HiFiMan
HiFiMan Sundara
Planar magnetic
85
/ 100
From $299
VS
Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
Over-ear · 2022
85
/ 100
From $199
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, HiFiMan Sundara lands at 85 and Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 at 85. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick HiFiMan Sundara if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Pick Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
HiFiMan Sundara 85
vs 85 Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
Score breakdown
HiFiMan Sundara
85 anc 0
sound 85
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
85 anc 83
sound 85
comfort 84
battery 82
features 81
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | HiFiMan Sundara | Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Planar magnetic | Over-ear |
| Release year | — | 2022 |
HiFiMan Sundara
Pros
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
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
FAQ: HiFiMan Sundara vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
Which is better, HiFiMan Sundara or Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2? +
Both score 85 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is HiFiMan Sundara worth the price? +
At $299, HiFiMan Sundara delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in battery.
Is Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 worth the price? +
At $199, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in sound.
Does HiFiMan Sundara or Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 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.