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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality for music listening, the Audio Technica M50x headphones are the better choice with their higher sound quality rating, but they lack a microphone for calls. On the other hand, if you need a versatile option that’s good for calls, meetings, and portability, the Sony Linkbuds offer moderate sound quality but come with a built-in microphone, are wireless, and optimized for use with both Android and Apple devices. For active uses like exercise, the Sony Linkbuds are also more suitable since they are sweatproof and come with secure fit accessories. The M50x are over-ear and suitable for long listening sessions with better passive noise isolation and no battery life concerns, but they are not portable and require a wire. 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 Sony Linkbuds
- Good for exercise
Key differences
Music
8.5
6.6
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, while the Sony Linkbuds is only fair.
Gaming
6.3
5.5
The Audio Technica M50x is only fair for gaming, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Phone Calls
4.4
6.8
The Sony Linkbuds is only fair for phone calls, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
7.8
The Sony Linkbuds and Audio Technica M50x are both good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Sony Linkbuds is somewhat better.
TV and Video
7.8
5.4
The Audio Technica M50x is good for TV and video, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
2.5
The Audio Technica M50x and Sony Linkbuds are both poor for noise reduction, though the Audio Technica M50x is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
5.5 Hours
The Audio Technica M50x does not have a battery. The Sony Linkbuds has 5.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$149
$178
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the Sony Linkbuds costs $178.
Build Quality
8.5
9.3
The Sony Linkbuds has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica M50x has very good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the Sony Linkbuds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | Sony Linkbuds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $178 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | February 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.5/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 5.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 17.5 | |
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 | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.3/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 294.8 Grams | 4.5 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."
Sony Linkbuds
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Sam Moore | February 2022
"The Sony LinkBuds is definitely the most unique audio product to release so far in 2022, and it largely executes well on it's unoccluded design. However, it's hamstrung by all the same things as other unsealed earbuds."
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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 Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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
Joe Golden, Ph.D
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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
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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