Head to head · for music listening
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO
More people recommend the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x overall (99 vs 75). None of the 26 comments that name both says outright which one to buy, so read the loves and complaints and decide by taste.
- Comments naming both
- 26
- Say they own both
- 4
- Choose the ATH-M50x
- 0
- Choose the DT 990 PRO
- 0
Counted across 15 review videos, harvested Sep 2026. A comment counts as a choice only when it says so in plain words (prefer X over Y, upgraded from Y to X); questions never count. Quotes are whole sentences of 12 words or fewer, linked to where they were said. How we count.
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $159cheaper | $200 |
| Overall rank | #5higher | #8 |
| People who recommend it | 99more | 75 |
| Say they own it | 172more | 112 |
| Mentions | 922more | 775 |
| Type | closed-back wired | open-back wired |
| Known for | Closed-backPortableBass | Open-backBass and trebleBuilt to last |
| Best for | A tough, portable closed headphone for people who want bass and will use it on the move. | Big, spacious sound on a budget for people who like sparkle and do not mind an amp. |
| Buy | Amazon · $159 | Amazon · $200Direct |
#5 overall
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
6 of the 26 comments naming both come from people who say they own this one.
What owners love
- Very durable; several owners report five-plus years of daily use
- Punchy bass and clarity; good for casual listening as well as recording
- Folds, detachable cable, easy to drive from a phone
The complaints
- Narrow, cramped soundstage compared with open-backs
- Some find it bass-heavy or overpriced for what it is
- Ear pads and the small hinge tab wear out and need replacing
In their words
“I got the M50x’s and love the sound, but they’re uncomfortable af”
A commenter under Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro | Why I Decided To Switch... (Audio University) · Dec 2021
“I've been using the M50x for awhile, and I really love them”
A commenter under Best Headphones for Music Production, Mixing, Tracking (Sanjay C) · Oct 2023
“I use the ATH-M50x headphones and simply LOVE them”
A commenter under Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro | Why I Decided To Switch... (Audio University) · Dec 2021
#8 overall
Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO (250 ohm)
4 of the 26 comments naming both come from people who say they own this one.
What owners love
- Wide, open soundstage with sharp imaging; owners who came from gaming headsets call it a revelation
- Very comfortable velour pads; owners keep them for 5-7 years
- Built like the DT 770 and repairable: pads, headband and cable are replaceable
The complaints
- The treble: bright to sharp, the most repeated complaint of any Beyer; some EQ it down
- Bass is present but not deep
- 250 ohm version wants an amp; the Pro X or 80 ohm editions are easier to drive
- US service and repair experiences are poor
In their words
“I have had the dt990 for like 10 years and love them”
A commenter under Watch this BEFORE buying DT990 Pro! (The Headphone Show) · Aug 2022
“I love my pair of beyerdynamic DT 990”
A commenter under Best Headphones for Music Production, Mixing, Tracking (Sanjay C) · Oct 2023
“The DT990 pro is my favorite headphone for acoustic music like bluegrass”
A commenter under DT990 Pro vs DT770 Pro - Which one should you get? (Andrew Dandrew) · May 2021
More comparisons
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- Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO vs DT 990 PRO