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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If music quality is a priority, the Audio Technica M50x offers better overall sound, but the Beats EP are a more budget-friendly option with good sound quality. The Audio-Technica is over-ear and provides a more immersive experience but may be bulkier, while the Beats EP's on-ear design is compact but might not be as comfortable for extended periods. Neither model supports wireless connectivity, but the Audio Technica has a detachable cable which adds flexibility and potentially extends their lifespan. Neither earbud is sweatproof or has active noise canceling, so they may not be ideal for exercise or noisy environments. The Audio Technica folds for transport, which is useful if you need to save space. 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 Audio Technica M50x
- Good for air travel
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Beats EP
- The Beats EP has no clear advantages over the Audio Technica M50x.
Key similarities
Music
8.5
8.1
The Audio Technica M50x and Beats EP are both very good for music.
Gaming
6.3
6.3
The Audio Technica M50x and Beats EP are both only fair for gaming.
Phone Calls
4.4
4.2
The Audio Technica M50x and Beats EP are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
6.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Audio Technica M50x to be good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats EP is only fair.
TV and Video
7.8
7.6
The Audio Technica M50x and Beats EP are both good for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
5.3
5.3
The Audio Technica M50x and Beats EP are both poor for noise reduction.
Cost
$148
$150
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $148 and the Beats EP costs $150.
Build Quality
8.5
8.0
The Audio Technica M50x and Beats EP both have very good build quality.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Audio Technica M50x and the Beats EP compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | Beats EP |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$148 | $150 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | November 1, 2018 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.5/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 4.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.3/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 5.3/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.3/10 | 7/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 294.8 Grams | 226.7 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
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."
Beats EP
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonecheck
Ulf Kaiser | 2015
"With the EP model, Beats delivers a stylish headphone with cable connection and hands-free functionality that should please consumers seeking a balanced sound for playback on mobile devices."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica M50x or the Beats EP
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.
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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Why trust us
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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