Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs ATH-M40x

What published reviews say about each, where the two differ, and who each one suits.

Summed up from 15 published reviews

Audio-Technica

ATH-M50x

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a versatile, well-made wired headphone offering strong value, but bass tuning, isolation, and long-session comfort receive mixed reactions.

Best for: Value-focused listeners wanting lively wired headphones for music, gaming, and casual use.
Skip it if: You need flat mixing sound, wireless connectivity, or exceptional noise isolation.

PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon

What reviewers say about the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Audio-Technica

ATH-M40x

The ATH-M40x offers accurate, good-value monitoring, though comfort and isolation receive mixed reviews.

Best for: Budget-conscious home studios needing accurate wired monitoring
Skip it if: You prioritize travel-ready isolation and all-day comfort

PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon

What reviewers say about the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

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Specs side by side

Spec	Audio-Technica ATH-M50x	Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
Fit	Over-ear	Over-ear
Connection	Wired	Wired
Noise cancelling	No	No
Best for	Studio, Music	Studio, Music
Microphone	No mic	No mic
Ear cups	Closed-back	Closed-back

Rows where the two differ come first.

What reviewers like, and what they don't

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Foldable design with swiveling cups and three detachable cables. 1 2 5
Clear, detailed sound with good instrument separation. 3 5 6 7
Comfortable, secure fit suits many long listening sessions. 2 3 5 6
Strong value and broad versatility for music, gaming, and studio use. 3 4 5 6
Reviewers disagree on bass: some praise accuracy, others call it boosted. 1 2 3 4
Heat and pressure can cause discomfort during extended listening. 1 4 7
Some report mediocre isolation in loud environments. 1 3 4
Awkward proprietary connectors and no built-in microphone complicate some setups. 1 2 4 6

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

Strong value with clear, versatile sound for budget monitoring 1 3 5 6
Accurate, flat response suits critical listening and mixing 2 8
Durable build, detachable cables, and swiveling ear cups 1 2 3 5
Easy to drive from laptops and low-powered audio devices 4 6 7
Passive isolation is weak, especially against low-frequency noise 1 2 5 6
Long sessions can cause heat, pressure, and ear discomfort 1 4 5 7
Some reviewers hear bass bloat and harsh, boosted treble 3 4 7
Proprietary cable fittings make replacements less convenient 1 8

Ranked in our guides

Guide	ATH-M50x	ATH-M40x
Best wired headphones and earbuds	#4	–
Best studio headphones	#1	–

Sources

We don't test products ourselves. This page sums up 15 published reviews, read on October 21, 2026; each point above links to the reviews that make it.