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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality and are willing to invest more, the Audio Technica M50x provides professional-grade audio fidelity, strong build quality, and comfort for long listening sessions. However, it does not include a microphone, which may limit its functionality for voice calls or gaming. On the other hand, the Steelseries TUSQ is budget-friendly and includes a detachable boom microphone, making it a good option for gamers and those who need to communicate frequently. Remember that you might compromise on audio quality and build with the TUSQ compared to the M50x. Consider how important a built-in microphone and the cost factor are before making your decision. 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 podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Steelseries TUSQ
- Very good for gaming
Key differences
Music
8.5
7.6
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, while the Steelseries TUSQ is good.
Gaming
6.3
8.5
The Steelseries TUSQ is very good for gaming, while the Audio Technica M50x is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.4
5.2
The Steelseries TUSQ and Audio Technica M50x are both poor for phone calls, though the Steelseries TUSQ is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
4.7
The Audio Technica M50x is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Steelseries TUSQ is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
6.0
The Steelseries TUSQ is only fair for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Cost
$149
$40
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the Steelseries TUSQ costs $40.
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Key similarities
TV and Video
7.8
7.3
The Audio Technica M50x and Steelseries TUSQ are both good for TV and video.
Build Quality
8.5
8.0
The Audio Technica M50x and Steelseries TUSQ both have very good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the Steelseries TUSQ compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | Steelseries TUSQ |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $40 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Steelseries | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | August 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.2/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 6/10 | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.3/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 294.8 Grams | 11 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Boom | |
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."
Steelseries TUSQ
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Dig into reviews and images
Can Buy or Not
Aloysius Low | March 2021
"The SteelSeries Arctis Tusq is a great headset for those on a more modest budget. You can use it for gaming or music, and I daresay it's also great for Zoom meetings when you don't want to be wearing on-ear or over-ear headphones."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica M50x or the Steelseries TUSQ
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 Steelseries
Steelseries is a Danish gaming products manufacturer founded in 2001 and owned by GN Store Nord. Beside a large variety of gaming peripherals like mice, keyboards, and mousemats, Steelseries markets the Arctis line of gaming headsets which feature integrated boom microphones and RGB lighting. Steelseries has partnered with several game publishers and studios for limited editions of their products like a line of Cyberpunk 2077 themed headsets in 2020.
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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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