Are you searching for a top-end active noise canceling headphone? You will want to know that we will be reviewing two amazing headphones designed by reputable makers. The active noise cancelation headphones have gained immense prominence over the years.
They block out all the outside noise that can hamper your hearing and listening ability. Users can now comfortably listen to music, make or attend calls, and play games without any kind of disturbance from the outside.
This review will focus on the Audio-Technica ATHM50XBT Wireless Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones vs the Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless – NoiseGard Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones.
We will try and put them to the challenge to find out which is the better model. This will help us make our decision. Audio-Technica has been around for many years in the electronic market. They know how to produce and make outstanding models.
Their products are well-received by users who appreciate quality models. The comfort and the sound quality are two aspects that the maker is known for. The ATH-M series has been on the radar of many users because of its studio-like sound for several years now.
Similarly, Sennheiser is a top-notch maker when it comes to the production of headphones. Though Sennheiser has faced tremendous competition from manufacturers like Bose for the noise-canceling headphones, they have managed to sail along with the tide of the wind.
The Sennheiser PXC model is quite stunning in its way, and the maker has been able to provide immense heat to rivals like AKG, Apple, and Sony. It comes with an elegant design, phenomenal active noise canceling, and built-in Amazon Alexa support.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 headphones are a fantastic choice for those who value features like comfort, sound, and battery life. The upgrade of the previous model was quite popular in the market.
The unit comes with a very neutral, less boomy sound profile. It has Bluetooth and does a decent job of pairing devices alongside it. There is a low latency found on the devices that come from iOS and Android.
It charges using a USB-C connection and not the micro-USB. The model is able to provide you with several notable features like a 10-minute quick charge. Though this makes it a simple choice for most users, it does not come perfect in all ways.
The Sennheiser PXC 550-II headphones are a decent choice for users who like durability and reliability. Sennheiser models are known for that. This model comes with a unique shape in them.
Moreover, they appear quite premium in design. The unit is robust in design, and the compatibility is second to none. Besides, the active noise cancelation feature is spectacular in them.
Why don’t we find out more about these awesome models by reading the below review? We have given the winner at the end of the post.
 |  |
|---|---|
| Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 | Sennheiser PXC 550-II |
| PROS | PROS |
| The sound performance of the model is phenomenal. The unit comes with the ability of fast pairing. It provides you with the headphone jack option. It comes infused with the equalizer feature present. The headphone can be easily stored as it folds down. | The design and build quality are opulently sturdy. The audio quality is infused with immense bass and decent highs too. It comes with an exceptional active noise cancelation feature in it. It has easy-to-operate controls. The headphone comes with a detachable audio cable. |
| CONS | CONS |
| The headphone comes with an LDAC that does not always seem to work. | Users have complained that the headphone is slightly tight if worn for a longer period. |
| CHECK ON AMAZON | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 VS Sennheiser PXC 550-II: Design & Comfort
The design & comfort of the Audio-Technica and Sennheiser models are top-notch. What headphone has the better design and comfort factor? Let us read and find out. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 headphone is an upgrade of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT model.
They are much more than just basic studio headphones. It comes infused with an all-black design, and there are silver accents present on the earcups. The model is pretty comfortable. You can wear them for several hours without feeling any discomfort whatsoever.
It is not very tight, and there is ample padding on them. Besides, they do not make any noises when you are using them. There is sufficient padding on the earcups, and the headband is quite tight and nice to see.
Few users complained that the ears might come in contact with the drivers. That might be frustrating for some of them. It is very nice and breathable, allowing you to have the right amount of ventilation.
Our tester felt that the earlier model was sort of trapped in more heat than the ATH-M50xBT2 model. Please do know that they are not ideal for sports use. If you plan to wear them for outdoor activities, they might not be suitable, and they can fall off easily.
The Sennheiser PXC 550-II headphones comes are quite elegant have an understated design element on them. It is a lot similar to the previous model, the Sennheiser PXC 550 unit. The model is an all-black design having no accents at all.
