Hey music lovers! Ever found yourself staring at two sets of headphones, both promising sonic bliss, and thinking, "Which one is the best for me?" Well, if you're looking at the Audio-Technica M50xBT and the M50xBT2, you're in the right place! These headphones have earned a reputation for their studio-quality sound, and it's easy to see why. I'm going to break down the key differences between these two headphone titans. We'll explore the design, features, performance, and overall value. By the end, you'll be armed with the knowledge to make an informed decision on which pair best suits your listening needs.

Audio-Technica M50xBT: The Original Wireless Wonder

Let's start with the OG, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT. These headphones were a game-changer when they hit the scene, bringing the legendary sound of the M50x studio headphones to the wireless world. The M50xBT is beloved for its balanced audio profile, which makes it a great choice for various music genres. They offer a comfortable over-ear design. The original M50xBT's portability and ease of use were big selling points. The M50xBT were designed with portability in mind, featuring a foldable design, making it easier to stash them in a bag or backpack.

The original M50xBT headphones have a closed-back design which helps isolate outside noise, which is great for enjoying your music without distractions, whether you're commuting, working in a noisy environment, or just trying to tune out the world. The M50xBT headphones are well-built, with durable materials, and the earcups and headband are designed for comfort during long listening sessions. These headphones are also known for their long battery life, so you can enjoy hours of uninterrupted music. The initial release of the M50xBT was a huge success, thanks to the combination of excellent sound quality, wireless convenience, and a reasonable price. The M50xBT set a high bar for wireless headphones, attracting a loyal following among audiophiles and casual listeners alike. The M50xBT headphones come with a built-in microphone for phone calls and voice assistants. The simple and intuitive controls on the earcups make it easy to manage music playback, adjust the volume, and answer calls.

Now, the M50xBT is not without its flaws. The original model had a few areas where it could be improved, which the second version later addressed. The M50xBT used an older version of Bluetooth, which could occasionally lead to connection issues in crowded areas. While the sound quality was excellent, some users wanted more advanced features like active noise cancellation. The original model also had a few minor design choices that could be better, but overall, it's a solid offering for its time.

Key Features of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT:

• Studio-Quality Sound: Delivers a balanced and detailed audio profile.
• Wireless Connectivity: Provides the freedom of Bluetooth.
• Comfortable Design: Features over-ear earcups and a comfortable headband.
• Foldable and Portable: Easy to carry around.
• Built-in Microphone: For calls and voice assistants.

Audio-Technica M50xBT2: The Refined Successor

Alright, let's turn our attention to the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2. Audio-Technica listened to its fans and took the best parts of the M50xBT and made some smart upgrades. The M50xBT2 takes everything that made the original great and enhances it. The M50xBT2 sports a refreshed design and better build quality. The most significant upgrade is the enhanced Bluetooth 5.0, offering a more stable and reliable connection. The second-generation headphones improve on the original's strengths by fine-tuning the sound.

The M50xBT2 boasts a longer battery life compared to its predecessor, allowing you to enjoy your music for even longer before needing a recharge. One of the main areas where Audio-Technica has been working on is the improvement of the overall user experience. The M50xBT2 is equipped with an improved built-in microphone, which provides clearer and more natural voice quality for calls and voice assistant commands. The M50xBT2, thanks to its enhancements, is a better overall package for those who want a reliable and high-quality wireless headphone experience. The M50xBT2 does not offer active noise cancellation.

The M50xBT2 is a worthy successor, addressing some of the shortcomings of the original while maintaining its core strengths. Audio-Technica has truly refined the headphone experience with the M50xBT2, making it a strong contender in the wireless headphone market. The headphones include a USB-C charging port, a welcome upgrade that enables faster charging and compatibility with modern devices. The M50xBT2 has a dedicated app that gives users more control over their listening experience. Overall, it's a great choice for music lovers looking for a step up in sound and features.

Key Features of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2:

• Upgraded Bluetooth 5.0: For a more stable connection.
• Improved Sound Quality: Refined audio performance.
• Longer Battery Life: Extends listening time.
• Enhanced Microphone: For clearer calls.
• USB-C Charging: For modern convenience.

