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Updated January 10, 2024·
The AKG K712 Pro is ideal for those seeking a more expansive, open soundstage for critical listening thanks to its open-back design; it's very comfortable too, but that openness comes at the cost of sound isolation and it's not intended for noisy environments. On the other hand, the Audio Technica M50x, being less expensive, offers a closed-back design better for noise isolation; they're portable, foldable, and have a balanced sound suitable for a variety of content, though some may find them less comfortable during long sessions. Neither option includes a microphone or active noise cancelling, so for calls or noisy travel, you might need additional gear or consider alternatives. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the AKG K712 Pro
Good for gaming
Very good for TV and video
Advantages of the Audio Technica M50x
Very good for music
Good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.7/10
8.5/10
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, while the AKG K712 Pro is good.
Gaming
7.0/10
6.3/10
The AKG K712 Pro is good for gaming, while the Audio Technica M50x is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.9/10
4.4/10
The AKG K712 Pro and Audio Technica M50x are both poor for phone calls, though the AKG K712 Pro is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.8/10
7.0/10
The AKG K712 Pro and Audio Technica M50x are both good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the AKG K712 Pro is somewhat better.
TV and Video
8.4/10
7.8/10
The AKG K712 Pro is very good for TV and video, while the Audio Technica M50x is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
5.3/10
The Audio Technica M50x and AKG K712 Pro are both poor for noise reduction, though the Audio Technica M50x is somewhat better.
Cost
$280
$148
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The AKG K712 Pro has a price of $280 and the Audio Technica M50x costs $148.
"AKG has created a mini-masterpiece in my opinion. I enjoy this headphone a great deal and it will become my go-to reference headphone for the time being. She is slick, sexy, well-balanced, and crazy comfortable."
"Good sound is timeless. It doesn’t matter that a number of years have passed since the ATH-M50x came out because it still works well. Since this wired headset doesn’t rely on batteries or Bluetooth technology, it’s bound to outlast its wireless counterparts. The no-nonsense performance, fit, and comfort of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x make it worth picking up."
Get a great deal on the AKG K712 Pro or the Audio Technica M50x
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
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