Audio-Technica ATH-M40x vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Last Updated & Fact Checked:  April 18, 2026

Are you trying to decide between the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x?

Product Versus will provide you with all the product details so you can quickly compare the facts to find which product is right for you – the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x or the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x – and find out exactly what the differences are.

Both the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are quality products, so read on to find out which one is best for your needs!

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x quick facts

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x quick facts

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x product details

Bestseller No. 1
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Professional Studio Monitor Headphone, Black, with Cutting Edge Engineering, 90 Degree Swiveling Earcups, Pro-Grade Earpads/Headband, Detachable Cables Included
  • Cutting edge engineering and robust construction
  • 40 millimeter drivers with rare earth magnets and copper clad aluminum wire voice coils
  • Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments
  • 90 degree swiveling earcups for easy, one ear monitoring
  • Professional-grade ear pad and headband material delivers more durability and comfort
Bestseller No. 2
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Professional Monitor Headphones - Black Bundle with Case, Stand, Pouch, and Austin Bazaar Polishing Cloth
  • EXCEPTIONAL SOUND QUALITY: Audio-Technica ATH-M40x features 40 mm drivers, rare earth magnets, and aluminum voice coils for clear, professional-grade sound
  • FLAT FREQUENCY RESPONSE: These headphones provide a flat frequency response to ensure every audio detail is heard accurately, ideal for mixing, mastering, and critical listening
  • CIRCUMAURAL DESIGN: Features an around-ear design for exceptional sound isolation, ensuring clear and focused audio even in noisy environments
  • DETACHABLE CABLES: Comes with both coiled and straight cables, providing versatility and convenience for various listening situations
  • EVERYTHING IN ONE BOX: Austin Bazaar appreciates your purchase by adding necessary accessories; This bundle comes with a case and a pouch so you can keep your headphones safely packed away when you're on the go; Contains a stand to place your headphones, preventing tangling and damage; An Austin Bazaar polishing cloth is included to keep your headphones in mint condition
Bestseller No. 3
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Black
  • Advanced build quality and engineering; Designed for studio tracking and mixing
  • 40 mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper clad aluminum wire voice coils
  • Tuned for enhanced low frequency performance
  • Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments
  • Convenient single side cable exit

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x product details

Bestseller No. 1
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Black, Professional Grade, Critically Acclaimed, with Detachable Cable
  • Critically acclaimed sonic performance praised by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers
  • Proprietary 45 millimeter large aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper clad aluminum wire voice coils
  • Exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with deep, accurate bass response
  • Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments
  • 90 degree swiveling earcups for easy, one ear monitoring, and professional grade earpad and headband material delivers more durability and comfort
Bestseller No. 2
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Professional Studio Monitor Headphone, Black, with Cutting Edge Engineering, 90 Degree Swiveling Earcups, Pro-Grade Earpads/Headband, Detachable Cables Included
  • Cutting edge engineering and robust construction
  • 40 millimeter drivers with rare earth magnets and copper clad aluminum wire voice coils
  • Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments
  • 90 degree swiveling earcups for easy, one ear monitoring
  • Professional-grade ear pad and headband material delivers more durability and comfort
Bestseller No. 3
Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Black
  • Advanced build quality and engineering
  • 40 millimeter drivers with rare earth magnets and copper clad aluminum wire voice coils
  • Tuned for enhanced detail, with excellent mid-range definition
  • Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments
  • Convenient single side cable exit

New products & alternatives to the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