Design and Comfort: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of the design and comfort. Both the M50xBT and M50xBT2 share a similar over-ear design, which means they fully enclose your ears. This design helps with sound isolation. The earcups are designed to be comfortable even during long listening sessions. However, the M50xBT2 offers some subtle refinements in this area. Audio-Technica has adjusted the padding and the materials to make them even more comfortable. The M50xBT2 feels slightly lighter, which also improves the overall comfort level.

The build quality is very good on both models, but the M50xBT2 feels a bit more robust, with some upgraded materials. Both headphones have a foldable design, which is super convenient for portability. You can easily fold them up and store them in a bag or backpack. The controls on the earcups are similar. They let you control music playback, adjust the volume, and answer calls. They are intuitive and easy to use. The design of the M50xBT2 has been slightly refined, with a cleaner look. The M50xBT2 is a great choice for those who value both style and comfort.

Sound Quality Showdown: What to Expect

Sound quality is where these headphones really shine. Both models are known for their studio-quality sound, but there are some nuances. The original M50xBT delivers a balanced and detailed sound profile. It's a great choice for all kinds of music genres. The bass is punchy, the mids are clear, and the highs are crisp. The M50xBT2 builds on this foundation. Audio-Technica has tweaked the drivers to refine the sound quality further. The M50xBT2 provides a slightly more refined and accurate sound. The bass is tight, the mids are detailed, and the highs are well-defined.

Both headphones excel in sound isolation. The closed-back design of both models helps to block out external noise, allowing you to enjoy your music without distractions. However, neither model has active noise cancellation (ANC). If you need ANC, you'll need to look at other headphone options. The overall sound quality is great on both headphones. The M50xBT2 offers a slight edge, thanks to its refined sound signature. The sound experience is also customizable with the help of the dedicated app, enabling users to fine-tune the sound profile to their preference.

Features and Functionality: Wireless Freedom and Beyond

Let's discuss the features and functionality of these headphones. Both the M50xBT and M50xBT2 are all about wireless freedom, thanks to Bluetooth connectivity. The original M50xBT uses an older version of Bluetooth, which is still functional, but it could sometimes have connection issues in crowded areas. The M50xBT2 upgrades to Bluetooth 5.0. It offers a more stable and reliable connection, which is a big improvement. The M50xBT2 also has a longer battery life compared to the M50xBT. The M50xBT offers a decent battery life, but the M50xBT2 lets you listen for even longer.

Both headphones have built-in microphones for calls and voice assistants. The M50xBT2 comes with an improved microphone, making calls clearer and voice commands easier to understand. The M50xBT2 introduces USB-C charging. It's much more convenient. It enables faster charging and compatibility with modern devices. The M50xBT2 has a dedicated app. The app allows you to customize the sound profile to your liking. In general, the M50xBT2 wins because of its advanced features.

Which Headphones Should You Choose?

So, which headphones are the best for you? Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide:

• Choose the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT if: You're on a budget and want the iconic M50x sound. You want a great pair of headphones for everyday use. You are fine with an older version of Bluetooth. You don't need the latest features, but still want a fantastic listening experience.

• Choose the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 if: You want the best possible sound quality with refined audio performance. You want a more reliable Bluetooth connection and longer battery life. You want the latest features, like USB-C charging and a dedicated app. You don't mind spending a bit more for the upgrades and improvements.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities and budget. Both are great headphones, and you can't go wrong with either. If you want the latest features and the best sound, go for the M50xBT2. If you want to save some money and still enjoy great sound quality, the M50xBT is still a fantastic option.

Conclusion: Making the Right Call

Alright, guys, there you have it! We've covered the key differences between the Audio-Technica M50xBT and the M50xBT2. I hope this detailed comparison helps you decide which headphones are right for you. Both headphones offer a fantastic listening experience. The M50xBT2 has a slight edge over the original M50xBT. Both headphones are a great choice for music lovers and audio enthusiasts looking for a great balance of sound quality, features, and value. The M50xBT2 is a worthy upgrade if you want the best possible experience. Make sure you choose the one that suits your needs and enjoy the music!