Best Headphones for Music
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

#4 overall · closed-back wired

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

A tough, portable closed headphone for people who want bass and will use it on the move.

Closed-backPortableBassUnder $200
People recommending
102
Say they own it
159
Mentions
925
Posts read
5,634
Check price on Amazon · $159
Own these? Vote

Typical price, checked Sep 2026.

Why people like it

  • 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

What owners complain about

  • 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

Where opinions split: It was so over-recommended for years that there is now a backlash; owners still like it, purists say spend the money on an open-back.

The 19 sources

Owner = the person says they use it. Recommendation = passed on without saying so. Dates are when the thread or video was posted.

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