Short answer: the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x. It ranks #55 of 134 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.9/5, at $109; the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x ranks #57, rated 3.8/5, and costs $158, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The case for the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x: The closed back keeps outside noise down and sound in, and at 0.5 lbs (240 g) it is the lightest closed back in this group. Watch for: Treble from 6 to 10 kHz is about 2 dB hot and the top octave 4.5 dB above target, with a 5.5 dB peak near 8.3 kHz, so cymbals and sibilants can sound sharp and splashy.
Why pick the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: This closed back has a very smooth response, with a deviation of 2.0 dB and the largest peak only 1.2 dB near 4.3 kHz, so it avoids harshness. The catch: Treble from 6 to 10 kHz is about 1.7 dB low and a 3.5 dB dip near 6.8 kHz softens cymbals and sibilance, while the top octave runs about 2 dB hot, a slightly uneven treble.
Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audio-Technica ATH-M40x | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109.00 | $158.00 |
| Ranked | #55 of 134 in Over-Ear Headphones | #57 of 134 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 79 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 78 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.14 dB standard deviation | 2.01 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.57 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.75 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Impedance | 35 ohms | 38 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB | 99 dB/mW |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (240 g) | 0.6 lbs (285 g) |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 15Hz - 28kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | - | 1 x 45mm dynamic |
Related Headphone Comparisons
How Audio-Technica ATH-M40x compares with other leading options:
- Audio-Technica ATH-M40x vs Philips SHP9500
- Shure SRH440 vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Philips SHP9500 vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- AKG K612 Pro vs Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
- AKG K612 Pro vs Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
Prices on this page were last checked October 10, 2026 at 5:37 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Headphones In Full
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x: $109.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: The closed back keeps outside noise down and sound in, and at 240 g it is the lightest closed back in this group. Bass from 60 to 200 Hz sits about 3 dB above target while sub-bass is nearly on target, giving punchy, full low end with a preference score of 79. At 35 ohms and 98 dB sensitivity a phone drives it without an amp, and it ties the Philips SHP9500 on rating at a slightly higher street price.
Cons: Treble from 6 to 10 kHz is about 2 dB hot and the top octave 4.5 dB above target, with a 5.5 dB peak near 8.3 kHz, so cymbals and sibilants can sound sharp and splashy. A 3 dB dip near 5 kHz can blur vocal detail slightly. The bass emphasis is too much for listeners who want a neutral balance.
Full Audio-Technica ATH-M40x review and specifications →
| Released | Feb 2014 (12 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.14 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 79 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 35 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.57 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (240 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -5.6 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +17.6 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 48 Hz | -16.9 dB | 0.29 |
| Peak | 348 Hz | +6.0 dB | 0.87 |
| Peak | 5,150 Hz | +3.3 dB | 4.10 |
| Peak | 2,979 Hz | +1.8 dB | 1.99 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -6.9 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 1,378 Hz | -1.4 dB | 2.13 |
| Peak | 796 Hz | +0.6 dB | 1.67 |
| Peak | 6,306 Hz | +1.6 dB | 5.10 |
| Peak | 2,225 Hz | +0.8 dB | 3.70 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: $158.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: This closed back has a very smooth response, with a deviation of 2.0 dB and the largest peak only 1.2 dB near 4.3 kHz, so it avoids harshness. Sub-bass is on target and bass from 60 to 200 Hz is about 3 dB above, which gives clean, punchy bass, and the preference score is 78. At 38 ohms and 99 dB/mW it is easy to drive from a phone, it weighs 285 g and it isolates from noise.
Cons: Treble from 6 to 10 kHz is about 1.7 dB low and a 3.5 dB dip near 6.8 kHz softens cymbals and sibilance, while the top octave runs about 2 dB hot, a slightly uneven treble. The warm, bass lifted balance is not neutral enough for critical listening. It is a closed back, so bass has less airiness than the open backs in this class.
Full Audio-Technica ATH-M50x review and specifications →
| Back | Closed |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.01 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 45mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 28kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 78 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 38 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB/mW |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.75 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (285 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -3.1 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +0.6 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 156 Hz | -5.2 dB | 0.73 |
| Peak | 326 Hz | +5.3 dB | 1.59 |
| Peak | 7,077 Hz | +2.8 dB | 2.22 |
| Peak | 3,483 Hz | +2.1 dB | 5.82 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -4.1 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 45 Hz | -1.1 dB | 1.90 |
| Peak | 66 Hz | +1.4 dB | 3.59 |
| Peak | 787 Hz | -0.5 dB | 1.79 |
| Peak | 1,640 Hz | +0.9 dB | 3.41 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons