Hey everyone, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of two awesome headphones from Audio-Technica: the ATH-M50xBT and its upgraded sibling, the ATH-M50xBT2. If you're on the hunt for a great pair of wireless over-ear headphones, chances are you've come across these two. Both are stellar choices, known for their fantastic sound quality, comfort, and cool features. But, like, what's the real difference? Which one should you actually spend your hard-earned cash on? We'll break it all down, covering everything from audio performance to battery life, design, and extra features. By the end of this, you'll be a total pro and know exactly which pair of these headphones is the best fit for you! So, grab your favorite drink, kick back, and let's get started. We're gonna get down to the nitty-gritty and help you make a decision you won't regret!

Audio Quality Showdown: Sound Check

Alright, first things first: let's talk about the most important thing – the sound! After all, that's the whole point, right? Both the M50xBT and M50xBT2 are built upon the legendary M50x studio headphones, known for their accurate and detailed sound. However, the M50xBT2 brings some key improvements to the table. The M50xBT delivers a really solid sound signature, known for its balanced audio with a slight emphasis on the bass, which is something a lot of people dig. The mids and highs are well-defined, and the overall soundstage is decent for closed-back headphones. This means you get a good sense of where the instruments and vocals are in the mix. They're great for listening to pretty much any genre, from pop and rock to hip-hop and electronic music. You won't be disappointed by the sound quality of the original M50xBT. But hold on, the M50xBT2 takes it up a notch. Audio-Technica has tweaked the drivers and improved the acoustic design, resulting in even better sound quality. The M50xBT2 offers even better clarity, with more refined highs and a tighter bass response. The soundstage feels a bit wider and more immersive, allowing you to get even more involved with your music. This means you'll hear more detail, from the subtle nuances of a guitar riff to the crispness of a vocal performance. The M50xBT2 also supports higher-quality audio codecs, like aptX, which can transmit audio wirelessly with minimal loss of quality. The M50xBT2 is the clear winner when it comes to raw sound quality. The improved drivers and design provide a more refined and enjoyable listening experience.

Now, let's talk about the technical aspects, such as frequency response. Frequency response is a measurement of the range of frequencies that a headphone can reproduce. A wider frequency response generally means the headphones can reproduce a wider range of sounds, from deep bass to high-pitched treble. Both headphones offer a pretty solid frequency response, covering a wide range of audio. However, the M50xBT2 might have a slight edge in terms of accuracy and detail. The M50xBT2 has a refined sound signature, with improved clarity and a more precise bass response. This means you'll hear even more detail in your music, from the subtle nuances of a guitar riff to the crispness of a vocal performance. You might notice the difference most when listening to complex tracks with a lot of instruments and vocal layers. Overall, when it comes to audio quality, the M50xBT2 is the winner. The improved drivers and acoustic design provide a more refined and immersive listening experience. It's really the better option if you want the best possible sound quality.

Design and Comfort: Looks and Feels

Moving on to the design and comfort, let's see how these headphones stack up in terms of looks, feel, and usability. The M50xBT and M50xBT2 share a very similar design, both taking after the iconic M50x studio headphones. They have a classic, over-ear design with a foldable construction, making them pretty easy to store and transport. The earcups swivel, which is great for adjusting to different head shapes and for a better fit. Both models are primarily made of plastic, which helps keep the weight down, making them comfortable for longer listening sessions. The headband and earcups are well-padded, providing a comfortable fit, even if you wear them for hours. But, here's where the M50xBT2 makes some notable improvements. Audio-Technica has slightly tweaked the materials and construction, leading to a more premium feel. While the M50xBT feels great, the M50xBT2 feels slightly more refined. The earcups and headband might have been given a more premium touch, making the headphones more comfy to wear. The M50xBT2 might also offer some minor improvements in terms of how the earcups seal around the ears, which can help with sound isolation and overall comfort. Both the M50xBT and the M50xBT2 are comfortable headphones, but the M50xBT2 might have a slight edge when it comes to the overall feel and build quality. It's just a little bit more refined. This means it may be a bit more comfortable for those extra-long listening sessions. The subtle changes in material and construction make a difference in terms of the overall experience. Plus, both headphones have a foldable design, which is super convenient for storage and travel. You can easily fold them up and toss them in a bag without taking up too much space. The earcups also swivel, which makes it easier to adjust them for a perfect fit.

