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The audio technica ath m50x closed back monitor headphones deliver precise studio monitoring through 45mm drivers and a closed-back design. This setup provides excellent sound isolation and accurate bass response for critical listening tasks. You might seek alternatives if you need wireless connectivity, longer battery life, or a different impedance level for your specific setup. The original model is wired and built for stationary studio use, which limits its mobility.
We selected these 6 alternatives because their published specifications overlap with the ATH-M50x in key areas. Each option shares relevant traits like studio suitability or professional-grade audio components. Some picks offer open-back designs for a wider soundstage, while others provide wireless convenience with Bluetooth and active noise cancellation. You can compare these models based on driver size, weight, and connection type to find the best fit for your workflow.
How each alternative compares
Audio Technica ATH-M50X White Bundle
This Liquid Audio bundle shares the same white color and closed-back studio design as the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. It also features detachable cables for easy maintenance. The key difference is the inclusion of a 25-foot extension cable. This allows you to sit further from your audio interface without moving your chair. You gain significant cable length and versatility. You do not get the specific driver details or the coiled cable option found in the original bundle. This pick suits professionals who need extended reach in a studio setting while keeping the familiar M50x sound profile.
Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 80 Ohm Headphones
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO differs significantly with an open-back design. This allows for a wider soundstage and more natural spatial imaging compared to the isolated sound of the closed-back ATH-M50x. It weighs slightly less at 9.5 ounces. The 80-ohm impedance requires more power to drive, which may need a dedicated amplifier. You gain excellent clarity for mixing and critical listening. You lose the sound isolation that blocks out external noise. This option fits engineers who prioritize accurate spatial representation over noise cancellation in quiet environments.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 Wireless Headset
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 shifts from wired to wireless connectivity. It supports Bluetooth and offers reliable wireless performance for gaming and work calls. This model weighs 11.5 ounces and includes features for mobile audio mixing. You gain freedom of movement and long battery life. You lose the zero-latency wired connection and the specific studio monitor tuning of the ATH-M50x. The closed-back design still provides isolation. This pick is ideal for users who need wireless convenience and clear voice communication during extended sessions without being tethered to a computer.
Marshall Monitor III ANC
The Marshall Monitor III ANC is a wireless over-ear headphone with active noise cancellation. It delivers 70 hours of battery life and supports spatial audio. This model weighs 14.2 ounces, making it heavier than the ATH-M50x. You gain immersive listening and long playtime for travel or studio use. You lose the wired stability and the specific 45mm driver configuration of the original. The foldable build adds portability. This option suits travelers and studio users who value rugged construction and long battery life over precise, uncolored studio monitoring.
Nothing Headphone (1) White
The Nothing Headphone (1) White is a wireless over-ear device supporting Hi-Res Audio. It features adaptive noise cancellation and substantial battery life. This model weighs 11.6 ounces and has a larger size profile. You gain high-fidelity wireless listening and noise isolation. You lose the wired connection and the specific closed-back studio tuning of the ATH-M50x. The Hi-Res certification ensures detailed audio reproduction. This pick fits listeners who prioritize wireless convenience and long playtime while maintaining high audio quality standards.
Shure Over-Ear Wired Studio Headphones
The Shure SRH440A is a closed-back wired headphone designed for studio monitoring. It shares the wired connection and over-ear fit of the ATH-M50x. It weighs slightly less at 9.01 ounces. This model offers professional-grade accuracy for mixing and critical listening. You gain a portable package with similar studio utility. You lose the detachable cable feature and the specific 45mm driver design of the Audio-Technica. The black color provides a different aesthetic. This option is suitable for users who prioritize sound fidelity and wired stability in a compact form factor.
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x White Bundle Best overall | studio monitoring and professional recording | |
| 2 | Audio Technica ATH-M50X White Bundle Best premium | studio monitoring with a long cable | |
| 3 | Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 80 Ohm Headphones Best budget | studio mixing and critical listening | |
| 4 | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 Wireless Headset Best bluetooth | Gamers needing long battery life and mobile audio mixing | |
| 5 | Marshall Monitor III ANC Best microphone | Long battery life and spatial audio | |
| 6 | Nothing Headphone (1) White Best hi-res audio | Long battery life and Hi-Res Audio | |
| 7 | Shure Over-Ear Wired Studio Headphones Also great | studio monitoring and critical listening |
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x White Bundle
Best for: studio monitoring and professional recording
- Back Design
- Closed-Back
- Use
- Studio
- Color
- White
- Dimensions
- 14 × 12 × 8 inches
- Weight
- 10.2 ounces
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x White Studio Headphones are closed-back monitors designed for professional use. They feature 45 mm large aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils. This setup delivers extended frequency clarity and deep bass. The circumaural design contours around your ears for sound isolation. Weighing 10.2 ounces, they offer durable comfort. This bundle includes multiple cables and a DAC adapter for versatile studio or home setups.
