Head to head · for music listening
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs HIFIMAN Sundara
More people recommend the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x overall (102 vs 80). None of the 12 comments that name both says outright which one to buy, so read the loves and complaints and decide by taste.
- Comments naming both
- 12
- Say they own both
- 0
- Choose the ATH-M50x
- 0
- Choose the Sundara
- 0
Counted across 9 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 | $179 |
| Overall rank | #4higher | #6 |
| People who recommend it | 102more | 80 |
| Say they own it | 159more | 115 |
| Mentions | 925more | 831 |
| Type | closed-back wired | open-back planar wired |
| Known for | Closed-backPortableBass | Planar detailHomeAmp helps |
| Best for | A tough, portable closed headphone for people who want bass and will use it on the move. | Best planar-magnetic sound under $200 for someone who already has, or will buy, a small desktop amp. |
| Buy | Amazon · $159 | Amazon · $179 |
#4 overall
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
2 of the 12 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 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
“I got a pair of m50x's recently, and I love them”
A commenter under Beats Pro vs Audio Technica ATH-M50! (Marques Brownlee) · Feb 2012
#6 overall
HIFIMAN Sundara
1 of the 12 comments naming both come from people who say they own this one.
What owners love
- Planar speed and detail that people say is unmatched at the price
- Good soundstage and imaging; responds well to EQ
- Frequently on sale or open-box direct from HIFIMAN, which is how many owners bought it
- Comfortable and clean; several owners say they stopped shopping after buying it
The complaints
- Needs a proper amp or DAC/amp; weak from a phone
- Older units had driver failures and some people call HIFIMAN build and quality control poor
- Tuning takes getting used to; a couple of listeners simply do not like planars
In their words
“I bought the Sundara on your recommendations and really love it”
A commenter under Sundara v 660S v 1990 (Under $500 Headphone Comparison) (Joshua Valour) · Feb 2020
“I got my Sundaras at a crazy price, and I love them”
A commenter under The Best Deal in Audio... Period. (Joshua Valour) · Nov 2024
“I use the sundaras and i would recommend them”
A commenter under Why Do All Streamers Use These Headphones? (Dagwummy) · Jul 2023
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- Sennheiser HD 650 vs HIFIMAN Sundara
- Sennheiser HD 600 vs HIFIMAN Sundara
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