Hey music lovers! Ever found yourself staring at two pairs of headphones, scratching your head, and wondering which one deserves a spot on your ears? Well, if you're eyeing the Audio-Technica M50xBT and the M50xBT2, you're in the right place. These two headphones are popular choices for audiophiles and casual listeners alike, but which one comes out on top? Let's dive in and compare the Audio-Technica M50xBT vs M50xBT2, breaking down their features, performance, and overall value to help you make the perfect choice.

The Contenders: A Quick Glance at the Audio-Technica M50xBT and M50xBT2

Before we get our hands dirty with the nitty-gritty details, let's quickly introduce our two contenders. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT and the ATH-M50xBT2 are both over-ear, closed-back, wireless headphones based on the legendary ATH-M50x studio headphones. They are designed for both professional use and everyday listening, promising a blend of studio-quality sound, comfort, and wireless convenience. The M50xBT was the first wireless iteration, introducing Bluetooth connectivity to the M50x lineup. The M50xBT2, on the other hand, is the updated version, boasting improvements across various aspects, including audio quality, battery life, and overall user experience. Both headphones share the same iconic design and are known for their detailed sound signature, making them favorites among music enthusiasts. They offer a comfortable fit with their plush earcups and adjustable headband, suitable for extended listening sessions. They are ideal for various applications, such as studio monitoring, music production, and casual listening. The M50xBT series, in general, has always been recognized for its balanced sound profile, emphasizing clarity and accuracy. They deliver a detailed soundstage that allows listeners to appreciate the intricacies of their favorite tracks. The M50xBT and M50xBT2 headphones share several key features that make them attractive choices for music lovers. Both models offer exceptional sound quality, providing a balanced and detailed listening experience. They feature comfortable over-ear designs, allowing for extended listening sessions without causing discomfort. The headphones are equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, enabling wireless streaming from various devices. They also come with built-in microphones for making calls and accessing voice assistants.

One of the main differences between them, however, is the upgraded features in the M50xBT2, which include enhanced Bluetooth connectivity, improved battery life, and refined audio performance. The M50xBT2 also has updated audio codecs. These enhancements make the M50xBT2 a compelling choice for those seeking a more premium listening experience. Ultimately, both the M50xBT and M50xBT2 aim to deliver a high-quality audio experience in a convenient and portable package. They cater to a broad audience, from casual listeners to audio professionals. They provide a combination of excellent sound, comfortable design, and wireless freedom. They provide a balance of features that makes them well-suited for a variety of uses. Whether you're working in a studio, commuting to work, or simply relaxing at home, these headphones have got you covered. They offer a great all-around performance. The updated features in the M50xBT2, such as enhanced battery life and improved audio quality, provide a noticeable difference, making it the better choice for many users.

Design and Build Quality: What Do They Look and Feel Like?

Let's get visual, shall we? Both the Audio-Technica M50xBT and M50xBT2 share a very similar design language, staying true to the iconic look of the M50x series. They sport a sleek, professional aesthetic with their over-ear, closed-back design. You'll find a sturdy build quality with high-quality materials, making them feel premium in your hands. The earcups and headband are generously padded, providing a comfortable fit even during long listening sessions. The earcups swivel and fold flat, making them easy to store and transport.

The original M50xBT has a classic, minimalist design. The earcups and headband are primarily made of durable plastic, with comfortable ear pads and a headband cushion. The controls are located on the earcups. These are easily accessible and provide intuitive control over playback and volume. The M50xBT2 retains the same basic design, but with some subtle refinements. The build quality is improved, with enhanced materials that make it feel more solid and durable. The earcups and headband are also redesigned for better comfort and a more secure fit. The controls are also slightly updated for easier usability. Both headphones include a detachable audio cable, allowing you to use them in wired mode if you prefer. This is a great feature for saving battery life or for use with devices that don't support Bluetooth. The materials are selected for both durability and comfort. Both models are built to last and can withstand the rigors of everyday use. Their robust construction is a testament to the build quality that Audio-Technica is known for. The over-ear design ensures a good seal around the ears, which helps to isolate external noise and enhance the listening experience. The design of both headphones is generally the same, but the M50xBT2 offers slight improvements in material quality and comfort. The earcups and headband are designed to distribute pressure more evenly, reducing fatigue during long listening sessions. The headband is adjustable, so that you can find the perfect fit. The sturdy construction and comfortable design make both the M50xBT and M50xBT2 ideal for long listening sessions.

Sound Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Alright, let's talk about what really matters: the sound! Both the Audio-Technica M50xBT and M50xBT2 are known for their excellent sound quality, but there are some nuances to consider. The M50xBT delivers a balanced and detailed sound signature with a slightly emphasized bass response. This means you'll get a punchy low end without sacrificing clarity in the mids and highs. The M50xBT2 takes things up a notch with improved audio performance. It features enhanced drivers and updated audio codecs, resulting in a more refined and natural sound. The bass is still present, but it's more controlled, and the overall soundstage feels wider.

