Head to head · for music listening
Sennheiser HD 600 vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
More people recommend the Sennheiser HD 600 overall (116 vs 102). None of the 11 comments that name both says outright which one to buy, so read the loves and complaints and decide by taste.
- Comments naming both
- 11
- Say they own both
- 3
- Choose the HD 600
- 0
- Choose the ATH-M50x
- 0
Counted across 11 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 | $300 | $159cheaper |
| Overall rank | #3higher | #4 |
| People who recommend it | 116more | 102 |
| Say they own it | 151 | 159more |
| Mentions | 1,240more | 925 |
| Type | open-back wired | closed-back wired |
| Known for | NeutralVocalsLong sessions | Closed-backPortableBass |
| Best for | The reference headphone for people who care about accurate, fatigue-free music listening. | A tough, portable closed headphone for people who want bass and will use it on the move. |
| Buy | Amazon · $300 | Amazon · $159 |
#3 overall
Sennheiser HD 600
3 of the 11 comments naming both come from people who say they own this one.
What owners love
- The most natural, neutral mid-range people can name; a 25-year reference
- Super comfortable for long sessions
- Timbre and tone that owners call perfect for acoustic, classical and vocals
- Owners who tried many others keep coming back to it
The complaints
- Needs a decent amp to open up; weak from phones and laptops
- Small, intimate soundstage; some call it boring
- Bass does not go deep
In their words
“My favorite headphones are my painted hd600s with a custom matching cable”
A commenter under Crinacle's ULTIMATE Guide to Headphones (crinacle) · Dec 2024
“After trying all other options, we highly recommend the HD 600”
A commenter under Why You SHOULDN'T Buy HD 600... & What To Get Instead (The Headphone Show) · Sep 2025
“I love my HD600 but have to compensate for the weak bass”
A commenter under Almost all headphones are inaccurate. Only these are good. (AP Mastering) · Dec 2024
#4 overall
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
3 of the 11 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