Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Review: These wireless over-ear headphones rock!

ATH-M50xBT2: Design, workmanship and comfort

The ATH-M50xBT2 embody a classic, solid headphone design that focuses entirely on functionality and durability. The closed plastic over-ear housing makes a high-quality and robust impression. Silver accents on the adjustable steel double temples create a subtle contrast.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 in the color “Deep Sea”.

In addition to classic black, the headphones are also available in the eye-catching colors “Deep Sea” and “Ice Blue”, which however cost around 20 euros more. Overall, the headphones convey a serious, almost industrial character through their design language.

The large, circular ear cups are padded and covered with soft, breathable artificial leather. They comfortably surround the ears and effectively seal them against ambient noise. The padded headband distributes the weight evenly without being uncomfortable. However, it can get a little warm around the ears when worn for long periods of time.

Particularly soft ear pads for long-lasting comfort.

The ear cups are rotatable on a hinge and can be folded inwards. This means that the space required can be reduced to a manageable level and the headphones are extremely easy to transport. It's practical that Audio-Technica also includes the appropriate transport bag in the scope of delivery.

The controls have been minimalistically integrated into one of the earcups. A three-button bar allows volume and playback control as well as calling up voice assistants such as Google Assistant or Siri. Overall, the simple, solid design impresses with its pragmatic focus on practicality rather than optical frills.

The headphones are operated via this.

ATH-M50xBT2: Sound quality and codecs

With the large 45mm drivers and integrated DAC, the ATH-M50xBT2 deliver precise and balanced sound reproduction. In addition to common codecs such as AAC and SBC, Sony's high-resolution LDAC codec is also supported. However, codecs like aptX or LHDC are missing.

When gaming with tactical shooters, the headphones prove to be extremely detailed. Subtle ambient noises such as quiet footsteps or the sound of weapons can be heard clearly and located precisely. The neutral, balanced sound helps to precisely locate the position of enemies via gunfire and explosions.

Precise sound when gaming.

Music lovers will also get their money's worth. On tracks with pumping bass like Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean," the lows remain powerful but never overemphasized. Vocals are clearly separated from accompanying instruments. Fine details of the percussion and hi-hats reach your ears clearly and as bright as a bell.

Using LDAC, tracks like “Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits gained enormous amounts of spatial sound and separation. However, occasional connection drops with this codec spoiled the enjoyment somewhat.

The headphones connected to the Audio-Technica Connect app.

While LDAC is natively supported on most Android smartphones, getting the high-resolution codec to work on Windows PCs is a little trickier. The Microsoft Bluetooth stack does not support LDAC by default.

The solution here is either an external Bluetooth transceiver or DAC with LDAC compatibility or the use of the separate alternative A2DP driver. This can be downloaded for USD 9,99 and extends the codec support of the Windows Bluetooth stack to include LDAC for a wireless high-resolution connection of the ATH-M50xBT2 to the PC.

The sound can be further optimized in the Audio-Technica Connect app. Different sound profiles and a manual equalizer enable individual tuning.

The only downer is the lack of active noise cancellation. While the closed construction provides good insulation, ANC would have been helpful, especially in noisy environments such as on a train.

Overall, the M50xBT2 impress with their extraordinary sound quality and a neutral tuning that sets them apart from the bass-heavy mass taste - a first-class choice for music streaming and demanding entertainment.

ATH-M50xBT2: Connectivity

The Bluetooth connection to smartphones, tablets and laptops proved to be reliable and stable in the test. Thanks to the multipoint connection, the headphones can even be paired with multiple devices at the same time and switch seamlessly between them.

The effective operating radius was around 10 meters, which is more than sufficient for most application scenarios. Occasional audio dropouts only occurred with massive sources of interference such as powerful WiFi routers.

Quickly folds up to a practical transport size.

What is also pleasing is the support of functions such as Google Fast Pair on Android devices for convenient pairing at the push of a button.

If you don't want to go without a cable, you can also connect the M50xBT2 to devices without Bluetooth using a cable thanks to the 3,5mm jack connection. However, functions such as button control then have to be dispensed with.

ATH-M50xBT2: Microphone quality

The ATH-M50xBT2's built-in microphones deliver solid voice quality for phone calls and voice control. Thanks to noise reduction, the voice remains easy to understand for the person you are speaking to, even in slightly louder environments.

For gamers or streamers who place the highest demands on clarity and recording quality, Audio-Technica offers an optimal addition with the AT2020USB-X condenser microphone. This microphone promises studio quality recordings. More on this in a separate test report.

However, the integrated microphones are completely sufficient for occasional calls, voice input or multiplayer sessions thanks to their assertiveness and suppression of ambient noise.

ATH-M50xBT2: Battery performance and charging times

An absolute highlight of the ATH-M50xBT2 is its immense battery life. Audio-Technica promises up to 50 hours of playback at moderate volume levels - and this figure was almost achieved in the test. With 8 hours of gaming and music enjoyment on the PC every day, the battery lasted an average of around 40 hours before it needed to be charged.

Large battery in a compact housing.

If the juice does run out, the headphones can be supplied with power again thanks to the quick charging function via USB-C. After just 30 minutes of charging, 60% capacity had already been recovered. However, you need to allow around 2,5 hours for a full charge from a completely empty battery. The headphones cannot be actively used during this time.

The enormous battery life makes the ATH-M50xBT2 a reliable, compact companion for on the go and traveling. Even with intensive daily use, you can do without the charging cable for several days. And thanks to the efficient quick charging function, the headphones are ready for use again in a flash.