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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If sound quality for music is a priority, the Audio Technica M50x delivers superior performance and is well-built, but they are more expensive and lack built-in controls. They also have a detachable cable, making them more durable. However, they don't support wireless audio and are not the best for exercise due to their size and weight. Alternatively, the Sony MDREX15AP earbuds are much more affordable and very portable, with better suitability for use during travel and exercise, but they compromise on sound quality, build quality, and lack features like active noise cancelling and an app for customization. They're a solid choice if you need something for casual listening without a hefty price tag. 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
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony MDREX15AP
- Excellent for TV and video
Key differences
Phone Calls
4.4
3.5
The Audio Technica M50x and Sony MDREX15AP are both poor for phone calls, though the Audio Technica M50x is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
5.4
The Audio Technica M50x is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony MDREX15AP is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
9.3
The Sony MDREX15AP is excellent for TV and video, while the Audio Technica M50x is good.
Noise Reduction
5.3
7.0
The Sony MDREX15AP is good for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Cost
$149
$20
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the Sony MDREX15AP costs $20.
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Key similarities
Music
8.5
8.3
The Audio Technica M50x and Sony MDREX15AP are both very good for music.
Gaming
6.3
6.7
The Sony MDREX15AP and Audio Technica M50x are both only fair for gaming.
Build Quality
8.5
8.0
The Audio Technica M50x and Sony MDREX15AP both have very good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the Sony MDREX15AP compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | Sony MDREX15AP |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $20 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | March 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 3.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 6.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.6/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.3/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 294.8 Grams | 3.1 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof 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."
Sony MDREX15AP
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Make It Sound Great
Pete Anthony | June 2022
"At the ultra budget $10 price-point (and we’ve seen the no-mic version go for as cheap as $7), I’d say these are a decent option if you’re looking for a passable pair of earbuds for basic use that’s as cheap as possible. I wouldn’t say they feel or sound as good as some of the ultra-budget alternatives out there – of which there are a few at this point – but some might disagree. I will say though that the cable is a little bit nicer than those of that same competition."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica M50x or the Sony MDREX15AP
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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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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