Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
Over-ear · 2022
Sony WH-1000XM3
Over-ear · 2018
Sony WH-1000XM3 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 lands at 85 and Sony WH-1000XM3 at 86. That puts Sony WH-1000XM3 ahead by 1 points — a narrow 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 Sony WH-1000XM3 if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
TieTuning, detail, and staging
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Noise cancelling
TieANC strength for commute and travel
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Comfort
TieLong-session wearability
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 more score per dollar ($199 vs $349).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 | Sony WH-1000XM3 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Release year | 2022 | 2018 |
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
- +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
Sony WH-1000XM3
- +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
FAQ: Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 vs Sony WH-1000XM3
Which is better, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 or Sony WH-1000XM3? +
Sony WH-1000XM3 scores 86 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. 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 Sony WH-1000XM3 worth the price? +
At $349, Sony WH-1000XM3 delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in sound.
Does Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 or Sony WH-1000XM3 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 the better value, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 or Sony WH-1000XM3? +
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 — more score per dollar ($199 vs $349). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.