If you’ve never heard of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x (or M50x for short), then you probably live under a rock. Or have never watched tech YouTube channels. But, either way, if you’ve not heard of them they’re a pair of Audio-Technica’s best-selling headphones. I own them, many tech YouTubers own them, and they’re fairly good when it comes to listening to or monitoring audio. But, they have a 3.5mm cable.
In this day and age, even the iPad Pro is losing its 3.5mm headphone jack. Since your choice seems to be either join the #DongleLife or buy wireless, Audio-Technica wants to make the choice easier if you like its iconic M50x headphones. In come the M50xBT, with 40-hours of battery life and more, these are sure to become top-sellers in no time.
Audio-Technica M50xBT Overview:
These headphones are for those who adore the M50x line. The same engineers that developed the original M50x built these. The engineers claim that the M50xBT will sound basically identical to the M50x when used over Bluetooth, but if you hook them up with the included 3.5mm plug, they’ll sound worse (interestingly enough).
The M50xBT feature Bluetooth 5 and support AAC and aptX. You’ll get 40 hours of battery life per charge, and the familiar build quality that we’ve all come to know and love with the M50x.
These headphones will support Siri and Google Assistant by long-tapping on the touch controls which are located on the left ear cup.
Audio-Technica M50xBT Ports:
Well, the M50xBT don’t have USB-C, though Audio-Technica knows that’s where the market is headed. This is a big downside for many, as even the latest iPad Pro has made the move to USB-C. Audio-Technica chose to stick with the tried-and-true MicroUSB port that everyone knows and is getting tired of. Hopefully, the next generation will make the move to USB-C.
Audio-Technica M50xBT Noise Isolating:
The main drawback to the M50xBT will be that they’re just noise isolating instead of noise canceling. Though this isn’t a problem for all, and at $199 the M50xBT is more affordable than say Bose QC35II, it’s a drawback none-the-less. The M50xBT uses a closed-back design, which does a decent job at blocking out ambient noise, however. You just won’t be able to sit quietly in a Starbucks or on an airplane with low volume and enjoy your music.
Audio-Technica M50xBT Pricing:
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT will set you back $199. Though on the higher-end of Bluetooth headphone prices, you’re paying for the M50x brand here. It’s actually only a $50 price increase over the normal M50x. You can find similar headphones for much less on Amazon, or step up to the Assistant-enabled Bose QC35II’s for $150 more. The M50xBT’s are available starting today at most major retailers including Amazon, B&H, and direct from Audio-Technica.
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