Right off the bat, I want to let you know that this is not an AI review of these products. The author (Bennetts Dad) owns both of these products and have purchased them outright without any sponsorships by these brands.
If you are splitting hairs between which one you should get, read on…
I ordered both products from Amazon. I’ve been a long time Audio-Technica fan and have had all versions of the ATH-M50 amongst other models. I am also an Apple fan, having used the AirPods Pro, so I’ve been torn on which one to get, so I just got both.
Now with both products in hand, I can give you the facts, my opinion and hopefully help you on deciding which one to purchase.
On with the review…
Comfort
As much as I love my ATH-M50xBT2, when I purchased the Apple AirPods Max and put them on, it fit like a glove. The fabric on the head band provides a nice cushion. It’s not like other headphones where you have to make sure the headband is on right.
Because the ear pads are fabric on the AirPods Max, it allows your ears to keep cool and comfortable even when outdoors.
The ATH-M50xBT2 have some break in time or will just take a bit for your head to adjust to it. Being that the ear pads are vinyl on the ATH-M50xBT2, it may feel a bit uncomfortable if you sweat a lot. This will also affect its durability which I explain further down in the article.
AirPods Max for the WIN here
Battery Life
The AirPods Max provides you with 20 hours of listening time where as the ATH-M50xBT2 will give you more than double that for a total of 50 hours.
Depending on the power source, both the AirPods Max and ATH-M50xBT2 will give you 1.5 hours of listening after charging for 5 minutes.
Connectivity
Both sets of cans work with a device that has Bluetooth Version 5.0.
The ATH-M50xBT2 includes an optional headphone cable that you an easily connect to your walkman or other analog devices.
In order to get analog sound to work with the AirPods Max, you will need a series of adapters.
ATH-M50xBT2 for the WIN here
Design
The AirPods Max has a very modern and sleek design and feels solid in your hands. It comes with a magnetic case to protect it while it is charging. The ear pads are also easily replaceable as it snaps in with magnets. (photo below)
The ATH-M50xBT2 has a very classic and bulky design and has a lightweight fragile plastic feel. It’s also collapsible and will fit in its. The ear pads are replaceable but takes some technique. (photo below)
AirPods Max has the edge for the WIN here.
Durability
Since I’ve been an owner of the ATH-M50 from its inception, I’m well aware of its durability especially in warm and humid environments. Within a few years, the vinyl will start to peel. Although you are able to replace the ear pads, you can’t replace the head band.
If you drop either, it will get dinged up and I’m not willing to sacrifice my babies for your viewing pleasure.
AirPods Max for the WIN Here
Features
When using an Apple product, the AirPods Max software allows you to use Noise Cancellation or Transparency. Noise Cancellation suppresses ambient sound so you can focus what you are listening to. Transparency allows the headset to act as if it were Open-Backed headphones. What that means is that it allows you to hear ambient sound, around you, as you listen to your music or audiobook.
Noise Cancellation is great for tuning out your spouse. I’m just joking!
We can’t forget the Spatial Audio feature. In my honest opinion, it’s a little better than surround sound but most music, videos and games are already mastered to have something very similar during playback.
Just a reminder that these features are only available when using the AirPods Max with an Apple product.
The ATH-M50xBT2 is a Closed-Back headphones. That means that the ambient noise is as suppressed as much as the ear pads keep the noise out.
The A-T Connect app is available on Google Play and iOS App Store. A couple of the features available on this app is a parametric equalizer and low latency mode.
I’ll have to flip a coin on this one. To some, that noise suppression might be important. 😂
Environment
If you value a brands impact on the environment, Apple claims that its AirPods Max are Brominated flame retardant, PVC, Beryllium and Mercury Free.
Audio-Technica makes no environmental claims.
Mother Earth WINS.
Sound Quality
Surprisingly the AirPods Max performed better than I thought. The bass wasn’t as deep as the ATH-M50xBT2 but only very slightly.
The Midrange on the AirPods Max sounded a little clearer and crispier than the ATH-M50xBT2.
As far as the highs, I couldn’t discern the difference.
They both sounded great while playing PUBG.
The ATH-M50xBT2 has 45mm drivers and the AirPods Max has 40mm drivers. Is this a case where size doesn’t matter?
I’ll call it a Draw.
Price Point
The elephant in the room…
These are both highly sought after headphones that often go on sale.
MSRP for the Apple AirPods Max is $549.00
MSRP for the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is $199.00
ATH-M50xBT2 for the WIN. You could subscribe to Amazon Music or Audible Premium Plus with the extra money.
Wrap up
If you are all about Apple products, and you want to flaunt it, then you already know your answer. No one is gonna question your loyalty. If you love the earth, then it’s gonna be the Apple AirPods Max. Apple makes awesome products.
If you’d like to use your headset with audio components that still use analog signals and want to save a bit of moolah, then the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is for you.
You can’t go wrong with either.