Now, let's talk about the practical aspects of the design. Both headphones have physical buttons for controlling music playback, answering calls, and adjusting the volume. The button placement is similar on both models, and they're easy to access, so you don't have to fumble around while you're listening to your music. The M50xBT2 might have made some slight improvements to the button layout. Another important aspect of the design is the overall weight. Both headphones are relatively lightweight, which contributes to their comfort. You won't feel like you're wearing a heavy brick on your head, even after a few hours. The lightweight design is a major plus, especially if you plan to use these headphones for travel or long listening sessions. Both the M50xBT and the M50xBT2 also come with a carrying pouch, which helps protect them when you're on the go. The pouch is a simple but useful accessory. They both come with a detachable cable that you can use to connect them to your device if you run out of battery. It is always a good feature. Overall, when it comes to design and comfort, both the M50xBT and M50xBT2 are winners. However, the M50xBT2 has a slight edge because of its slightly more refined build and possible comfort enhancements. It offers a more premium feel and may be slightly more comfortable for longer use. But really, you can't go wrong with either pair when it comes to design and comfort.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Staying Connected

Okay, let's talk about how long you can listen to your favorite tunes and how easily you can connect to your devices. Both the M50xBT and M50xBT2 are wireless headphones, so battery life and connectivity are crucial factors to consider. The M50xBT has a solid battery life, offering around 40 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. That's pretty good, meaning you can listen to music for days before needing to plug them in. The M50xBT2 has a significant improvement. It boosts the battery life to around 50 hours on a single charge. That's a serious upgrade, giving you even more listening time and reducing the need to recharge. But it's not just about battery life; it's also about how quickly they charge. Both headphones charge via USB. The charging time is pretty fast on both models. But if you’re always on the go, then the M50xBT2 is the clear winner here, giving you even more listening time on a single charge. But of course, you can always use the included audio cable if the battery dies. So you're not totally out of luck. Now, let's talk about the connection. Both headphones use Bluetooth to connect to your devices. They pair easily with smartphones, tablets, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. The connection is generally stable, but there can be some hiccups from time to time, especially in crowded areas with a lot of wireless interference. The M50xBT2 has made improvements in its Bluetooth connectivity. The M50xBT2 has a more advanced Bluetooth version, which results in a more stable and reliable connection. They also have a more advanced Bluetooth chip that allows for faster pairing and a more reliable connection, reducing dropouts and improving the overall user experience. This means fewer interruptions and a smoother listening experience. Both headphones also support multi-device pairing, which is super convenient. You can connect to two devices simultaneously, like your phone and your laptop, and seamlessly switch between them without having to disconnect and reconnect every time. Overall, when it comes to battery life and connectivity, the M50xBT2 takes the lead. The improved battery life, more stable Bluetooth connection, and faster pairing give it an edge over the original M50xBT. While the M50xBT is a great option, the M50xBT2 offers a more user-friendly and reliable wireless experience. If you prioritize long battery life and a strong, stable Bluetooth connection, the M50xBT2 is the way to go.

Extra Features: What Else Do You Get?

