Main trade-off
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
There is no Bluetooth or active noise cancellation.
Head-to-head
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Shure SRH840A: M50x supplies a cable for both laptop and desk
The short answer
Choose ATH-M50x when one headphone moves between a laptop and a recording interface, because it includes three cable formats. Choose SRH840A when a single 3 m straight lead suits your desk and you prefer its fit. Both are closed wired headphones without a call microphone.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
M50x supplies three cable choices instead of one
The difference is flexibility, not greater maximum straight reach.
What this is based on
M50x includes short straight, long straight and coiled leads. SRH840A lists one 3 m straight lead.
Main trade-off
Shure SRH840A
Its wiring options are close to the less expensive SRH440A.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Choose it for
- You need a short 1.2 m straight lead in the box.
- You want a coiled lead as an alternative.
- Main trade-off
- There is no Bluetooth or active noise cancellation.
Shure SRH840A
- Choose it for
- One 3 m straight lead is enough.
- You prefer the Shure fit after trying both.
- Main trade-off
- Its wiring options are close to the less expensive SRH440A.
About this comparison
Compare ATH-M50x and SRH840A by short and long cable options, weight and carrying accessories. Choose the closed wired pair that fits your setup.
Choose ATH-M50x when one headphone moves between a laptop and a recording interface, because it includes three cable formats. Choose SRH840A when a single 3 m straight lead suits your desk and you prefer its fit. Both are closed wired headphones without a call microphone.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
Laptop and interface share one headphone
M50x includes a useful short lead as well as the long one.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Better fit
- Shure SRH840A
- Good
You prefer a coiled cable
M50x includes it, while Shure supplies a straight lead.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Better fit
- Shure SRH840A
- Good
Interface sits about 2 m away
Both include a 3 m straight cable.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Similar
- Shure SRH840A
- Similar
All-day calls without a separate mic
Neither supplied cable includes a microphone.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Not suitable
- Shure SRH840A
- Not suitable
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
M50x supplies three cable choices instead of one
The difference is flexibility, not greater maximum straight reach.
How we reached this conclusion
M50x includes short straight, long straight and coiled leads. SRH840A lists one 3 m straight lead.
The short lead removes 60% of loose length
At a nearby source, 1.2 m leaves 1.8 m less cable to manage than 3 m.
How we reached this conclusion
ATH-M50x includes a 1.2 m straight lead. SRH840A includes a 3 m lead. (3 - 1.2) / 3 × 100 = 60% less cable length with the shorter M50x option.
The published weight gap is about 4%
Shure is listed 12 g lighter, which is not enough to assume it will feel more comfortable.
How we reached this conclusion
(285 - 273) / 285 × 100 = 4.2%, using manufacturer weight figures.
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.
Shure SRH840A
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
Shure, SRH840A
SRH840A
A closed studio pair with a locking straight lead and carrying bag. Its included connections cover a laptop jack and a conventional headphone interface.
- Best matched use
- Closed-back studio monitoring with a supplied carrying bag
Checked facts
- The manual specifies a 40-ohm impedance and 273 g weight.
- The package includes a detachable 3 m straight cable.
- A carrying bag and 6.3 mm adapter are included.
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | Shure SRH840A | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listed headphone weight | 285 g | 273 g | The listed gap is 12 g, not a dramatic weight change. |
| Audio cables supplied | Three | One straight lead | M50x covers more cable arrangements without extras. |
| Shortest supplied straight lead | 1.2 m | 3 m | M50x creates less spare cable beside a laptop. |
| Long straight reach | 3 m | 3 m | Both reach a distant interface. |
| Cable replacement | Detachable | Detachable locking lead | Both can replace a worn cable. |
| Carrying accessory | Pouch | Bag | Both have a basic carrying accessory, not a promise of crush protection. |
| ANC and microphone | Neither | Neither | Neither replaces a wireless work headset. |
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 Shure SRH840A
- The cable has no microphone for phone calls.
Recommendation switch
The decision flips if...
You need a short 1.2 m straight lead in the box.
Choose Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. A laptop beside you does not need a 3 m lead. M50x lets you swap to 1.2 m immediately, while the Shure setup may benefit from buying a compatible shorter cable.
One 3 m straight lead is enough.
Choose Shure SRH840A. Once both use a 3 m straight lead, the remaining choice is fit, listening preference and the current offer. Neither adds a microphone or wireless control.
What matters in practice
How to make the call
Portable source use favors the cable kit
A laptop beside you does not need a 3 m lead. M50x lets you swap to 1.2 m immediately, while the Shure setup may benefit from buying a compatible shorter cable.
A fixed desk narrows the difference
Once both use a 3 m straight lead, the remaining choice is fit, listening preference and the current offer. Neither adds a microphone or wireless control.
Do not mistake a pouch for a hard case
Both standard packages provide carrying fabric rather than a promise of crush protection. Pack either away from heavy objects and sharp plugs.
What this comparison cannot tell you
- Comfort cannot be calculated from a 12 g difference.
- This comparison makes no measured sound-quality claim.
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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| Shure SRH840A |
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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
You need a short 1.2 m straight lead in the box.
See price & reviews on AmazonShure SRH840A
One 3 m straight lead is enough.
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.