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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize wireless convenience and newer technology, consider the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 earbuds; they offer good sound quality, active noise cancelling, and are comfortable for calls and meetings. They also support sweatproof and dustproof features, making them suitable for exercise. However, if sound quality, especially for music listening, is your main concern and you don't mind a wired connection, the Audio Technica M50x headphones are known for their high-quality audio performance. They lack a built-in microphone and wireless capabilities, which might limit their versatility compared to the Pi5 S2. The M50x is less portable but offers a more immersive listening experience and better build quality. Choose the M50x for music-focused use and the Pi5 S2 if you need wireless features and noise cancellation for a broader range of activities including travel and exercise. 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
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.5
6.7
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is only fair.
Gaming
6.3
5.3
The Audio Technica M50x is only fair for gaming, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.4
5.0
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and Audio Technica M50x are both poor for phone calls, though the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
5.6
The Audio Technica M50x is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
5.6
The Audio Technica M50x is good for TV and video, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
8.3
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is very good for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Battery
N/A
5.0 Hours
The Audio Technica M50x does not have a battery. The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has 5 hours of battery life.
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Key similarities
Cost
$149
$149
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 costs $149.
Build Quality
8.5
8.9
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and Audio Technica M50x both have very good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Bowers and Wilkins | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | January 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.5/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 5.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 0.75 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 19 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.9/10 | |
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 | 6 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."
Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
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Major HiFi
Chris Golembeski | January 2023
"Bowers and Wilkins isn’t looking to make an obscure, premium wireless bud catered specifically towards audiophiles. Instead, it seems apparent that they’re going for the crown: a cool and popular look, an easy and comfortable fit, and an engaging stage with a great balance that is perfectly suited for mainstream listeners and audiophiles alike."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica M50x or the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
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 Bowers and Wilkins
Bowers and Wilkins is a British audio equipment manufacturer with a focus on innovation and product development. It was founded by a couple of real-life James Bonds, the co-founders John Bowers and Roy Wilkins, who met while working for MI6 during World War II. The company keeps being favored by enthusiasts due to their sound quality, craftsmanship and signature aesthetics.
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