That seems to suit the headphone. It is produced from top-notch materials that give the model an exceptional appearance. They come with a matte finish, and the headband is also nicely designed.
It has nice leatherette accents found on the earcups and the headband as well. You can find the touch-sensitive controls on the earcups. However, you might want to look closer because the panels appear pretty blank.
We liked the shape of the earcups as they are shaped like ears. Some users with large ears complained that the headphone did not completely fit their ears. If you have small to medium-sized ears, you can wear them properly.
It provides a safe but tight-fitting on your ears. The outside sound is passively blocked elegantly, and you do not seem to hear anything. The fitting is quite good, but if you wear them for lengthy hours, you can feel somewhat uncomfortable and weird.
Not to mention, we saw that the headband could not be stretched beyond a certain point, which was quite odd for this model. The model offers you with superb breathability. Though you may sweat for some time, it helps keep your ears quite nice and cool.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 VS Sennheiser PXC 550-II: Build Quality
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 headphone has an amazing built quality. We were truly stunned by its powers. The manner in which the control scheme is designed and provided on the unit can tell you a lot about their build performance.
Users can activate the voice assistant, which does not touch-sensitive. We felt that the power switch is located too close to it. You may accidentally press it. The yokes that are present on the model come nicely built and feel quite robust to most other models.
We can note a slight difference in the texture of the leather padding. When you wear them for sports or exercise, they might slip out of your head. As they are a wireless model, you do not have to be worried about the cable hitting something on the table.
The Audio-Technica model is available in 3 excellent color options. The Sennheiser PXC 550-II headphone also has a decent build performance. The appearance is quite robust, and you can notice the durability the moment you feel it in your hands.
Sennheiser is known for producing some exceptional headphones with a stupendous durability factor. It is made from plastic, and you can find metal used on the headband. They can tolerate a few falls without having any scratches on them.
It is quite portable, and you can take them easily in the faux-leather punch that they have provided you with. Besides, you can fold them easily and make the earcups flat in shape if you want to.
Though our research says that the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are better, this unit packs a punch. The PXC 550 can narrow the gap with other competitors as it provides you with plenty of reasons to prefer it over rivals. The Sennheiser model is available in 1 attractive color.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 VS Sennheiser PXC 550-II: Audio Performance
The audio performance of any model is the most vital factor for users deciding on the unit. Overall, quality has to inspire and motivate them to use them. Let us read and find out how these models fared, shall we?
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 headphones have magnificent audio performance. It is possible because of the 45mm drivers that give you rich quality sound. Our tester felt that the wireless mode did not bring out the best from the model.
Though it is acceptable, it could have been better for the price range. The Sennheiser PXC 500-II headphones offer you tremendous audio performance. It comes with the ANC feature that can make a difference in the end.
The noise leakage is there because of the odd fit sometimes. You can use the ANC though it does not seem to be as effective as it should be. You can hear some noises coming inside. The headphones don’t get very loud on your smartphone.
We thought that the ATH-M50xBT2 model did an exceptional job here and had a slight advantage over the PXC 550-II model. But it was a close call, and you can use them both for listening to music and watching videos.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 VS Sennheiser PXC 550-II: Microphone Performance
The microphone performance of the headphones is another aspect that we keenly observed. We are pleased to say that they worked pretty opulently. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 headphones come with an integrated microphone that has a good recording ability.
Your voice sounds pretty clear and contains precision. Moreover, you do not have any kind of muffled sort of feel to it. The noise handling capability was good. Your voice sounds quite open when you speak to somebody in the market or in the subway train.
The Sennheiser PXC 550-II headphones offer you a decent microphone. You can use it to make and attend the calls that you want. Your voice sounds pretty clear and not muffled. The microphone has average noise handling and recording capability, which was a slight downer.
You can, however, use the unit to talk to somebody at the bus station or in the office room. However, we are not too sure about noisier environments because voice separation is not its fortitude.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 VS Sennheiser PXC 550-II: Compatibility
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 headphones come with outstanding Bluetooth connectivity. It comes with low Bluetooth latency, and you can use them for videos. Some apps might not work properly; there can be a lag in the audio quality.
