Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Sony WH-CH720N
The Verdict
Both headphones deliver excellent value at $149, but serve different purposes. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x excels as a professional studio monitor with its 45mm drivers, rare earth magnets, and three detachable cables, making it ideal for audio engineers and critical listening. Sound isolation comes from circumaural design rather than active noise cancellation. Sony WH-CH720N shifts focus to lifestyle features, offering adaptive ANC, 35-hour battery life with ANC enabled, multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, and LDAC codec support for wireless audio quality. Sony's 192g weight versus Audio-Technica's 285g makes it noticeably more portable. For studio work or reference monitoring, choose the M50x. For daily wireless listening with modern convenience features, the WH-CH720N wins despite its smaller 30mm drivers.
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 Sony WH-CH720N if…
- →Exceptional 35-hour battery life with ANC is class-leading
- →Ultra-lightweight at 192 g for comfortable all-day wear
- →LDAC codec support for high-resolution wireless audio
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
Sony WH-CH720N
Pros
- Exceptional 35-hour battery life with ANC is class-leading
- Ultra-lightweight at 192 g for comfortable all-day wear
- LDAC codec support for high-resolution wireless audio
- Multipoint Bluetooth for seamless dual-device switching
- Solid noise cancellation at a very competitive $149 price
Cons
- ANC is noticeably weaker than premium XM5 headphones
- 30mm drivers produce smaller, less dynamic soundstage
- Plastic build feels cheap compared to premium Sony models
- No water resistance for gym or outdoor use
- Ear cushions are thinner and less comfortable than XM5
Full Specifications
| Spec | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | Sony WH-CH720N |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 285 g | 192 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | N/A (wired) | 35 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off), 3 min = 1 hr playback |
| Charging | N/A | USB-C |
| Drivers | 45mm large-aperture dynamic driver | 30mm |
| 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 | Adaptive Sound Control, Speak-to-Chat automatic pause, DSEE upscaling for compressed audio, Multipoint Bluetooth, Sony Headphones Connect app with EQ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC, LDAC | |
| Bluetooth | None (wired only) | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | None |
Related Comparisons
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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