New
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Bronze Wrap
  • Critically acclaimed sonic performance praised by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers
  • Proprietary 45 millimeter large aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper clad aluminum wire voice coils
  • Exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with deep, accurate bass response
  • Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments
  • 90 degree swiveling earcups for easy, one ear monitoring, and professional grade earpad and headband material delivers more durability and comfort
New
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Closed-Back Professional Monitor Headphones (Black) with Hosa Technology 25' Extension Cable, Waith Reusable 6" Cable Ties (5 Colors) & Microfiber Cloth Essential Bundle
  • Audio-Technica Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black): Experience professional audio quality with the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x monitor headphones. Their foldable design and one-ear monitoring capability feature 40mm dynamic drivers for a flat response (15 Hz to 24 kHz) and effective noise isolation. Comfortable swiveling earcups, two detachable cables, and a carrying pouch make them perfect for studio work and daily use.
  • Hosa Technology Stereo Headphone Extension Cable- 25': Experience enhanced audio connectivity with the Hosa Technology MHE-325, a 1/8" TRS female to 1/4" TRS male extension cable. Designed to extend the reach of hard-wired headphones, its coiled design reduces clutter and enhances listening. Key features include Nickel-plated contacts for durability, Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) conductors for improved signal clarity, and an OFC spiral shield for effective EMI and RFI rejection.
  • Waith Reusable Fastening 6" Cable Ties (5 Colors): Transform your cable management with the Waith Reusable Fastening 6" Cable Ties, available in five vibrant colors—red, blue, green, yellow, and black. Made of sturdy fabric with hooks, they offer durability for daily use. Unlike plastic ties, they require no trimming and easily secure large cords without peeling apart under stress, making them perfect for organizing various cables and cords for a neat finish.
  • Waith Microfiber Cleaning Cloth: Constructed from high-quality microfiber fabric that effectively removes dust, fingerprints, and smudges from delicate surfaces without scratching. Includes a convenient storage pouch or bag, allowing you to keep the cloth clean and easily accessible (Colors/Sizes may vary).
  • Bundle Includes: 1 x Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Closed-Back Headphones (Black), 1 x Coiled Cable (3.9 to 9.8'), 1 x Straight Cable (9.8'), 1 x Screw-On Adapter (1/4"), 1 x Carrying Pouch, 1 x Hosa Technology 25' Headphone Cable, 5 x Waith Reusable 6" Cable Ties (Black, Blue, Yellow, Green, Red), 1 x Waith Cleaning Cloth
New
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Black + Microfiber Cleaning Cloth + Headphone Stand + Headphone CASE + Goby Labs Headphone Cleaner 4 fl oz
  • Professional-Grade Sound Precision: Equipped with proprietary 45mm large-aperture dynamic drivers and rare-earth magnets, the ATH-M50x delivers accurate, detailed audio across an extended frequency range of 15 Hz to 28 kHz. This precise tuning offers deep, clear bass and natural mid-to-high frequencies, ideal for studio producers, DJs, and audio engineers seeking true-to-source monitoring without coloration or distortion.
  • Comfortable, Durable Design for Long Sessions: Crafted with premium cushioning on the headband and ear pads, these over-ear headphones provide a secure fit and all-day comfort for extended listening or mixing sessions. The closed-back, circumaural design effectively isolates external noise, allowing focus in noisy environments, while pro-grade materials ensure durability to withstand the demands of daily professional use.
  • Versatile One-Ear Monitoring & Compact Portability: Featuring 90° swiveling earcups, the ATH-M50x offers effortless one-ear monitoring, essential for DJs and podcasters managing live or recorded content. The foldable design, combined with a supplied carrying pouch, makes these headphones highly portable and space-efficient for on-the-go professionals and frequent travelers.
  • Multiple Detachable Cables & Broad Compatibility: The headphones include three detachable single-sided cables—a coiled and two straight—allowing customization for studio, travel, or casual use. Each cable has a gold-plated 3.5mm plug with an included 1/4" screw-on adapter, ensuring seamless connection to a wide range of devices from mobile phones to professional audio interfaces and mixers.
  • Bundle Includes: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Black + Diginerds Microfiber Cleaning Cloth + Headphone stand + HEADPHONE CASE + Goby Labs Headphone Cleaner 4 fl oz
New
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Black (AUD ATHM20X) + Microfiber Cleaning Cloth + Headphone Stand + Headphone CASE + Goby Labs Headphone Cleaner 4 fl oz
  • Precise 40mm Drivers for Clear Sound: Equipped with 40mm dynamic drivers featuring rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum voice coils, the ATH-M20x delivers clear, detailed audio reproduction across a wide frequency range of 15 Hz to 20 kHz. This ensures musicians and content creators can accurately monitor recordings and mixes with reliable sound clarity at an accessible price point.
  • Enhanced Bass Response with Wide Bandwidth: Designed to emphasize bass performance, the ATH-M20x headphones provide a full spectrum of sound from deep lows to crisp highs. Their tuning allows users to hear subtle details and punchy low-end tones, making these headphones ideal for home recording, mixing, and content creation where audio precision matters.
  • Comfortable Over-Ear, Closed-Back Design for Isolation: The circumaural design contours around the ears to isolate external noise, providing a focused listening environment in noisy spaces. This closed-back construction reduces sound bleed, allowing users to concentrate on audio tasks without distractions, perfect for home studios or on-the-go monitoring.
  • Durable Build with Practical Features for Daily Use: Featuring high-quality materials, generous cushioning, and 15° swiveling earcups, the ATH-M20x offers both durability and comfort for long sessions. The single-sided 9.8-foot cable exits from the left earcup and includes a 3.5mm plug plus a 1/4" snap-on adapter, enabling seamless connectivity with a variety of devices from smartphones to professional audio equipment.
  • Bundle Includes: Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Black (AUD ATHM20X) + Diginerds Microfiber Cleaning Cloth + Headphone stand + HEADPHONE CASE + Goby Labs Headphone Cleaner 4 fl oz
New
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black) + Microfiber Cleaning Cloth + Headphone Stand + Headphone CASE + Goby Labs Headphone Cleaner 4 fl oz
  • Professional-Grade Sound Precision: Equipped with 40mm dynamic drivers featuring rare earth neodymium magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils, the ATH-M40x delivers a flat, accurate frequency response from 15 Hz to 24 kHz. This ensures precise sound reproduction across the full audio spectrum, ideal for studio monitoring, mixing, or critical listening where clarity and detail matter most.
  • Comfortable, Durable Design for Extended Use: Designed for long sessions, these over-ear closed-back headphones provide excellent sound isolation while reducing ear fatigue. With pro-grade cushioning on both the headband and earpads, plus a robust foldable frame, they combine durability with comfort. The 90° swiveling earcups support one-ear monitoring, making them perfect for DJs and audio professionals on the move.
  • Versatile Connectivity with Detachable Cables: Two detachable, single-sided cables come included: a coiled 3.9 to 9.8-foot cable for studio flexibility and a straight 9.8-foot cable for mobile or desktop use. Both feature gold-plated 3.5mm mini plugs and a 1/4" screw-on adapter, providing seamless compatibility with mobile devices, audio interfaces, mixers, and headphone amplifiers, expanding usability across environments.
  • Travel-Friendly and Easy Storage: The ATH-M40x headphones fold neatly to reduce bulk and fit securely in the included carrying pouch, protecting your investment while traveling. Their foldable, compact design combined with durable construction makes them an ideal choice for location recording, DJ gigs, or daily listening, delivering pro-level performance wherever you go.
  • Bundle Includes: Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black) + Diginerds Microfiber Cleaning Cloth + Headphone stand + HEADPHONE CASE + Goby Labs Headphone Cleaner 4 fl oz

Our conclusion on the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Both the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are high quality products and we are sure you will be happy with either one. In the end it comes down to your budget and the value for money you are looking for.

Either way, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are both excellent products that will more than do their job!