bluetooth and phone calls.
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.