Apple AirPods 3rd Gen vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The Verdict
Apple AirPods 3rd Gen and Audio-Technica ATH-M50x serve fundamentally different use cases. AirPods 3 are wireless earbuds with 6-hour battery life per charge, spatial audio, and seamless Apple ecosystem integration at $169. ATH-M50x are professional-grade wired over-ear monitors featuring 45mm drivers, superior isolation, and studio-standard sound accuracy at $149. Sound quality differs significantly: AirPods prioritize consumer-friendly spatial audio and convenience, while ATH-M50x deliver flat, accurate monitoring essential for producers and audiophiles. AirPods excel for daily mobility and Apple users; ATH-M50x dominate for critical listening and professional work. Neither has active noise cancellation. Choose AirPods for wireless portability and ecosystem convenience, or ATH-M50x for uncompromised sound quality and studio applications.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple AirPods 3rd Gen if…
- →Spatial Audio with head tracking creates an immersive listening experience
- →MagSafe charging case is convenient for iPhone and Apple Watch charger users
- →IPX4 sweat and water resistance for workouts
Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x if…
- →Industry-standard studio monitor used by professionals worldwide
- →Accurate, detailed sound reproduction across all frequencies
- →Three included cables cover studio, DJ, and portable use cases
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods 3rd Gen
Pros
- Spatial Audio with head tracking creates an immersive listening experience
- MagSafe charging case is convenient for iPhone and Apple Watch charger users
- IPX4 sweat and water resistance for workouts
- Comfortable open-ear design with shorter stems than AirPods 2
- Excellent microphone quality for calls
Cons
- No active noise cancellation at $169 price point
- Open design leaks sound and doesn't isolate ambient noise
- No ear tips — may not fit all ear shapes securely
- AAC-only codec limits audio quality on Android devices
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Pros
- Industry-standard studio monitor used by professionals worldwide
- Accurate, detailed sound reproduction across all frequencies
- Three included cables cover studio, DJ, and portable use cases
- Foldable with swiveling cups for single-ear monitoring
- Exceptional value — professional quality at a consumer price
Cons
- Wired only — no Bluetooth option (ATH-M50xBT2 exists separately)
- Ear pads can get warm and sweaty during long sessions
- Clamping force is tight on larger heads out of the box
- Sound isolation is passive only — no ANC
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods 3rd Gen | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 4.28 g (each) | 285 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 6 hrs (earbuds), 30 hrs total with case | N/A (wired) |
| Charging | Lightning or MagSafe wireless, 5 min = 1 hr playback | N/A |
| Drivers | Apple-designed driver with custom amplifier | 45mm large-aperture dynamic driver |
| Features | Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ, MagSafe and wireless charging case, Force sensor controls, Automatic device switching | Professional studio monitoring, 45mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets, 90-degree swiveling ear cups for one-ear monitoring, 3 detachable cables included, Foldable design for portability, Circumaural design for sound isolation |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | None (wired only) |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | None |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Apple products or all Audio-Technica products. View full details for the Apple AirPods 3rd Gen or the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x.