Between the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT and Sony WH-1000XM3; which headphones are the best?
Here it is ladies and gentlemen. Two highly popular headphones side-by-side facing off. While each pair has its standard ups and downs, they also have their own unique benefits. Depending on what you’re looking for in a pair of headphones will determine which of these might be the best choice for you. After extensive research, personal experience, and reviews; We formulated an in-depth comparison between each one. May the battle commence!
But first…
What Makes A Pair Of Headphones Good?
- Sound Quality: How good the overall audio quality of music, phone calls, or video.
- Comfort: The ability to remain comfortable for extended periods of time without itchiness, annoyance, or ear pain.
- Build Quality: The overall durability and longevity. Able to withstand harsh conditions for extended periods of time.
- Noise Isolation/ Active Noise Cancelling: If any at all, how well the active noise cancelling or noise isolating abilities are.
- Battery Life: How long the battery life of the pair of headphones is at a full charge.
- Added Features: A few examples of added features headphones offer can be Bluetooth capabilities, built-in AI assistant, headphone controls, built-in microphone for phone calls, flexibility, rotatable ear cups, etc.
We compared and contrasted each of these factors for the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT & Sony WH-1000XM3
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
- Sony WH-1000XM3
Sound Quality
Especially for music listeners, the overall quality of sound is a massive factor in finding your perfect pair of headphones. There are various factors that impact a pair of headphones’ sound quality.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
Audio-Technica’s 45mm drivers produce exceptional sound quality while wired. Unfortunately, in wireless Bluetooth mode, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT does not sound as good. However, in wireless mode, the quality of sound is still good. Many claim they are unable to tell the difference while audiophiles and musicians say there is a difference in sound. Overall, I give them a 9.4 for
sound quality while wired.
Sony WH-1000XM3
These headphones produce near-flawless audio. It has a great balance between all of the frequencies. The instruments are separated extremely well without losing any vital EQ from compression. Overall, you will be more than satisfied with the sound quality. I give the sound a solid 9.8 out of 10.
Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM3 produces better sound quality than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT. However, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT is better for mixers and DJs.
Comfort
The ability for headphones to remain comfortable for extended periods of time without itchiness, annoyance, pressure, or ear pain. Considering many people use headphones for commute, air travel, or work; Comfort is a vital factor.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
These headphones are
relatively comfortable. However, in my experience, they become a bit uncomfortable after a few hours. Many others claim otherwise. It just depends on personal preference and your head/ear type.
Sony WH-1000XM3
With its ergonomic redesign headband, the Sony WH-1000XM3 is exceptionally comfortable and fits lightly on your head like a cloud. You can keep them on for extended periods without discomfort. I give the comfortability a 9.7 out of 10. The reason why it’s not 10
is due to the minimal lack of breathable open space within the ear cups.
Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM3 is more comfortable.
Build Quality
What good are your amazingly sounding headphones if they break in a few months? The overall durability and longevity are crucial for any investment you make. Especially for those who need headphones for commute, it’s important they’re able to withstand vigorous traveling conditions consistently.
Audio-Technica
ATH-M50xBT
The design and build quality of these headphones is superb. They are robust and tough while remaining lightweight. The materials used are much more robust than the vast majority of headphones in this price range. Overall, you will be more than satisfied with the build.
Sony WH-1000XM3
The guitar player in one of my bands uses these headphones. He’s had them for about a year and has never experienced a peep of durability issues. They are sturdy,
robust, and easily capable of withstanding traveling conditions. Something I found very beneficial was its flexibility. Many people overlook the tremendous benefits of having flexible but sturdy headphones. You can easily take a nap and bend them in multiple positions without any tears. Overall, you will be highly satisfied with the build.
Overall, both of these headphones are equally top-notch with their build quality.
Noise Isolation/ Active Noise Cancelling
Don’t be confused between active noise cancelling and noise isolation headphones. They are both entirely different. Noise-cancelling technology is very unique. Unlike noise-isolating headphones, noise-cancelling headphones do not eradicate outside noise by physical insulation. Within the ear cups, they have a mini microphone that picks up the outside environmental noise. It then triggers a frequency entirely opposite to the outside ambient noise. Thus, canceling out most outside ambient sound.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
These headphones do not provide active noise-cancelling. However, they have decent passive noise-isolation. They are not the best, but they are not too bad, either. Overall, I give them a 5.5 out of 10 for noise isolation.
Sony WH-1000XM3
One of the industry-leading active noise cancelling abilities, the Sony WH-1000XM3 is absolutely fantastic at eradicating outside noise environments. It uses a state-of-the-art
proprietary ANC processor. No matter where you are or what frequencies emitted in the environment you’re in, these headphones erase almost every type of sound. These headphones completely cancel out jet engines, the softer human voices, air conditioning, cars, etc. With ANC turned on, these headphones dramatically increase your music listening experience, as well. You can also customize its active noise-cancelling depending upon your personal characteristics. Overall, I give these headphones a
9.8 out of 10 for active noise cancelling.
Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM3 is the only pair of the two with active noise cancelling capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery life is an overlooked subject when speaking about over-ear headphones. Obviously, the only headphones that have a battery life are those which are wireless. Many headphones on the market do not have wireless capabilities. But for those who do, a more extended battery-life becomes a convenient factor.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
These headphones provide a staggering 40-hour battery life.
Sony WH-1000XM3
They give you 30-hours of battery life of continuous use. The battery’s overall life does not diminish over time. Something very unique is its rapid recharge time. Only 10 minutes of charging gives these headphones 5 hours of battery life.
Overall, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT has a more extended battery life.
Added Features
Here we summarize each pair of headphones and talk about some of the added features.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
These headphones give you the option to go wireless via Bluetooth 5.0. However, you still have the option to use them wired. To charge it for going wireless, you get a USB charging cable with the purchase. Added to that, the headphones also have a built-in mic for phone calls. You can also manually
adjust the volume with the headphones, as well.
Sony WH-1000XM3
Not only does it have a built-in mic, but it also added extra microphones to help isolate audio for the most transparent possible phone calls. These headphones offer a built-in Google Assistant, which enables hands-free access to music and information. With LDAC Bluetooth, it provides the clearest and most secure wireless connection to date. The most unique feature these headphones have is their Sense
Engine attribute. It automatically detects your environment and equalizes the sound and ANC abilities in accordance with your scenario and activity. Lastly, the intuitive touch-sensitivity is nearly flawless. These headphones have the easiest headphone functions to control your phone. Able to pair with only one device at a time. It comes with a high-quality carrying case.
Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM3 has more added features.
Our Winner Between Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT & Sony WH-1000XM3
Keep in mind that our opinion is not the end all be all. Like mentioned earlier, everyone has different needs, requirements, and budgets for their headphones. However, our winner is the Sony WH-1000XM3 is an overall better choice due to its superb sound quality comfort, build, and active noise canceling. However, we recommend the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT for mixers and DJs.
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