Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Bose QuietComfort 45
The Verdict
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x dominates studio work with its legendary 45mm drivers and professional sound isolation, making it ideal for producers and engineers who value accuracy and durability at half the price. Bose QuietComfort 45 excels for everyday listeners, delivering industry-leading active noise cancellation, 24-hour wireless battery life, and multipoint Bluetooth connectivity for seamless device switching. Neither matches the other's strengths: the M50x lacks wireless capability and ANC, while the QC45 sacrifices the M50x's superior monitoring fidelity and passive isolation for lifestyle convenience. Choose the M50x if you prioritize pristine audio reproduction and studio-quality sound; select the Bose if you want premium noise cancellation and all-day wireless freedom for commuting and travel.
Who Should Buy
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
Buy the Bose QuietComfort 45 if…
- →Legendary Bose ANC is among the best in the industry
- →Incredibly comfortable for all-day wear with plush ear cushions
- →Lightweight at 240 g — easy to forget you're wearing them
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
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
Bose QuietComfort 45
Pros
- Legendary Bose ANC is among the best in the industry
- Incredibly comfortable for all-day wear with plush ear cushions
- Lightweight at 240 g — easy to forget you're wearing them
- 24-hour battery handles long trips without charging
- Reliable Bose sound signature with warm, balanced audio
Cons
- No LDAC or aptX — limited to SBC/AAC codecs
- No water resistance for outdoor or gym use
- Cannot adjust ANC levels — only full ANC or Aware mode
- Aware mode sounds less natural than Sony's ambient mode
Full Specifications
| Spec | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | Bose QuietComfort 45 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 285 g | 240 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | N/A (wired) | 24 hrs |
| Charging | N/A | USB-C, 15 min = 3 hrs playback |
| Drivers | 45mm large-aperture dynamic driver | Bose proprietary driver |
| Features | 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 | Active Noise Cancellation, Aware mode (transparency), Bose SimpleSync, Adjustable EQ via Bose Music app, Multipoint connection |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | |
| Bluetooth | None (wired only) | 5.1 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | 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 Audio-Technica products or all Bose products. View full details for the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x or the Bose QuietComfort 45.