Audio-Technica ATH-M50XBT2 Review – Powerful And Functional

The original Audia-Technica ATH-M50xBT was a firm favorite. It offered great sound quality in an attractive and reasonably priced package. With the release of the latest model, I was eager to explore what Audio-Technica had improved. In this review, we take a deep dive and see what the ATH-M50xBT2 has to offer.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is a solid pair of headphones that can pull double duty. A great set for DJing but equally impressive for general listening. Below are the highlights before we get into the details.

Features

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is one of the best wireless DJ headphones. Plenty of useful features along with good accessories. Let’s get to the nitty-gritty of what these headphones have to offer.

Sound Quality 

The first thing that jumped out at me with the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is the change to the sound profile. The previous model resembled the ATH-M50x with its rich and punchy low-end response. As a fan of bass-heavy music, it’s a satisfying pair of headphones. Well suited to DJing. In contrast, the ATH-M50xBT2 offers a more balanced response. There is still some colorization but not as pronounced as the regular ATH-M50x or the previous ATH-B50xBT.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 delivers excellent sound quality even via Bluetooth.

The highs and mids offer the same warmth and precision as the previous models. Instrumentals and vocals are clear and precise with a decent sound stage. There is a little brightness in the top end. Imaging is also impressive.

The lows are not as forward but still deliver a decent amount of kick. Not over-emphasized which is ideal for music that isn’t bass-heavy. Impressively the quality of the audio is great both wired and over Bluetooth. This is something that many Bluetooth headphones struggle with.

One of the appealing aspects of the ATH-M50xBT2 is the ability to sculpt the sound to your liking. You simply pair it with a device and can make adjustments via the companion app.

The app is a real highlight with a wide range of features. The 5-band EQ is perfect for precise control. But for quick changes, the included presets are also effective. V-shaped and Bass Boost help morph the sound profile for a more colored listening experience.

Customizable but also great out of the box the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is a good step up from the previous generation.

Comfort 

The comfort level of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is another strong feature. The ear padding is soft and doesn’t promote excessive sweating. Heat build-up is always going to be an issue with closed-back headphones. But the M50xBT2 does a good job of keeping it manageable.

Soft earpads and plush headband offer a comfortable fit.

The headband is equally comfortable. Plush and durable it allows for the headphones to rest comfortably on your head. There is a decent amount of clamping force but not to the point of discomfort. Just enough to ensure a stable fit. For a fairly large set of headphones, the ATH-M50xBT2 manages to be very comfortable for long listening sessions.

Design 

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is an attractive set of headphones. The all-black design is classy and modern. The silver accents and recessed logo give it a nice profile. But they are large, if you prefer your headphones to be more discreet you’ll need to look elsewhere. Occasionally Audio-Technica does offer their M series in limited edition colors. If you like a bit more pizzaz it may be worth keeping an eye out for these models.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is packed with features.

Beyond aesthetics, the ATH-M50xBT2 offers an impressive list of functional design decisions. It offers an included microphone that delivers good sound quality. Clear and precise and suitable for basic recording tasks. It also does a good job of blocking out most ambient noise. Though it still struggles in louder environments. 

The variety of controls are easy to use. You’ll have access to volume control, the ability to pick up and end calls, skip and skim through music, and access to a voice assistant. 

Bluetooth connectivity is also excellent. The range is solid and there are no dropouts. Pairing is also quick and easy. This latest model also supports multi-device pairing which is a welcome change. I feel this should be standard considering how many Bluetooth-capable devices there are in most homes. Latency is also very low making these a reasonable candidate for gaming. Be warned however that these do not offer microphone support for Xbox or Playstation. 

The simple-to-use controls give you access to a wide array of functions.

Battery life is another highlight. Up to 50hrs from a single charge dependant on volume levels and codecs. Impressive length and perfect for trips away. Quick charging is also present for when you need a quick initial burst to keep you going. A full charge takes about three and a half hours. My only complaint is the short length of the charging cable. It’s a trend I’ve seen across numerous devices in recent years.

