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Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for superior music listening quality and don't need wireless connectivity, the Audio Technica M50x is an excellent choice, though it's more expensive and less portable. However, if you prioritize portability, exercise use, and enjoy features like active noise cancelling and a sweatproof design, the Jaybird Vista 2 is better suited for you at a lower cost. The M50x will not accommodate calls and has no built-in microphone, whereas the Vista 2 is well-equipped for calls and meetings. Keep in mind that the M50x may offer a better soundstage, while the Vista 2 provides the convenience of wireless charging and a more rugged build for outdoor activities. 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 Jaybird Vista 2
Very good for phone calls
Best in class for exercise
Very good for air travel
Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.5/10
6.3/10
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, while the Jaybird Vista 2 is only fair.
Gaming
6.3/10
5.2/10
The Audio Technica M50x is only fair for gaming, while the Jaybird Vista 2 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.4/10
8.0/10
The Jaybird Vista 2 is very good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0/10
9.0/10
The Jaybird Vista 2 is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica M50x is good.
TV and Video
7.8/10
5.6/10
The Audio Technica M50x is good for TV and video, while the Jaybird Vista 2 is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3/10
7.0/10
The Jaybird Vista 2 is good for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Battery
N/A
6.0 Hours
The Audio Technica M50x does not have a battery. The Jaybird Vista 2 has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$129
$118
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $129 and the Jaybird Vista 2 costs $118.
Build Quality
8.5/10
9.0/10
The Jaybird Vista 2 has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica M50x has very good build quality.
"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."
"Compared to the original Vista, the Jaybird Vista 2 adds some key features including ANC and SurroundSense to control how much environmental noise you hear. If you're an athlete and are looking for rugged earbuds with tons of customization options, the Jaybird Vista 2 makes for a good option—but only if you are able to achieve a proper fit from the proprietary ear tips."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica M50x or the Jaybird Vista 2
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 Jaybird
Jaybird is an American headphone and activity tracker manufacturer focused on the exercise and sports market. The company was founded in 2006 by Judd Armstrong who sought for a product that was thoroughly sweatproof and that wouldn’t get in the way during physical activity. Jaybird is a part of the Swiss company Logitech International, since 2016.
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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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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