So, besides the core features like sound quality, comfort, and battery life, what else do you get with these headphones? Let's break down the extra features. Both the M50xBT and M50xBT2 have some nice additions that make them even more appealing. Both headphones come with a built-in microphone, which allows you to take calls and use voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant. The microphone quality is pretty good, and you'll be able to have clear conversations. The M50xBT has a voice assistant feature, allowing you to activate your device's voice assistant with a simple button press. The M50xBT2 takes it a step further by including a new feature: Multipoint Pairing. This means you can connect to two devices simultaneously and switch between them seamlessly. Both headphones come with a carrying pouch. The M50xBT2 also includes some upgrades to its built-in microphone system, enhancing voice clarity during calls and voice commands. This means your voice will sound even clearer to the person on the other end, which is a great bonus. The M50xBT2 offers improved voice assistant integration, making it easier to control your music, get information, and more. When comparing these extra features, the M50xBT2 comes out on top. It offers more convenient features like enhanced voice assistant integration and a better microphone system. The improvements make it the better pick if these extra features are a high priority for you. They both come with a detachable cable that you can use to connect them to your device if you run out of battery. It is always a good feature. Both headphones have physical buttons for controlling music playback, answering calls, and adjusting the volume. The button placement is similar on both models, and they're easy to access, so you don't have to fumble around while you're listening to your music.

Price and Value: Weighing the Costs

Alright, let's talk about the most important factor for many of us: the price! The M50xBT and M50xBT2 are both in the mid-range price category, which means they offer a great balance of features and performance for the price. The original M50xBT has been out for a while, so you can often find it at a slightly lower price than the M50xBT2. This makes it an attractive option if you're on a budget. You can usually find the M50xBT at a really competitive price, making it a great value for the money. If you can get it on sale, it's an even better deal. The M50xBT2 typically comes with a slightly higher price tag, reflecting the upgrades and improvements it offers. However, the M50xBT2 often represents excellent value, especially considering the enhancements in sound quality, battery life, and features. The slight increase in price is justifiable considering the improvements. Ultimately, the best value depends on your budget and what you prioritize. If you are on a tight budget, the M50xBT is still an amazing deal, especially if you can find it on sale. But if you're willing to spend a little more for the improved sound quality, battery life, and extra features, then the M50xBT2 is the better value. You get what you pay for. The M50xBT2 offers a more premium experience, making it a great investment for those who value top-notch audio quality and advanced features. You might also want to look at your personal preferences and needs. If you're a casual listener who just wants a good pair of headphones for everyday use, then the M50xBT is a great choice. But if you're an audiophile or someone who demands the best possible sound quality and features, then the M50xBT2 is the better option. Consider how often you'll be using the headphones and whether the additional features of the M50xBT2 are worth the extra cost. For some, the added battery life, improved sound quality, and advanced features will justify the price. For others, the savings offered by the M50xBT will be the deciding factor. Therefore, it is important to consider your own needs and priorities. Whether you choose the M50xBT or the M50xBT2, you're getting a great pair of headphones that offer excellent value for the money. The best value ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget.

Conclusion: Which Headphones Should You Choose?

So, we've covered a lot of ground, guys. Now, it's time to wrap things up and make a final decision! Both the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT and the ATH-M50xBT2 are amazing headphones, and the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for the best possible sound quality, the M50xBT2 is the clear winner. The improvements in the drivers and acoustic design provide a more refined and immersive listening experience. If you prioritize long battery life and a strong, stable Bluetooth connection, the M50xBT2 is the better option. The improved battery life and Bluetooth connectivity make it a more user-friendly and reliable choice. If you're on a tighter budget, the M50xBT is still a fantastic option, especially if you can find it on sale. It offers excellent value for the price and delivers great sound quality. If you want a more refined build, a better microphone system, and advanced features like multipoint pairing, then the M50xBT2 is the way to go. It offers a more premium experience, making it a great choice for those who want the best possible features. When it comes to audio quality, battery life, and features, the M50xBT2 comes out on top. The M50xBT is still an excellent choice, and it's a great option if you're on a budget or if you can find it on sale. No matter which model you choose, you're getting a great pair of headphones that will provide you with hours of listening pleasure. Thanks for reading, and happy listening! I hope this helps you choose the perfect headphones for your needs. Cheers!