- 45 mm large aperture drivers with rare earth magnets
- Copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils for clarity
- Closed-back design for sound isolation
- Detachable cables and professional-grade materials
- Includes USB-C adapter with built-in DAC
- Heavier build at 10.2 ounces compared to lighter alternatives
- Closed-back design limits the natural soundstage of open models
- Wired connection requires physical cables for all uses
- You need isolated monitoring for studio recording
- You want detailed bass response from large drivers
- You prefer wired reliability over wireless latency
- You require wireless freedom for mobile use
- You need a lightweight headset for long sessions
- You prefer an open-back design for natural sound
Verdict: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x White Studio Headphones fit audio engineers who need precise, isolated monitoring. You will appreciate the robust driver construction and included professional accessories.
Audio Technica ATH-M50X White Bundle
Best for: studio monitoring with a long cable
- Connectivity
- Wired
- Form Factor
- Circumaural
- Features
- Detachable Cable
- Use
- Studio
- Color
- White
This is a white Audio-Technica ATH-M50X bundle that includes a 25-foot extension cable and three detachable cords. It uses 45mm large-aperture drivers for studio-grade audio monitoring. The circumaural design contours around your ears for comfort during long sessions. The 90-degree swiveling ear cups allow for one-ear monitoring. This wired setup is built for professional studio use and durable daily handling.
- Includes a 25-foot headphone extension cable
- Features three detachable cables for versatility
- Uses 45mm large-aperture drivers for clear sound
- Has 90-degree swiveling ear cups for monitoring
- Wired connection limits mobility compared to wireless options
- One size fits all design lacks adjustable fit options
- You need a long extension cable for studio work
- You want detachable cables for easy replacement
- You require one-ear monitoring for mixing
- You prefer wireless connectivity for freedom of movement
- You need active noise cancellation for noisy environments
- You want a headset with a built-in microphone
Verdict: Liquid Audio ATH-M50X White Bundle is a practical wired solution for studio professionals who need a long extension cable and versatile detachable cords. It fits users who prioritize accurate audio monitoring and durable construction over wireless convenience.
Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 80 Ohm Headphones
Best for: studio mixing and critical listening
- Connectivity
- Wired, 3.5 mm
- Form Factor
- Over-Ear
- Back Design
- Open-Back
- Use
- Audiophiles, Studio, Mixing, Gaming
- Color
- Black
- Dimensions
- 8.7 × 4.7 × 9.1 inches
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are open-back, over-ear wired headphones with an 80-ohm impedance. They feature a 5–35,000 Hz frequency response and weigh 9.5 ounces. The design includes replaceable ear pads and a 3-meter cable with a 1/4-inch adapter. These specs make them suitable for critical listening, mixing, and studio work where natural soundstage and detail are priorities.
- 80-ohm impedance suits studio outputs and home audio
- Open-back design provides natural soundstage and spatial imaging
- Extended 5–35,000 Hz frequency response captures subtle audio nuances
- Replaceable circumaural ear pads ensure long-term comfort
- Includes 3-meter straight cable with 1/4-inch adapter
- Open-back construction allows sound leakage, limiting use in noisy environments
- Wired connection restricts movement compared to wireless alternatives
- 9.5-ounce weight is heavier than some lightweight competitors
- You need accurate spatial imaging for mixing or mastering
- You prefer open-back headphones for a natural soundstage
- You want replaceable parts for long-term durability
- You require wireless connectivity for unrestricted movement
- You need active noise cancellation for noisy environments
- You want closed-back headphones for sound isolation
Verdict: Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 80 Ohm headphones deliver detailed, open sound ideal for studio mixing and critical listening. They fit professionals who value accurate spatial imaging and serviceable components over wireless convenience.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 Wireless Headset
Best for: Gamers needing long battery life and mobile audio mixing
- Battery Life
- 50+ hours
- Connectivity
- 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, USB-C
- Spatial Audio
- 360° Spatial Audio
- Connection
- Wireless
- Use
- Work Calls, Gaming
- Color
- White
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 is a wireless gaming headset with Bluetooth support. It features 50+ hour battery life and simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity. The design includes a steel frame and memory foam cushions. It weighs 11.5 ounces and measures 6.6 inches wide. This model suits gamers who need long play sessions and mobile audio mixing.
