Main trade-off
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
There is no Bluetooth or active noise cancellation.
Head-to-head
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs ATH-M70x: M50x folds inward, both include the same cables
The short answer
Choose ATH-M50x if inward folding matters for a small bag. Choose ATH-M70x when its supplied carrying case and replaceable pad design suit your studio routine. Both supply the same three useful cable lengths, so longer reach is not a reason to upgrade.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
The weight change is less than 2%
M70x is just 5 g lighter on paper. Fit matters more than treating this as a weight upgrade.
What this is based on
(285 - 280) / 285 × 100 = 1.75%.
Main trade-off
Audio-Technica ATH-M70x
The fold-flat design does not pack like the inward-folding M50x.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Choose it for
- Your bag needs inward-folding earcups.
- You want the same cable options without moving up the range.
- Main trade-off
- There is no Bluetooth or active noise cancellation.
Audio-Technica ATH-M70x
- Choose it for
- You want the supplied carrying case.
- You value the documented detachable pads and headband.
- Main trade-off
- The fold-flat design does not pack like the inward-folding M50x.
About this comparison
Compare ATH-M50x and ATH-M70x by folding design, supplied case, detachable cables and weight. Separate practical upgrades from frequency-range claims.
Choose ATH-M50x if inward folding matters for a small bag. Choose ATH-M70x when its supplied carrying case and replaceable pad design suit your studio routine. Both supply the same three useful cable lengths, so longer reach is not a reason to upgrade.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
Very small day bag
M50x folds inward, while M70x uses a flatter packed layout.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Better fit
- Audio-Technica ATH-M70x
- Good
You want a case in the box
M70x includes a carrying case rather than the M50x pouch.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Good
- Audio-Technica ATH-M70x
- Better fit
Interface across the desk
Both include a 3 m straight lead.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Similar
- Audio-Technica ATH-M70x
- Similar
Buying for a lighter feel alone
The published 5 g difference is too small to settle comfort by itself.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Similar
- Audio-Technica ATH-M70x
- Similar
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
The weight change is less than 2%
M70x is just 5 g lighter on paper. Fit matters more than treating this as a weight upgrade.
How we reached this conclusion
(285 - 280) / 285 × 100 = 1.75%.
The cable kit does not get longer
Both include 1.2 m straight, 3 m straight and extendable coiled leads.
How we reached this conclusion
The two official package lists contain the same three cable formats.
Packing shape changes without changing cable reach
Choosing M70x exchanges inward folding for a fold-flat design and a supplied case.
How we reached this conclusion
M50x is collapsible. M70x feature text specifies fold-flat storage and a case.
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-M70x
Does not meet these checksThis model does not play over Bluetooth.
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-M70x
ATH-M70x
A wired studio model with three detachable leads and a carrying case. Its cups turn flat, so check the packed shape before choosing it for a small bag.
- Best matched use
- Studio work with a supplied case and several cable lengths
Checked facts
- The headphone weighs 280 g without cable and connector.
- It includes 1.2 m straight, 3 m straight and 1.2 to 3 m coiled cables.
- The closed-back driver is rated at 35 ohms.
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | Audio-Technica ATH-M70x | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight without cable | 285 g | 280 g | Only 5 g separates the published weights. |
| Packing shape | Folds inward | Cups turn flat | M70x needs a different shape of bag space. |
| Carrying accessory | Pouch | Case | The accessory change may matter more than the weight difference. |
| Shortest straight cable | 1.2 m | 1.2 m | Both work beside a laptop without a long loose lead. |
| Longest straight cable | 3 m | 3 m | Both cover the same wired studio reach. |
| Cable replacement | Detachable | Detachable | The more expensive model does not uniquely solve cable wear. |
| Impedance | 38 ohms | 35 ohms | Nominal impedance does not establish a better listening experience. |
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-M70x
- A wider published frequency range does not prove better sound.
Recommendation switch
The decision flips if...
Your bag needs inward-folding earcups.
Choose Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. A flat case and an inward-folding headphone occupy different parts of a bag. If your current bag barely fits M50x, the M70x model number does not tell you whether the replacement will fit.
You want the supplied carrying case.
Choose Audio-Technica ATH-M70x. The M70x package includes a case, and its official description identifies detachable earpads and headband. Those are useful handling details for a studio pair that moves between sessions.
What matters in practice
How to make the call
Measure the place it will travel
A flat case and an inward-folding headphone occupy different parts of a bag. If your current bag barely fits M50x, the M70x model number does not tell you whether the replacement will fit.
The case is a concrete package difference
The M70x package includes a case, and its official description identifies detachable earpads and headband. Those are useful handling details for a studio pair that moves between sessions.
Do not turn response endpoints into a sound verdict
Both are closed wired studio models. Their advertised response ranges are not comparable measurements of tonal balance or detail retrieval. Auditioning remains the useful tie-breaker.
What this comparison cannot tell you
- The comparison does not claim one model has more accurate sound.
- Published weight excludes cable and does not capture clamping force.
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
21 of 60 models checked match every need here: “I want music when the battery is empty”, “I plug into a headphone jack”, and “I do not want another thing to charge”.
21 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”, “I plug into a headphone jack”, and “I do not want another thing to charge”. 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-M70x |
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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 bag needs inward-folding earcups.
See price & reviews on AmazonAudio-Technica ATH-M70x
You want the supplied carrying case.
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.