A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple AirPods Max offer active noise cancellation, a custom high-fidelity audio driver, and seamless integration with Apple devices, making them ideal for Apple users seeking convenience and cutting-edge features. However, they come at a premium price. On the other hand, the Audio Technica M50x, known for its critically acclaimed sound performance and durability, provides excellent sound quality at a more affordable price but lacks active noise cancellation and wireless connectivity. If budget is a concern and you prioritize sound quality and wired listening, the M50x is a great choice. The AirPods Max are better suited for those willing to invest in top-tier noise cancellation and wireless features, especially within the Apple ecosystem. 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 Apple Airpods Max
- Excellent for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Audio Technica M50x
- Very good for music
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.3
8.5
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods Max is good.
Gaming
5.5
6.3
The Audio Technica M50x is only fair for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Phone Calls
6.6
4.4
The Apple Airpods Max is only fair for phone calls, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0
7.0
The Apple Airpods Max is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica M50x is good.
TV and Video
5.7
7.8
The Audio Technica M50x is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Noise Reduction
10.0
5.3
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Battery
21.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The Audio Technica M50x does not have a battery.
Cost
$549
$149
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Max has a price of $549 and the Audio Technica M50x costs $149.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Apple Airpods Max has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica M50x has very good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Max and the Audio Technica M50x compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Max | Audio Technica M50x |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$549 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Audio Technica | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2020 | January 1, 2007 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.4/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.6/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 4.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 21 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 10/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.3/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 385.5 Grams | 294.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Max
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Adam Molina | July 2023
"Objectively, the AirPods Max is a spectacular pair of headphones. I appreciate the smart features like auto-pause and the transparency mode are super practical. It also sounds great, is well-built, and has solid battery life."
Audio Technica M50x
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | October 2022
"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 Apple Airpods Max or the Audio Technica M50x
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
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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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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