- 50+ hour battery life with USB-C fast charging
- Simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity
- ClearCast Gen 2 mic reduces background noise by up to -25db
- 360° Spatial Audio support
- Heavier build at 11.5 ounces compared to lighter alternatives
- Larger footprint with a 7.58-inch height
- Limited to 200+ game-specific audio presets rather than unlimited customization
- You want simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connections
- You need a headset with over 50 hours of battery life
- You prefer a durable steel frame construction
- You need a wired connection only
- You prefer a lighter headset under 10 ounces
- You require active noise cancellation for music
Verdict: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 Wireless offers reliable wireless performance for gamers who value long battery life and mobile audio mixing. It fits users who prioritize durability and clear voice communication during extended sessions.
Marshall Monitor III ANC
Best for: Long battery life and spatial audio
- Noise Control
- Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency
- Battery Life
- 70 hours (ANC), 100 hours
- Connectivity
- Wireless
- Form Factor
- Over-Ear
- Spatial Audio
- Soundstage
- Features
- Active Noise Cancelling, Microphone, Active Noise Cancellation, Long Playtime
The Marshall Monitor III ANC Wireless headphones offer 70 hours of playback with active noise cancellation enabled, extending to 100 hours without it. They feature a foldable, over-ear design weighing 14.2 ounces. Soundstage spatial audio and dynamic loudness adjust treble, mids, and bass for optimal listening at any volume. Three levels of noise cancellation let you block out distractions or use transparency mode. This model suits users seeking long battery life and immersive audio in a rugged build.
- 70 hours of wireless playtime with active noise cancellation
- Soundstage spatial audio for a wider sound presence
- Dynamic Loudness adjusts treble, mids, and bass at every volume
- Foldable design with a premium hard case for storage
- Three levels of adjustable active noise cancellation
- Heavier build at 14.2 ounces compared to lighter alternatives
- Standard size may not fit smaller head shapes as comfortably as adjustable fits
- Limited to two color options: Black and Cream
- You need long battery life for travel or studio sessions
- You want adjustable noise cancellation with a transparency mode
- You prefer a foldable design with a protective hard case
- You prioritize a lightweight design under 12 ounces
- You need more than two color choices
- You require a wired-only connection for zero latency
Verdict: Marshall Monitor III ANC Wireless headphones deliver 70 hours of battery life and spatial audio for immersive listening. They fit travelers and studio users who value long playtime and a rugged, foldable build.
Nothing Headphone (1) White
Best for: Long battery life and Hi-Res Audio
- Noise Control
- Hybrid ANC, Adaptive, Transparency
- Battery Life
- Up to 80 hours
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth, USB-C
- Form Factor
- Over-Ear
- Spatial Audio
- Spatial Audio with head tracking
- Connection
- Wireless
The Nothing Headphone (1) is a white, over-ear wireless model with hybrid active noise cancellation. It offers up to 80 hours of playtime and supports Hi-Res Audio via LDAC. The design includes memory foam cushions for comfort. You get spatial audio with head tracking and dual device connection. This headphone suits listeners who want long battery life and high-resolution sound quality in a wireless format.
- Up to 80 hours of playtime
- Hi-Res Audio support with LDAC
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation
- Spatial Audio with head tracking
- Heavier at 11.6 ounces
- Smaller battery life with ANC on (35 hours)
- You prioritize long battery endurance
- You need Hi-Res Audio certification
- You want hybrid ANC
- You prefer wired-only connections
- You need ultra-lightweight gear
- You dislike over-ear fits
Verdict: Nothing Headphone (1) White provides substantial battery life and Hi-Res Audio support for wireless listeners. It fits users who value long playtime and adaptive noise cancellation.
Shure Over-Ear Wired Studio Headphones
Best for: studio monitoring and critical listening
- Connectivity
- Wired
- Form Factor
- Over-Ear
- Back Design
- Closed-Back
- Use
- Studio, Mixing
- Color
- Black
- Dimensions
- 10 × 9.85 × 3.23 inches
The Shure SRH440A is a closed-back, over-ear wired headphone designed for studio monitoring and mixing. It features a balanced, detailed sound signature with an extended frequency response. The lightweight build weighs 9.01 ounces, and the collapsible design aids portability. This model suits you if you need accurate audio reproduction for recording or critical listening across various devices.
