Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Sennheiser HD 560S

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

Sennheiser

HD 560S

The Sennheiser HD 560S deliver accurate, spacious open-back sound and long-session comfort, but offer no isolation, portability, or modern features.

Best for: Critical listening, mixing, and quiet at-home music sessions.
Skip it if: You need isolation, portability, wireless features, or punchy bass.

PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon

What reviewers say about the Sennheiser HD 560S

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Specs side by side

Spec	Audio-Technica ATH-M50x	Sennheiser HD 560S
Ear cups	Closed-back	Open-back
Fit	Over-ear	Over-ear
Connection	Wired	Wired
Noise cancelling	No	No
Best for	Studio, Music	Studio, Music
Microphone	No mic	No mic

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

Sennheiser HD 560S

Detailed, natural, balanced sound suits critical listening. 1 2 3 4
Spacious soundstage presents instruments with precise separation. 2 3 4 6
Lightweight, well-padded design stays comfortable through long sessions. 1 2 3 4
Strong value for audiophile-leaning, reference-oriented performance. 1 2 5 8
Open-back leaks sound and admits ambient noise. 1 2 3 4
Wired-only design lacks Bluetooth and modern conveniences. 3 5 6 7
120-ohm impedance benefits from a capable amplifier or DAC. 2 4 5 6
Restrained, neutral bass may not satisfy bass-forward listeners. 2 6 7

Ranked in our guides

Guide	ATH-M50x	HD 560S
Best wired headphones and earbuds	#4	–
Best studio headphones	#1	–
Best open-back headphones	–	#8

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.