The catch
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
It has neither Bluetooth nor active noise cancellation.
Side by side
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Shure SRH840A Compared: For laptop and desk alike, M50x supplies a cable
Quick verdict
ATH-M50x is the one when a single headphone has to move between a laptop and a recording interface, since three cable formats come with it. SRH840A is the one when a single 3 m straight lead suits your desk and you like its fit better. Neither closed wired headphone has a call microphone.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
M50x comes with three cables to pick from, not one
You gain flexibility. The maximum straight reach does not get longer.
Where this comes from
M50x comes with a short straight lead, a long straight lead and a coiled one. SRH840A lists a single 3 m straight lead.
The catch
Shure SRH840A
The SRH440A, which costs less, offers nearly the same wiring options.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Why pick it
- A short 1.2 m straight lead in the box is something you need.
- A coiled lead as an alternative appeals to you.
- The catch
- It has neither Bluetooth nor active noise cancellation.
Shure SRH840A
- Why pick it
- One 3 m straight lead is plenty.
- After trying both, you like the Shure fit better.
- The catch
- The SRH440A, which costs less, offers nearly the same wiring options.
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What this page compares
ATH-M50x and SRH840A compared on short and long cable options, weight and carrying accessories, to help you choose the closed wired pair that fits your setup.
ATH-M50x is the one when a single headphone has to move between a laptop and a recording interface, since three cable formats come with it. SRH840A is the one when a single 3 m straight lead suits your desk and you like its fit better. Neither closed wired headphone has a call microphone.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
One headphone has to serve both laptop and interface
The long lead comes with a handy short one in the M50x package.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Better fit
- Shure SRH840A
- Good
A coiled cable suits you better
Shure ships a straight lead, while the M50x package has the coiled one.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Better fit
- Shure SRH840A
- Good
Your interface is roughly 2 m away
A 3 m straight cable is included with both.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Similar
- Shure SRH840A
- Similar
Calls all day with no separate mic
No microphone is built into either supplied cable.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Not suitable
- Shure SRH840A
- Not suitable
In practice
Differences you will notice
M50x comes with three cables to pick from, not one
You gain flexibility. The maximum straight reach does not get longer.
How we worked this out
M50x comes with a short straight lead, a long straight lead and a coiled one. SRH840A lists a single 3 m straight lead.
The short lead cuts loose cable by 60%
With the source nearby, a 1.2 m lead leaves 1.8 m less cable to manage than 3 m.
How we worked this out
The ATH-M50x package has a 1.2 m straight lead and the SRH840A package has a 3 m lead. Choosing the shorter M50x option cuts cable length by (3 - 1.2) / 3 × 100 = 60%.
Published weights differ by about 4%
Shure’s listing is 12 g lighter, but that alone does not mean it will feel more comfortable.
How we worked this out
Based on manufacturer weight figures, (285 - 273) / 285 × 100 = 4.2%.
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.
Shure SRH840A
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
Shure, SRH840A
SRH840A
This closed studio pair includes a locking straight lead and a carrying bag. What comes in the box works with a laptop jack and with a conventional headphone interface.
- Best for
- Closed-back monitoring in the studio, with a carrying bag included
Facts we checked
- A 40-ohm impedance and a 273 g weight are specified in the manual.
- A detachable 3 m straight cable comes in the package.
- Included are a carrying bag and a 6.3 mm adapter.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | Shure SRH840A | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listed headphone weight | 285 g | 273 g | A 12 g listed gap is not a dramatic change in weight. |
| Audio cables supplied | Three | One straight lead | M50x handles more cable setups without any add-ons. |
| Shortest supplied straight lead | 1.2 m | 3 m | Beside a laptop, M50x leaves less extra cable lying around. |
| Long straight reach | 3 m | 3 m | A far-off interface is in reach of both. |
| Cable replacement | Detachable | Detachable locking lead | A worn cable can be swapped on either. |
| Carrying accessory | Pouch | Bag | Both come with a basic carrying accessory, and neither promises crush protection. |
| ANC and microphone | Neither | Neither | Neither stands in for a wireless work headset. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- None of the supplied cables includes a microphone.
With Shure SRH840A
- Without a microphone on the cable, phone calls are out.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
A short 1.2 m straight lead in the box is something you need.
Go with Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. A laptop beside you has no use for a 3 m lead. With M50x you can switch to 1.2 m right away, whereas the Shure may call for buying a compatible shorter cable.
One 3 m straight lead is plenty.
Go with Shure SRH840A. With a 3 m straight lead on both, what is left to decide is fit, listening preference and the current offer. Neither adds a microphone or wireless control.
Decision guide
How to decide
If one headphone has to move between a laptop and a recording interface, go with ATH-M50x, which includes three cable formats. If a single 3 m straight lead suits your desk and you prefer its fit, go with SRH840A. Both are closed wired headphones with no call microphone.
The cable kit helps with portable sources
A laptop beside you has no use for a 3 m lead. With M50x you can switch to 1.2 m right away, whereas the Shure may call for buying a compatible shorter cable.
At a fixed desk the gap narrows
With a 3 m straight lead on both, what is left to decide is fit, listening preference and the current offer. Neither adds a microphone or wireless control.
A pouch does not equal a hard case
The standard packages come with fabric for carrying and make no promise of crush protection. Keep either one away from heavy objects and sharp plugs when you pack.
What this page can’t tell you
- You cannot work out comfort from a 12 g difference.
- This comparison asserts nothing about measured sound quality.
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
Only 17 of the 60 models checked meet every need here: “I want music even with a dead battery”, “My bag has no space left”, and “I connect to a headphone jack”.
17 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”, “My bag has no space left”, and “I connect to a headphone jack”. 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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| Shure SRH840A |
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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
A short 1.2 m straight lead in the box is something you need.
See price & reviews on AmazonShure SRH840A
One 3 m straight lead is plenty.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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