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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica M50x are over-ear headphones that offer excellent sound quality with a bit more emphasis on accuracy and detail, making them suitable for critical listening. However, they lack wireless connectivity and are not ideal for workouts due to their size and lack of sweat resistance. In contrast, the Beats Powerbeats Pro are wireless earbuds with a secure fit courtesy of ear hooks, making them excellent for active use and fitness activities. They provide convenience for Apple users with features like the H1 chip, which allows for better connectivity and features like spatial audio, but they may not match the sound fidelity of studio-oriented headphones like the M50x. If sound quality and studio applications are your priority, go for the M50x; if you need portability, wireless convenience, and workout suitability, the Powerbeats Pro are the better choice. 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
- Very good for music
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Beats Powerbeats Pro
- Good for phone calls
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.5
6.5
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is only fair.
Gaming
6.3
5.5
The Audio Technica M50x is only fair for gaming, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Phone Calls
4.4
7.0
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
9.2
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica M50x is good.
TV and Video
7.8
5.7
The Audio Technica M50x is good for TV and video, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
4.6
The Audio Technica M50x and Beats Powerbeats Pro are both poor for noise reduction, though the Audio Technica M50x is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
10.0 Hours
The Audio Technica M50x does not have a battery. The Beats Powerbeats Pro has 10 hours of battery life.
Cost
$149
$250
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the Beats Powerbeats Pro costs $250.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.5
8.8
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Audio Technica M50x both have very good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the Beats Powerbeats Pro compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | Beats Powerbeats Pro |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $250 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | May 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 6.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 10 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 4.6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.3/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 294.8 Grams | 11 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
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 Powerbeats Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | November 2022
"Sweat resistance, actual noise isolation, and a secure fit in your ears make these the true wireless earphones you want in Apple-land. Android users may find other options they like better, as these only support AAC."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica M50x or the Beats Powerbeats Pro
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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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
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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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