- Closed-back design isolates ambient noise
- Balanced, detailed sound signature for monitoring
- Lightweight 9.01-ounce construction for comfort
- Collapsible design for easy storage
- Wired connection limits wireless freedom
- 9.01 ounces is heavier than typical consumer models
- You need accurate sound for studio work
- You prefer wired reliability over wireless
- You want noise isolation for focused listening
- You require Bluetooth connectivity
- You need active noise cancellation
- You prefer lightweight consumer headphones
Verdict: Shure SRH440A Closed-Back Wired headphones deliver professional-grade accuracy for studio tasks. They fit you well if you prioritize sound fidelity and wired stability in a portable package.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x White Bundle | Audio Technica ATH-M50X White Bundle | Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 80 Ohm Headphones | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 Wireless Headset | Marshall Monitor III ANC | Nothing Headphone (1) White | Shure Over-Ear Wired Studio Headphones |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noise Control | – | – | – | – | Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency | Hybrid ANC, Adaptive, Transparency | – |
| Battery Life | – | – | – | 50+ hours | 70 hours (ANC), 100 hours | Up to 80 hours | – |
| Connectivity | – | Wired | Wired, 3.5 mm | 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, USB-C | Wireless | Bluetooth, USB-C | Wired |
| Form Factor | – | Circumaural | Over-Ear | – | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Spatial Audio | – | – | – | 360° Spatial Audio | Soundstage | Spatial Audio with head tracking | – |
| Back Design | Closed-Back | – | Open-Back | – | – | – | Closed-Back |
| Connection | – | Wired | Wired | Wireless | Wireless | Wireless | Wired |
| Fit | – | – | Over-Ear | – | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Features | – | Detachable Cable | – | Bluetooth | Active Noise Cancelling, Microphone, Active Noise Cancellation, Long Playtime | Active Noise Cancelling, Long Playtime, Hi-Res Audio | – |
| Use | Studio | Studio | Audiophiles, Studio, Mixing, Gaming | Work Calls, Gaming | Studio | – | Studio, Mixing |
| Color | White | White | Black | White | Black | White | Black |
| Dimensions | 14 × 12 × 8 inches | – | 8.7 × 4.7 × 9.1 inches | 3.41 × 6.6 × 7.58 inches | 6.1 × 2.76 × 8.66 inches | 6.84 × 3.35 × 7.45 inches | 10 × 9.85 × 3.23 inches |
| Weight | 10.2 ounces | – | 9.5 ounces | 11.5 ounces | 14.2 ounces | 2.8 pounds | 9.01 ounces |
| Model | ATHM50XWH-103 | White + 25ft Cable | DT 990 PRO-cr | 61731 | 1006861 | B170 | SRH440A |
| Size | – | One Size Fits All | 80 OHM | Information Not Available | Standard | Large | One Size |
Frequently asked questions
Which headphones offer the best wireless connectivity for the ATH-M50x?
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 Wireless is the top choice for wireless use. It features Bluetooth connectivity and is designed for gamers needing long battery life. The white model weighs 11.5 ounces and includes a microphone for clear voice communication during extended sessions.
Are there open-back alternatives to the closed-back ATH-M50x?
Yes, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 80 Ohm headphones feature an open-back design. This setup provides detailed, open sound ideal for studio mixing and critical listening. The black model weighs 9.5 ounces and is built for professionals who value accurate spatial imaging over wireless convenience.
Which option has the longest battery life?
The Marshall Monitor III ANC Wireless headphones deliver 70 hours of battery life. They support spatial audio for immersive listening and feature active noise cancelling. The black model weighs 14.2 ounces and offers a rugged, foldable build suitable for travelers and studio users who need long playtime.
Is there a bundle with a long cable for studio work?
The Liquid Audio ATH-M50X White Bundle includes a 25-foot extension cable. It retains the closed-back studio design and detachable cords of the original model. This wired solution fits professionals who prioritize accurate audio monitoring and durable construction over wireless convenience, with a white color option available.
Which headphones support Hi-Res Audio?
The Nothing Headphone (1) White supports Hi-Res Audio for wireless listeners. It provides substantial battery life and adaptive noise cancellation. The large model weighs 11.6 ounces and is designed for users who value long playtime and high-fidelity wireless audio in an over-ear form factor.
What is a good wired alternative for critical listening?
The Shure SRH440A Closed-Back Wired headphones deliver professional-grade accuracy for studio tasks. They feature a closed-back design and over-ear fit for sound isolation. The black model weighs 9.01 ounces and is built for users who prioritize sound fidelity and wired stability in a portable package.