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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If sound quality for music is a priority, the Audio Technica M50x is known for very good overall sound and build quality, making it a strong choice for listening sessions where audio fidelity is key. For those who require wireless convenience and active noise cancelling, the JBL Tune 660NC would be the better fit, especially for commuting or travel, despite somewhat lower sound quality. The M50x is wired and lacks noise cancellation but is praised for its comfort and robust build, suitable for studio work or critical listening at home. The JBL, while more portable with good battery life, may not be as comfortable for long periods. If budget is a concern and you need wireless features, the JBL can save you money. If you're after superior audio and can manage a higher cost and wired use, opt for the Audio Technica. 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 JBL Tune 660NC
- The JBL Tune 660NC has no clear advantages over the Audio Technica M50x.
Key differences
Music
8.5
6.1
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, while the JBL Tune 660NC is only fair.
Gaming
6.3
5.4
The Audio Technica M50x is only fair for gaming, while the JBL Tune 660NC is poor.
Phone Calls
4.4
5.1
The JBL Tune 660NC and Audio Technica M50x are both poor for phone calls, though the JBL Tune 660NC is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
5.7
The Audio Technica M50x is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Tune 660NC is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
5.6
The Audio Technica M50x is good for TV and video, while the JBL Tune 660NC is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
6.0
The JBL Tune 660NC is only fair for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Battery
N/A
42.0 Hours
The Audio Technica M50x does not have a battery. The JBL Tune 660NC has 42 hours of battery life.
Cost
$149
$70
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the JBL Tune 660NC costs $70.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.5
8.0
The Audio Technica M50x and JBL Tune 660NC both have very good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the JBL Tune 660NC compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | JBL Tune 660NC |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $70 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | February 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.5/10 | 6.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 42 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 6.8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.3/10 | 6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 294.8 Grams | 172 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof 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."
JBL Tune 660NC
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SoundGuys
Chase Bernath | April 2023
"The JBL Tune 660NC is the best value you can get from a set of on-ear headphones. There's no companion app so you don't get many additional features, but everything the JBL Tune 660NC sets out to do, it does well. At this price, the JBL Tune 660NC is an easy recommendation for on-ear headphone lovers"
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica M50x or the JBL Tune 660NC
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 JBL
JBL is an American audio equipment manufacturer. Owned by Harman International which is, itself, owned by Samsung Electronics. JBL markets a wide array of monitoring speakers, professional headphones and consumer market headphones and earbuds. It was founded in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing (whose initials give the company its name) and has become one of the most prolific audio companies ever. Their products were responsible for audio during the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
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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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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