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Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica M50x is known for its robust bass and sound isolation, making it ideal for noisy environments or if you prefer a more private listening experience; however, this isolation comes at a premium cost. On the other hand, the Philips SHP9500 offers a comfortable fit and an open-back design that is praised for its soundstage and natural listening experience, which can be more enjoyable for home use but less suited for noisy settings. The SHP9500 is also lighter on the wallet. Consider the Audio Technica if you need isolation and are willing to invest more, or Philips if you're looking for affordability and a natural sound in quieter 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
- Good for air travel
Advantages of the Philips SHP9500
- Excellent for music
- Good for gaming
- Excellent for TV and video
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.5
9.2
The Philips SHP9500 is excellent for music, while the Audio Technica M50x is very good.
Gaming
6.3
7.2
The Philips SHP9500 is good for gaming, while the Audio Technica M50x is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.4
4.9
The Philips SHP9500 and Audio Technica M50x are both poor for phone calls, though the Philips SHP9500 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
8.0
The Philips SHP9500 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica M50x is good.
TV and Video
7.8
9.0
The Philips SHP9500 is excellent for TV and video, while the Audio Technica M50x is good.
Noise Reduction
5.3
2.5
The Audio Technica M50x and Philips SHP9500 are both poor for noise reduction, though the Audio Technica M50x is somewhat better.
Cost
$149
$48
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the Philips SHP9500 costs $48.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The Audio Technica M50x and Philips SHP9500 both have very good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the Philips SHP9500 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | Philips SHP9500 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $48 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Philips | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | August 1, 2013 | |
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 | 7.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.4/10 | |
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 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.3/10 | 10/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 294.8 Grams | 294.8 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 SHP9500
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphones Lab
Brian Stone | April 2020
"You can’t go wrong with the Philips SHP9500 for their price. Their audio quality is superb, and the fact that you can use them for just about anything you can think of makes them well worth your money"
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica M50x or the Philips SHP9500
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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CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
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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