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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Choosing the Audio Technica M50x means you'll have a sturdy, high-quality listening experience for music with a more immersive soundstage, which is especially good for at-home use given their over-ear design. However, you won't have features like a built-in microphone or wireless capabilities, and they might not be as comfortable for long listening sessions or suitable for exercise due to their size and lack of sweat resistance. In contrast, the Sony WF1000XM5 earbuds are portable, offer active noise cancelling, and are great for use on the go, during exercise, and travel, with a handy microphone for calls and meetings. They support wireless charging and advanced codec support for certain devices. But, their overall sound quality, while still excellent, may be slightly less engaging compared to the M50x, and they're typically more expensive. The decision hinges on whether you value portability and modern features like noise cancelling and wireless operation, or if you prioritize sound quality and price over convenience. 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 TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM5
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
6.3
5.1
The Audio Technica M50x is only fair for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.4
5.0
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Audio Technica M50x are both poor for phone calls, though the Sony WF1000XM5 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
4.9
The Audio Technica M50x is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
5.4
The Audio Technica M50x is good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Battery
N/A
9.0 Hours
The Audio Technica M50x does not have a battery. The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$149
$298
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
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Key similarities
Music
8.5
8.0
The Audio Technica M50x and Sony WF1000XM5 are both very good for music.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The Audio Technica M50x and Sony WF1000XM5 both have very good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the Sony WF1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | Sony WF1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $298 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | July 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.5/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 8.8/10 | |
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 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.3/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 294.8 Grams | 6 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 WF1000XM5
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Sound Guys
Harley Maranan | July 2023
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 is among the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, and they aren’t cheap. These earbuds aren’t the best choice for budget-conscious listeners. But if you prioritize active noise cancelation, sound quality, and extensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 is worth its premium price tag."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica M50x or the Sony WF1000XM5
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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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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