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Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 — Over-ear · 2022
Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2

Over-ear · 2022

85
/ 100
From $199
VS
Sennheiser HD 800S wins by 10
Sennheiser HD 800S — Over-ear · 2016
Sennheiser

Sennheiser HD 800S

Over-ear · 2016

95
/ 100
From $1,699
Specdex verdict

Sennheiser HD 800S takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 lands at 85 and Sennheiser HD 800S at 95. That puts Sennheiser HD 800S ahead by 10 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)

Pick Sennheiser HD 800S if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Sennheiser HD 800S

Tuning, detail, and staging

Sennheiser HD 800S leads on sound (95 vs 85).

Noise cancelling

Sennheiser HD 800S

ANC strength for commute and travel

Sennheiser HD 800S leads on anc (93 vs 83).

Comfort

Sennheiser HD 800S

Long-session wearability

Sennheiser HD 800S leads on comfort (94 vs 84).

Value for money

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 more score per dollar ($199 vs $1,699).

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 85
vs
95 Sennheiser HD 800S

Score breakdown

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
85
anc 83
sound 85
comfort 84
battery 82
features 81
Sennheiser HD 800S
95
anc 93
sound 95
comfort 94
battery 82
features 91

Specs side-by-side

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 versus Sennheiser HD 800S — full spec comparison
Spec Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Sennheiser HD 800S
Type
Over-ear
Over-ear
Release year
2022
2016

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

Sennheiser HD 800S

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

FAQ: Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 vs Sennheiser HD 800S

Which is better, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 or Sennheiser HD 800S? +

Sennheiser HD 800S scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 10. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 worth the price? +

At $199, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in sound.

Is Sennheiser HD 800S worth the price? +

At $1,699, Sennheiser HD 800S delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in sound.

Does Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 or Sennheiser HD 800S 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 or Sennheiser HD 800S? +

Sennheiser HD 800S — leads on sound (95 vs 85). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 or Sennheiser HD 800S? +

Sennheiser HD 800S — leads on anc (93 vs 83). ANC strength for commute and travel.