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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Apple EarPods are less expensive and convenient for casual listening and taking calls on the go due to their compact size and built-in microphone. However, if you prioritize sound quality and durability, the Audio-Technica M50x offers superior sound fidelity and robust construction, making it a favorite among audiophiles and professionals, but it's bulkier and not as portable. The M50x also provides better noise isolation due to its over-ear design, but if wireless convenience is key, the wired M50x might not be the best option compared to the wireless EarPods. Consider these trade-offs based on your usage needs and budget. 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 Earpods
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
Advantages of the Audio Technica M50x
- Very good for music
- Good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.8
8.5
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Gaming
8.3
6.3
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Audio Technica M50x is only fair.
Phone Calls
8.0
4.4
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The Audio Technica M50x and Apple Earpods are both poor for noise reduction, though the Audio Technica M50x is somewhat better.
Cost
$20
$149
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Audio Technica M50x costs $149.
Build Quality
7.6
8.5
The Audio Technica M50x has very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
7.0
The Apple Earpods and Audio Technica M50x are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
7.4
7.8
The Audio Technica M50x and Apple Earpods are both good for TV and video.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Audio Technica M50x compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Audio Technica M50x |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Audio Technica | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | January 1, 2007 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 4.3/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.3/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 294.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Earpods
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Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
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 Earpods 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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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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