The M50xBT's sound signature is characterized by its clarity and detail. The highs are crisp, the mids are well-defined, and the bass provides a satisfying thump. This makes the M50xBT suitable for a wide range of music genres, from pop and rock to classical and electronic. The overall sound quality is very impressive for its price. The M50xBT2 improves on this with better overall balance and a more refined sound. The bass response is more accurate, and the highs are smoother, resulting in a more pleasant listening experience. The M50xBT2 also features enhanced codecs, such as the AAC and LDAC codecs, which provide better audio streaming quality over Bluetooth. These codecs allow for higher data transfer rates, resulting in a more detailed and immersive listening experience. Both headphones are equipped with dynamic drivers, which deliver a wide frequency range and excellent sound reproduction. The M50xBT2, with its updated drivers and refined tuning, has a slight edge over the M50xBT in terms of sound quality. The overall listening experience is more enjoyable, thanks to the improved balance and clarity. The M50xBT provides a solid and reliable sound quality, making it a great option for everyday use. However, the M50xBT2 offers a better sound experience with its improved features. Overall, the sound quality of the M50xBT2 is the better choice for those who want a premium listening experience. The changes are subtle, but they make a difference in the overall listening experience. The enhanced drivers and codecs are responsible for the M50xBT2's improved audio performance. This results in a cleaner, more detailed sound that enhances all types of music. The audio improvements make it stand out from its predecessor.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Staying Connected

Wireless headphones are all about convenience, right? Let's see how the Audio-Technica M50xBT and M50xBT2 stack up in terms of battery life and connectivity. The M50xBT offers a respectable battery life, usually providing around 40 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. This should be enough for several days of listening before needing to plug in. The M50xBT2, on the other hand, boasts an impressive 50 hours of battery life. It's a noticeable improvement over its predecessor and allows for even longer listening sessions without worrying about running out of juice.

In terms of connectivity, both headphones use Bluetooth to connect to your devices. They offer a stable and reliable wireless connection, so you don't have to worry about dropouts or interference. The M50xBT supports Bluetooth 5.0, while the M50xBT2 upgrades to Bluetooth 5.0. This allows for a more stable and efficient connection. Both headphones also support multi-device pairing. This allows you to connect to two devices simultaneously. This is a very useful feature for those who use multiple devices throughout the day. The charging is done via a USB-C port, which is a modern and convenient standard. This is the same for both models. The battery life is a significant improvement in the M50xBT2, which offers 10 hours of additional playtime. This makes the M50xBT2 more convenient for long trips or extended listening sessions. The improved battery life and connectivity make the M50xBT2 a better choice for those who prioritize wireless convenience. They both offer a good experience for daily use. The overall experience is very easy to use and provides good battery life. The Bluetooth connectivity is improved in the newer version, making it more stable and efficient.

Features and Functionality: More Than Just Sound

Beyond the core features, let's explore what else these headphones have to offer. Both the Audio-Technica M50xBT and M50xBT2 come with built-in microphones for making calls and accessing voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant. The M50xBT has a standard set of controls on the earcups for playback and volume adjustments. The M50xBT2 introduces a few enhancements, including improved microphone performance for clearer calls and a more intuitive button layout.

Both headphones also include a detachable audio cable, allowing you to use them in wired mode if the battery dies or if you want a more direct connection. The inclusion of a carrying pouch is another nice touch, protecting the headphones when you're on the go. The M50xBT2 also features a low-latency mode, which reduces audio delay. This is great for gaming and watching videos. The built-in microphones work well in both models. The voice assistant integration works seamlessly with the M50xBT2 having more improvements. The button layout is more intuitive and easy to use. The wired mode is a good option when you are in a low battery situation. Overall, the features and functionality of both headphones are very good and offer good user experience. The low-latency mode is a great addition for gamers. The added features in the M50xBT2 make it a better overall package. Both headphones are equipped with high-quality microphones that provide clear voice transmission. The buttons are also well-placed and responsive. The M50xBT2 also allows for easy access to various controls, enhancing usability. The inclusion of a carrying pouch is a nice addition, protecting the headphones during storage and travel. Both headphones offer a good balance of features, which makes them very versatile.

Value for Money: Which One Gives You the Best Bang for Your Buck?

So, the million-dollar question: which headphone offers the best value for your money? The Audio-Technica M50xBT is often available at a slightly lower price point than the M50xBT2. It still offers excellent sound quality, a comfortable design, and reliable Bluetooth connectivity. If you're on a budget and want a great pair of wireless headphones, the M50xBT is an excellent choice.

The M50xBT2, while being a bit more expensive, justifies its price with its enhanced audio performance, extended battery life, and improved features. If you prioritize the best possible sound quality, longer battery life, and the latest technology, the M50xBT2 is the better investment. Considering the overall improvements, the M50xBT2 offers a better value proposition for most users. It provides a more refined listening experience, increased battery life, and enhanced features. The price difference between the two models isn't that substantial. Considering the improved performance, the M50xBT2 is a worthwhile upgrade. If you don't mind spending a little extra, the M50xBT2 offers a significant upgrade in terms of performance and features. Both headphones provide excellent value for their price. Choosing between them depends on your budget and preferences. The M50xBT2's enhanced audio quality and extended battery life make it the better value. The M50xBT is a great option as well, especially if budget is a concern. The overall value provided by both models is very impressive.

Final Verdict: Which Headphones Should You Choose?

Alright, guys, here's the lowdown. Both the Audio-Technica M50xBT and M50xBT2 are fantastic headphones. They both deliver exceptional sound quality, comfort, and wireless convenience. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option without sacrificing too much in terms of sound quality and features, the M50xBT is still a solid choice. You'll get a great listening experience.

However, if you're willing to spend a bit more, the M50xBT2 is the winner. The improved audio performance, extended battery life, and enhanced features make it the better overall package. The difference is noticeable, and it elevates the listening experience to a new level. The M50xBT2 is the superior choice for those who demand the best possible audio quality. It provides an overall better user experience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and budget. Both are excellent choices, so you can't go wrong with either. If you prioritize value for money, the M50xBT is a solid contender. If you prioritize the best possible sound quality and extended features, the M50xBT2 is a worthy investment. Consider what's most important to you, and choose the pair that best fits your needs. The choice comes down to personal preferences. The M50xBT2 is the better overall option, thanks to its refinements. Either way, you'll be enjoying great music.