Audio-Technica ATH-R50X Open-Back Headphones
Best for
Best for studio comfort
Amazon rating
Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score
Based on 1 trusted source
Current price
$169.00
Updated Jun 27, 2026 · 1 min read
Sources behind this verdict
10 reviewers weighted by source trust
The consensus
What reviewers found
Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.
Across the reviewers we read, the Audio-Technica ATH-R50X is positioned as a comfortable, accurate studio open-back. recordingmag.com says it 'really does a great job of sounding like an open-back ATH-M50x, particularly with its full, punchy low-end.' tapeop.com calls it 'all-day comfortable,' and majorhifi.com describes it as 'some of the most comfortable mixing' headphones, with audio46.com framing it as an 'excellent choice for engineers, musicians.' The high-trust r/headphones consensus reinforces the comfort story, calling it 'very light weight and low pressure,' and one in-depth comparison argues 'the R50x is simply a better set of headphones than the R70xa... even judged on only sound quality.' Caveats are honest: big ears 'might experience some fit issues,' cables are 'a bit stiff, with mild microphonic effect,' and the earpads reportedly arrived with 'an unpleasant smell.' Soundstage is described as good for the price rather than class-leading.
What reviewers liked
- Specialist studio reviewers (recordingmag, tapeop, majorhifi) praise comfort and accuracy
- r/headphones favorably compares it to the pricier R70xa
- Light weight and punchy, M50x-like low end noted across sources
Where it falls short
- Reviewers note fit issues for listeners with larger ears
- Community reports stiff cables with mild microphonics and pad odor on arrival
- Soundstage described as good-for-price rather than class-leading
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Across the reviewers we read, the Audio-Technica ATH-R50X is positioned as a comfortable, accurate studio open-back. recordingmag.com says it 'really does a great job of sounding like an open-back ATH-M50x, particularly with its full, punchy low-end.' tapeop.com calls it 'all-day comfortable,' and majorhifi.com describes it as 'some of the most comfortable mixing' headphones, with audio46.com framing it as an 'excellent choice for engineers, musicians.'
The high-trust r/headphones consensus reinforces the comfort story, calling it 'very light weight and low pressure,' and one in-depth comparison argues 'the R50x is simply a better set of headphones than the R70xa... even judged on only sound quality.' Caveats are honest: big ears 'might experience some fit issues,' cables are 'a bit stiff, with mild microphonic effect,' and the earpads reportedly arrived with 'an unpleasant smell.' Soundstage is described as good for the price rather than class-leading.
For a mixing-oriented listener who prioritizes comfort and a punchy, accurate tuning, the synthesis is positive. It's a relatively new model with a thinner review base than the Sennheiser classics, so long-term consensus is still forming.
- Professional open-back reference headphones with extended bass and accurate midrange provide exceptional all-around performance for demanding audio production
- Fully open-back design allows unrestricted airflow to eliminate internal resonance and provide extremely quick transient response
- Wide, realistic soundstage provides an immersive listening experience
- Durable, lightweight (207 g) construction and a new headband design ensure long-lasting comfort
- Comes with two detachable cables (3.0 m (9.8') and 1.2 m (3.9')) each with a 2.5 mm twist-lock connector at the left earcup and a 3.5 (1/8"") gold-plated stereo mini-plug, as well as a 6.3 mm (1/4"") adapter and a carrying pouch
Very light weight and low pressure on the ears. Cup size is just enough for the average adult. Big ears might experience some fit issues.
The R50x is simply a better set of headphones than the R70xa, mostly regarding the comfort, and even judged on only sound quality.
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“Audio-Technica ATH R50X Open” · Back Headphones Review
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