The catch
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
It has neither Bluetooth nor active noise cancellation.
Side by side
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs ATH-M70x Compared: Both include the same cables, M50x folds inward
Quick verdict
ATH-M50x is the choice when inward folding matters for a small bag. ATH-M70x is the choice when its supplied carrying case and replaceable pad design suit your studio routine. Both supply the same three useful cable lengths, which means longer reach gives you no reason to upgrade.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Weight changes by less than 2%
On paper M70x is only 5 g lighter. Fit matters more, so do not treat this as a weight upgrade.
Where this comes from
1.75% = (285 - 280) / 285 × 100.
The catch
Audio-Technica ATH-M70x
Unlike the inward-folding M50x, the fold-flat design packs differently.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Why pick it
- Your bag calls for earcups that fold inward.
- You want identical cable options and no step up the range.
- The catch
- It has neither Bluetooth nor active noise cancellation.
Audio-Technica ATH-M70x
- Why pick it
- The supplied carrying case is the draw.
- Documented detachable pads and headband matter to you.
- The catch
- Unlike the inward-folding M50x, the fold-flat design packs differently.
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What this page compares
ATH-M50x and ATH-M70x compared on folding design, supplied case, detachable cables and weight, with practical upgrades kept apart from frequency-range claims.
ATH-M50x is the choice when inward folding matters for a small bag. ATH-M70x is the choice when its supplied carrying case and replaceable pad design suit your studio routine. Both supply the same three useful cable lengths, which means longer reach gives you no reason to upgrade.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
A very small daypack
M70x packs in a flatter layout, while M50x folds inward.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Better fit
- Audio-Technica ATH-M70x
- Good
You want a case included
A carrying case comes with M70x, in place of the M50x pouch.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Good
- Audio-Technica ATH-M70x
- Better fit
The interface is across the desk
A 3 m straight lead is included with both.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Similar
- Audio-Technica ATH-M70x
- Similar
Buying only for a lighter feel
At 5 g, the published difference is too small to decide comfort alone.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Similar
- Audio-Technica ATH-M70x
- Similar
In practice
Differences you will notice
Weight changes by less than 2%
On paper M70x is only 5 g lighter. Fit matters more, so do not treat this as a weight upgrade.
How we worked this out
1.75% = (285 - 280) / 285 × 100.
The cable kit does not stretch any farther
The 1.2 m straight, 3 m straight and extendable coiled leads are included with both.
How we worked this out
The same three cable formats appear in the two official package lists.
The packed shape differs, the cable reach does not
With M70x, you trade inward folding for a fold-flat design and a supplied case.
How we worked this out
M50x can collapse, whereas the feature text for M70x specifies fold-flat storage and a case.
Plug in your setup
Which headphones suit the way you listen?
Start with how you listen. Charging over USB is not the same as playing audio over USB, and some headphones need power even on a cable. These answers are placeholders until you apply your own.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Fails these checksThis model cannot play over Bluetooth.
Audio-Technica ATH-M70x
Fails these checksThis model cannot play over Bluetooth.
Battery figures are maker claims for the stated mode. They do not reflect measured travel time. Volume, codec, calls and battery age all change runtime. Closed earcups can still leak some sound. Weight alone does not predict comfort. USB audio needs a compatible source and cable. This check does not judge sound quality, mic quality or amplifier power.
Option A
Audio-Technica, ATH-M50x
ATH-M50x
This foldable wired pair ships with a short cable, a long one and a coiled one, so you can go from a laptop to an audio interface without buying another lead.
- Best for
- A single wired pair that serves a recording desk and a laptop bag
Facts we checked
- Cables in the package are 1.2 m straight, 3 m straight and 1.2 to 3 m coiled.
- Without the cable and connector, the headphone weighs 285 g.
- The design is closed-back and 38-ohm, with earcups that fold inward.
Option B
Audio-Technica, ATH-M70x
ATH-M70x
This wired studio model comes with three detachable leads and a carrying case. The cups turn flat, so look at the packed shape before picking it for a small bag.
- Best for
- Studio sessions with a case in the box and a choice of cable lengths
Facts we checked
- Without the cable and connector, the headphone weighs 280 g.
- Cables included are 1.2 m straight, 3 m straight and 1.2 to 3 m coiled.
- A rating of 35 ohms applies to the closed-back driver.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | Audio-Technica ATH-M70x | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight without cable | 285 g | 280 g | The published weights are only 5 g apart. |
| Packing shape | Folds inward | Cups turn flat | A different shape of bag space is needed for M70x. |
| Carrying accessory | Pouch | Case | The change in accessories may count for more than the difference in weight. |
| Shortest straight cable | 1.2 m | 1.2 m | Beside a laptop, both work without a long loose lead. |
| Longest straight cable | 3 m | 3 m | The same wired studio reach is covered by both. |
| Cable replacement | Detachable | Detachable | Cable wear is not solved only by the more expensive model. |
| Impedance | 38 ohms | 35 ohms | A better listening experience is not established by nominal impedance. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- None of the supplied cables includes a microphone.
With Audio-Technica ATH-M70x
- Better sound is not proven by a wider published frequency range.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Your bag calls for earcups that fold inward.
Go with Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. A flat case and an inward-folding headphone take up different parts of a bag. If your bag barely holds the M50x, the M70x model number tells you nothing about whether the replacement will fit.
The supplied carrying case is the draw.
Go with Audio-Technica ATH-M70x. A case comes in the M70x package, and its official description names detachable earpads and headband. These are handy details for a studio pair that travels between sessions.
Decision guide
How to decide
If a small bag makes inward folding important, pick ATH-M50x. If the supplied carrying case and replaceable pad design fit your studio routine, pick ATH-M70x. Both supply the same three useful cable lengths, so longer reach is no reason to upgrade.
Measure the space it will travel in
A flat case and an inward-folding headphone take up different parts of a bag. If your bag barely holds the M50x, the M70x model number tells you nothing about whether the replacement will fit.
The case is a tangible difference in the package
A case comes in the M70x package, and its official description names detachable earpads and headband. These are handy details for a studio pair that travels between sessions.
Response endpoints are not a verdict on sound
Closed wired studio models describe both. Their advertised response ranges do not measure tonal balance or detail retrieval in a way you can compare. Listening for yourself is still the useful tie-breaker.
What this page can’t tell you
- Nothing here says one model sounds more accurate.
- The published weight leaves out the cable and says nothing about clamping force.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the headphones we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
21 of the 60 models checked meet every need here: “I want music even with a dead battery”, “I connect to a headphone jack”, and “I do not want something else to charge”.
21 models fit, out of 60 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “I want music even with a dead battery”, “I connect to a headphone jack”, and “I do not want something else to charge”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio-Technica ATH-M50x |
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| Audio-Technica ATH-M70x |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Your bag calls for earcups that fold inward.
See price & reviews on AmazonAudio-Technica ATH-M70x
The supplied carrying case is the draw.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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