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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica M50x presents a solid choice for closed-back headphones, which means they are better at isolating noise, making them suitable for noisy environments. However, the Philips Fidelio X2HR, with its open-back design, offers a superior soundstage that provides a more immersive listening experience, particularly beneficial for music and movies. The Fidelio X2HR is also noted for higher comfort, which is crucial for long listening sessions. While M50x is slightly more portable due to its foldable design, the Fidelio X2HR, although bulkier, does not have this feature. Neither have built-in microphones or active noise cancelling, and both are wired with detachable cables, offering similar levels of durability. The M50x has a lower price, but if your budget allows and you prioritize sound quality and comfort over noise isolation and portability, the Fidelio X2HR could be a 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
- Good for air travel
Advantages of the Philips Fidelio X2HR
- Excellent for music
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
8.5
9.3
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is excellent for music, while the Audio Technica M50x is very good.
Gaming
6.3
7.0
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is good for gaming, while the Audio Technica M50x is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.4
5.0
The Philips Fidelio X2HR and Audio Technica M50x are both poor for phone calls, though the Philips Fidelio X2HR is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
7.9
The Philips Fidelio X2HR and Audio Technica M50x are both good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Philips Fidelio X2HR is somewhat better.
TV and Video
7.8
8.8
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is very good for TV and video, while the Audio Technica M50x is good.
Noise Reduction
5.3
2.5
The Audio Technica M50x and Philips Fidelio X2HR are both poor for noise reduction, though the Audio Technica M50x is somewhat better.
Build Quality
8.5
9.0
The Philips Fidelio X2HR has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica M50x has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Cost
$149
$140
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the Philips Fidelio X2HR costs $140.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the Philips Fidelio X2HR compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | Philips Fidelio X2HR |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $140 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Philips | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | September 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.5/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 7.1/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.5/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 2.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.3/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 294.8 Grams | 390 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof 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."
Philips Fidelio X2HR
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Dig into reviews and images
Liquid Audio
Stefan | May 2022
"This piece is a fantastic option for music lovers searching for premium sound and a snug fit. You should get these headphones if you care about sound quality and want to hear music in a new light. This technology is a great option for high-quality headphones with superb sound reproduction."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica M50x or the Philips Fidelio X2HR
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 Philips
Philips is a Dutch conglomerate and electronics manufacturer with over 130 years of history. Philips makes the Fidelio audio line which includes several models of full-sized wired and wireless headphones, true wireless earbuds. soundbars and wireless speakers.
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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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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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Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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