These headphones also offer all the usual perks that you’d find in DJ headphones. A collapsible design for transport and swiveling ear cups round out a solid package. Isolation is also good for a set of headphones without dedicated noise-canceling functionality.

Attractive and packed with features the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 ticks a lot of boxes.

Durability 

The build quality of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is also above average. Solid plastic that can handle some rough and tumble. The headband retains some flexibility without any excessive creaking. Connection points are solid and the hinges are also durable. There are also no exposed wires present. 

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is collapsible and durable.

Component quality is also high. The 45mm drivers offer rare-earth neodymium magnets. Complimenting this are copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils. The detachable straight cable is long and robust but doesn’t offer a locking mechanism like is present on the ATH-M50x.

Value 

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is reasonably priced. It is only a small jump up compared to the M50x. So if Bluetooth is important to you it makes sense to spend that little bit extra. When you consider the component quality and feature set, the ATH-M50xBT2 is excellent value.

You’ll also find an included carry pouch which is great for storage. It also helps protect the headphones from knicks and scratches. Unlike the M50x you’ll only find one cable in the package. I would have liked to see a second cable. But considering the extra features and the nominal price increase, it’s understandable that an extra one is not present.

Customer Reviews

The Audio-Technica M50xBT2 is very new so there are minimal reviews available. But early feedback is promising. If you are a fan of the previous model or the M series from Audio-Technica it is highly likely you’ll love this new model.

The Power Of Fast Charging

Battery life is one of the most crucial features when exploring Bluetooth headphones. These headphones inspire you to go cord-free whenever possible. And when you do that you don’t want to have to be constantly worrying about them running out of juice. We have all been there where our devices run out of battery at the most inopportune time.

Battery life is one of the most important features of Bluetooth headphones.

Long battery life also allows you to not have to charge your headphones as frequently. This is great for extended trips away or long commutes. But where possible you should look for an extra feature that is becoming increasingly popular.

Fast charging. This allows you to rapidly charge up your headphones up to a certain level in a short amount of time. The ATH-M50xBT2 features rapid charge via the USB-C connection. With just 10 minutes of charging you can enjoy up to 3hrs of use.

This type of charging technology is perfect for quick top-ups. It’s also great if you happen to be like me and forget to charge your devices!

Other Options

Bluetooth headphones that can pull double duty as DJ headphones are growing in demand. Here is a selection of other high-quality Bluetooth headphones worth considering.

V-Moda Crossfade 3 Review

The Crossfade series from V-Moda is another excellent set of Bluetooth DJ headphones. Solid sound output and durable components. The sound quality is also fantastic with plenty of low-end thump.

• A good level of passive sound isolation allows you to enjoy your music or prepare your mix.
• Ultra-comfortable making these suitable for long listening sessions.
• These headphones are substantially more expensive than the M50xBT2.

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Review

If you have more to spend and would like Active Noise Cancellation the Momentum 4 from Sennheiser is a perfect choice. Fantastic in a studio setting and for on-the-go listening.

• Excellent audio quality that is loud, accurate, and clear.
• Slick and classy styling with intuitive controls. Also available in white.
• These headphones don’t fully collapse like the ATH-M50xBT2.

Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT Review

If the price tag of the ATH-M50xBT2 is a little high for your liking the ATH-M20xBT is an affordable alternative. It might not be as refined as its bigger sibling but it offers superb value for money.

• A warm and generous sound profile that is fatigue-free.
• Excellent Bluetooth functionality including low latency mode.
• The build quality is not as good as the ATH-M50xBT2.

Should You Buy?

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is a worthy successor to the previous model. Functional and practical improvements across the board make it an enticing option. High build quality, excellent sound profile, and detailed app functionality. Battery life is also massive. All this at a reasonable price point makes the ATH-M50xBT2 one of the best Bluetooth DJ headphones available today.