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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you value sound quality for music listening and plan to use them mostly in indoor, stationary settings, the Audio Technica M50x offers great audio fidelity and comfort, but lacks a built-in microphone and wireless capabilities, making it less versatile for calls or on-the-go activities. In contrast, the JBL Tune Flex provides very good sound quality with the convenience of wireless connectivity suitable for exercise, travel, and casual gaming due to its low latency mode, though it may not match the fuller soundstage that over-ear headphones like the M50x provide. The JBL Tune Flex also supports a stem design with an integrated microphone for calls, but the overall build may not be as durable as the M50x. If budget is a concern, the JBL Tune Flex is significantly less expensive and offers good value for diverse uses, whereas the M50x is a more robust choice for critical listening environments. 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
Advantages of the JBL Tune Flex
- Very good for gaming
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.5
7.3
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, while the JBL Tune Flex is good.
Gaming
6.3
8.5
The JBL Tune Flex is very good for gaming, while the Audio Technica M50x is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.4
6.3
The JBL Tune Flex is only fair for phone calls, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
9.0
The JBL Tune Flex is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica M50x is good.
Noise Reduction
5.3
6.5
The JBL Tune Flex is only fair for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Battery
N/A
6.5 Hours
The Audio Technica M50x does not have a battery. The JBL Tune Flex has 6.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$149
$60
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the JBL Tune Flex costs $60.
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Key similarities
TV and Video
7.8
7.8
The Audio Technica M50x and JBL Tune Flex are both good for TV and video.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The Audio Technica M50x and JBL Tune Flex both have very good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the JBL Tune Flex compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | JBL Tune Flex |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $60 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | September 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.5/10 | 7.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 7.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 6.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 6.5/10 | |
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 | 5.1/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.3/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 294.8 Grams | 9 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."
JBL Tune Flex
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Dig into reviews and images
MajorHiFi
Gabby Bloch | May 2023
"JBL is offering a similar design and arguably better resolution than the more expensive AirPods 3rd Generation. Add to that a comfortable and versatile fit, an equalizer and pretty decent ANC, and you’ve got a quality wireless earphone. I would have loved longer battery life and more crystal calls, but for the price, you can’t complain. A solid deal overall."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica M50x or the JBL Tune Flex
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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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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