It has a detachable 1/8″ TRS cable that lets you get the audio if the battery is dead. Besides, you cannot make use of the microphone. You can also find that there is a USB-C to USB-A cable to charge the headphones.
You can use the model on gaming consoles by plugging their 1/8″ TRS cable. You can use the unit on your laptop, PC, smartphone, tablet, and other devices. Moreover, you can also use it on your gaming consoles with the help of the 1/8″ TRS cable.
Please do note that you won’t be able to make use of the microphone. The Sennheiser PXC 550-II headphones support Bluetooth, and the latency is quite good. It supports the apps and the devices efficiently, providing you with a good experience.
We do want to mention that the pairing of the headphones is remarkable. You can attend a call on your smartphone and watch movies using your laptop. It comes with the 1/8″ TRRS cable and charges using the micro-USΒ to USΒ-A cable.
They work just fine on a gaming console. The headphone battery life needs a mention of 20 hours using the ANC feature. Otherwise, you can work on it for 30 hours. It also depends on the volume usage, and the headphones does not have a base dock.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 VS Sennheiser PXC 550-II: Price
The Audio-Technica ATHM50XBT Wireless Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones are priced under $200. The design and build quality of the Audio-Technica model is breathtaking. It comes with elegant designs and a nice color texture on it.
It comes with a good microphone, and the button controls are designed such that they allow good handling for making and receiving calls. Moreover, you will find the music playback and volume adjustment ability in them splendid.
There is a proprietary 45millimeter aperture drivers capable of providing you with superb sound clarity. Besides, you can note an extended frequency range that comes having infused a decent accurate bass response.
You would delight in the fact it comes with a 30centimeter (1.0 feet) USB charging cable. Users can notice that there is magnet neodymium carrying pouch with headphones. The Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless – NoiseGard Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones are priced under $200.
Users will find the model lightweight and comfortable because of the collapsible travel production that is suitable for travel. The connectivity technology infused in it is wireless, enabling you to use it flexibly.
There is an interesting feature in the form of the NoiseGard adaptive noise cancellation where outside noise is cut out. It comes with awesome control features, including the smart pause, voice prompts, touch controls, NFC pairing, and is also infused with the automatic on/off.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 VS Sennheiser PXC 550-II: Verdict
We have come to the end of our comparison review between the Audio-Technica ATHM50XBT Wireless Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones vs the Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless – NoiseGard Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones.
Did you like what you read? Hope you were able to make your decision on the headphone of your preference. If you have not, we suggest that you read the post again. We are sure you will find something of your liking.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 model is an ideal choice for music lovers. The sound quality comes with plenty of basses in them. When you want to listen to a different kind of audio performance, then you can utilize the presets and the graphic EQ in the companion app.
But the bass and treble delivery are quite inconsistent, and the passive soundstage is average. The model can get be used on your PC and other devices using the 1/8″ TRS cable without using the microphone.
The Sennheiser PXC 550-II model is suitable for office and gaming purposes. They are extremely sturdy and comfortable. Perhaps, the build quality is second to none and one among the best under $200.
You cannot find a better headphone in the market for robustness, and these could be unmatched in that aspect. Sadly, some audio gets leaked out, which could be the only drawback of it. But that should not disturb those who are around you.
Most of the time, we tend to confuse the sound performance of the Sennheiser similar to that of the Bose. But this unit does not give you that feeling, which is a good thing. The compatibility feature was also excellent, offering hands-free access, and might be just the pair for you.
Our winner in this comparison review between the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 headphones vs Sennheiser PXC 550-II headphones is the Sennheiser PXC. Please do bear in mind that our opinion is not the end all be all.
Your preferences, needs, requirements, and budget can be different for your headphones. The Sennheiser PXC unit is suitable for providing you with immense comfort, calling ability, and noise cancelation feature in them.
While the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT is a fantastic option for audiophiles because of the opulent noise quality. Not to mention, the model is lightweight and comfortable to use for lengthy hours; nonetheless, they both are outstanding options for users.
James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.