Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black
Over-ear · 2022
Focal Celestee
Closed-back
Focal Celestee takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black lands at 85 and Focal Celestee at 88. That puts Focal Celestee ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Pick Focal Celestee if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
Focal CelesteeTuning, detail, and staging
Focal Celestee leads on sound (88 vs 85).
Noise cancelling
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight BlackANC strength for commute and travel
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black leads on anc (83 vs 0).
Comfort
Focal CelesteeLong-session wearability
Focal Celestee leads on comfort (88 vs 84).
Value for money
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight BlackSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black more score per dollar ($199 vs $999).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black | Focal Celestee |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Closed-back |
| Release year | 2022 | — |
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
Focal Celestee
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
FAQ: Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black vs Focal Celestee
Which is better, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black or Focal Celestee? +
Focal Celestee scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black worth the price? +
At $199, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in sound.
Is Focal Celestee worth the price? +
At $999, Focal Celestee delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.
Does Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black or Focal Celestee last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for sound quality, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black or Focal Celestee? +
Focal Celestee — leads on sound (88 vs 85). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black or Focal Celestee? +
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black — leads on anc (83 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.