Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Nothing Ear (1)
The Verdict
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x delivers professional-grade sound monitoring with 45mm drivers, foldable design, and three detachable cables, targeting studio and audiophile use without active noise cancellation. Nothing Ear (1) offers true wireless convenience with ANC, transparency mode, and 24-hour battery life via case, plus IPX4 water resistance and gesture controls at a $50 lower price. ATH-M50x excels in raw sound quality and durability for critical listening tasks, while Nothing Ear (1) provides modern lifestyle features and portability. Choose ATH-M50x if you prioritize wired audio fidelity and studio-quality monitoring. Select Nothing Ear (1) if you value wireless flexibility, ANC, and everyday usability on a tighter budget.
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 Nothing Ear (1) if…
- →Iconic transparent design with unique aesthetic
- →ANC and wireless charging at just $99 is outstanding value
- →Comfortable and lightweight at 4.7 g per earbud
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
Nothing Ear (1)
Pros
- Iconic transparent design with unique aesthetic
- ANC and wireless charging at just $99 is outstanding value
- Comfortable and lightweight at 4.7 g per earbud
- Squeeze gesture controls are intuitive and precise
- Qi wireless charging case adds convenience
Cons
- 4-hour ANC battery life is quite short
- No multipoint Bluetooth connectivity
- ANC is mild — doesn't match premium competitors
- Limited codec support — AAC and SBC only
- Transparent case shows dust and scratches easily
Full Specifications
| Spec | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | Nothing Ear (1) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 285 g | 4.7 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | N/A (wired) | 4 hrs (ANC on), 5.7 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case (ANC off) |
| Charging | N/A | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Drivers | 45mm large-aperture dynamic driver | 11.6mm dynamic 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 with two modes (Light and Maximum), Transparency Mode, In-ear detection for auto play/pause, Nothing app with EQ customization, Squeeze gesture controls on stems |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | |
| Bluetooth | None (wired only) | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IPX4 |
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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.
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