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Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Ranked #4 of 6 in Best Closed-Back Studio Headphones for Recording and Mixing (2026). Here is every spec we scored, where it came from, and how it compares.

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#4

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Best for: An all-rounder for recording, mixing and everyday listening

6.7/10

What we like

  • Three detachable cables in the box
  • 45 mm drivers
  • Extended treble to 28 kHz

Watch out for

  • 285 g, among the heavier pairs here

Score breakdown

Low-frequency limit 25%
High-frequency limit 15%
Weight (no cable) 25%
Impedance 20%
Driver size 15%
Low-frequency limit15 Hz
High-frequency limit28 kHz
Weight (no cable)285 g
Impedance38 Ω
Driver size45 mm
TypeClosed-back, dynamic
CablesThree detachable: coiled, 3 m straight, 1.2 m straight
PriceCheck price
Check price at Sweetwater Guitar CenterAmazon
Specs source:

How it compares

Open the full comparison table

AKG K371
9.2/10
#1 · Portable mixing with big drivers and a foldable design
beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO (80 Ω)
7.8/10
#2 · Long sessions where comfort and deep bass matter
Sennheiser HD 280 PRO
6.8/10
#3 · Drummers and loud rooms that need isolation
Sony MDR-7506
6.7/10
#5 · Tracking vocals and editing on a budget
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
6.6/10
#6 · A lighter, simpler sibling of the M50x