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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
For an immersive music experience with higher sound quality, the Audio Technica M50x is the better option, although they are not suitable for exercise. The Shokz OpenMove, being bone-conducting and sweatproof, is ideal for active users and provides better call quality due to its integrated microphone, but it compromises on sound quality and is not recommended for critical listening. If you need versatility for different activities, especially physical ones, at a lower cost, the OpenMove is your choice. Alternatively, if you prioritize sound quality and a more traditional listening experience at a higher price, choose the M50x. 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 air travel
Advantages of the Shokz OpenMove
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
Key differences
Music
8.5
4.8
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, while the Shokz OpenMove is poor.
Gaming
6.3
4.9
The Audio Technica M50x is only fair for gaming, while the Shokz OpenMove is poor.
Phone Calls
4.4
7.8
The Shokz OpenMove is good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
7.9
The Shokz OpenMove and Audio Technica M50x are both good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Shokz OpenMove is somewhat better.
TV and Video
7.8
5.0
The Audio Technica M50x is good for TV and video, while the Shokz OpenMove is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
2.5
The Audio Technica M50x and Shokz OpenMove are both poor for noise reduction, though the Audio Technica M50x is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
6.0 Hours
The Audio Technica M50x does not have a battery. The Shokz OpenMove has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$149
$80
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the Shokz OpenMove costs $80.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The Audio Technica M50x and Shokz OpenMove both have very good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the Shokz OpenMove compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | Shokz OpenMove |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Shokz | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | September 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.5/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 7.1/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.1 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.3/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 294.8 Grams | 29 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 5 | |
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."
Shokz OpenMove
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Sound Guys
Lily Katz | May 2023
"The Shokz OpenMove are a bit more affordable than the company's other bone conduction headphones, making them a more appealing option for athletes on a budget. These headphones support premium features like multipoint connectivity and a durable build, but you lose other niceties like fast charging and a long battery life. Still, for less than $80, these are nice bone conduction headphones that will keep you safe when exercising."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica M50x or the Shokz OpenMove
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.
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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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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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