Audio Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Bluetooth Headphone Overview
If you’ve known me, or have listened to the AV Rant Podcast for any length of time, you know I’m a fan of the Audio Technical ATH-M50 line of headphones. They were the first headphones I used on the podcast (wired versions) and, over 13 years later, they are still in use today. A few years ago, Audio Technica started releasing Bluetooth versions of these headphones and they’ve been well received. So, let’s take a look at the Audio Technica ATH-M50xBT2 and see what upgrades have been added. First, the specifications:
Audio Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Specs
| Headphones | |
|---|---|
| Type | Closed-back dynamic |
| Driver Diameter | 45 mm |
| Frequency Response | 15 – 28,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB/mW |
| Impedance | 38 ohms |
| Battery | DC 3.7V lithium polymer battery |
| Battery Life | Approx. 50 hours continuous use |
| Weight | Approx. 307g |
| Charging Time | Approx. 3.5 hours |
| Microphone Type | MEMS type |
| Microphone Sensitivity | -38 dB (1V/Pa at 1 kHz) |
| Microphone Frequency Response | 85 -15,000 Hz |
| Microphone Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional |
| Accessories Included | USB charging cable（30cm､USB Type-A / USB Type-C), Audio cable (1.2m/ φ3.5mm stereo mini-plug), Pouch |
| Bluetooth | |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth Ver.5.0 |
| Operating Range | Line of sight – approx. 10 m (33′) |
| Compatible Bluetooth Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Support Codec | LDAC / AAC, SBC |
Audio Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Updates
Just glancing at the Audio Technica ATH-M50xBT2 will tell you that a lot has stayed the same with these headphones. We’d expect much of the same performance that owners have come to love from these headphones. According to Audio Technica, here is an abbreviated list of some of the advancements
- Improved vocal pickup, incorporating dual-microphone beamforming technology for clearer phone calls and communication with the built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistant
- Multipoint pairing to let users connect wirelessly to two Bluetooth devices at once
- Updated USB-C connection
- Low-latency mode
- Improving synchronicity between audio and video for smooth streaming and gaming
- Compatibility with multiple audio codecs (SBC, AAC and LDAC)
One of the things we like about the Audio Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is that you can adjust the headphone’s EQ using the A-T Connect app. Any changes that you make are stored in the headphones so you don’t have to worry about having to reconnect to your phone. Being able to connect two different Bluetooth devices at once is also convenient (though there are usually some issues).
Lastly, there is battery life. The Audio Technica ATH-M50xBT2 promises an impressive 50 hours of continuous use on a full charge and up to three hours on a 10-minute rapid charge. That’s pretty good.
Our Take on the Audio Technica ATH-M50xBT2
There are definitely reasons to get the new Audio Technica ATH-M50xBT2 headphones. Audio Technica has incorporated some of the latest technology that anyone would want. But they are building on a great base as well. They work with all the different voice assistants, they can be connected by a wire if your batteries get low. You can even adjust the left/right balance if you want or need one ear to be louder than the other. And even though they are over-ear headphones, they have a “misplaced headphone” function to help find them – something those tiny wireless in-ear headphones don’t (but should) have.
At $199, the Audio Technica ATH-M50xBT2 headphones certainly are priced right. If you are tired of in-ear headphones, but still want something wireless, these are a great option. For more information, visit Audio-Technica.com.
