Head to head · for music listening
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Philips SHP9500
More people recommend the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x overall (102 vs 46). 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
- 1
- Choose the ATH-M50x
- 0
- Choose the SHP9500
- 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 | $159 | $80cheaper |
| Overall rank | #4higher | #9 |
| People who recommend it | 102more | 46 |
| Say they own it | 159more | 52 |
| Mentions | 925more | 449 |
| Type | closed-back wired | open-back wired |
| Known for | Closed-backPortableBass | First open-backSpaceNo amp |
| Best for | A tough, portable closed headphone for people who want bass and will use it on the move. | First open-back headphone for someone who wants space and clarity on a tight budget. |
| Buy | Amazon · $159 | Amazon · $80 |
People who mention both, in their own words
“BTW I have the dt 880's,Superlux 668B,M50x,Shp9500,mk3”
Owns bothA commenter under Z Review - Hifiman HE1000 (Can you hear God with these?) (Z Reviews) · Dec 2016
#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
#9 overall
Philips SHP9500
2 of the 12 comments naming both come from people who say they own this one.
What owners love
- The go-to open-back under $100 for years; wide, spacious sound
- One AudioKarma owner says it gets close to the Sennheiser HD 58X for a third of the price
- Comfortable and light; detachable cable
The complaints
- Bass is light; several people call it weak in the low end
- Treble can be a little sharp for some
- Big, plain plastic build with large L/R markings
In their words
“I've got the Philips SHP9500 and I can definitely recommend”
A commenter under 3 Best Headphones Under $100 (Joshua Valour) · May 2018
“Very Happy with SHP9500 another Great Budget Buy recommendation from Z reviews”
A commenter under 🟥Philips SHP9500 (AKA F'n Amazeballs) (Z Reviews) · Sep 2015
“I still love my SHP9500 with V-Moda mic”
A commenter under What GAMING Headphones AUDIOPHILES Use: 2024 Update! (BadSeed Tech) · Jun 2024