Headphones / Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 vs JBL Tour One M3
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 vs JBL Tour One M3
JBL Tour One M3
Comes with a transmitter that Auracasts any airplane or gym screen to your ears.
Wins overall by 2.0 points
Quick Verdict
A 2.0-point gap makes the JBL Tour One M3 the straightforward choice here. Comes with a transmitter that Auracasts any airplane or gym screen to your ears.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 and JBL Tour One M3 are both closely matched headphones models, and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is $171 cheaper than the JBL Tour One M3 ($179 vs $349.95). On Noise Cancelling, the JBL Tour One M3 leads (8.5 vs 2.0/10) — how well ambient noise is blocked. On Travel, the JBL Tour One M3 leads (9.5 vs 6.0/10) — foldability, case, ANC on planes, battery for long trips. On Features, the JBL Tour One M3 leads (9.5 vs 6.0/10) — app ecosystem, multipoint, spatial audio, extras. Overall, the JBL Tour One M3 scores 8.5/10 across our 10 scoring categories versus 6.5/10 for the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2. Below, we break down the full spec sheet, category-by-category scores, and exactly who should buy which one.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Spec | Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 | JBL Tour One M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.00 | $349.95 |
| Release Year | 2021 | 2025 |
| Battery Life (hrs) | Not applicable — this model has no active noise cancelling | 40 |
| Battery (ANC off) (hrs) | 50 | 70✓ |
| Quick Charge (min for 3hrs) | 10 | 3✓ |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 with LE Audio and Auracast |
| Weight (g) | 307 | 278✓ |
| Driver Size (mm) | 45 | 40 |
| Active Noise Cancelling | None | True Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0 using 8 ANC microphones, four per earcup |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Microphones (mics) | Audio-Technica states dual beamforming mics; independent testing counted one | 10 |
| Foldable | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | None | None |
| App EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 12 months | 12 months |
| Colors | Black | Black, Blue, Mocha |
Category Scores
Battery
The JBL Tour One M3 leads clearly here, 9.5 against 8.5 — a 1.0-point margin on playtime, standby, and charging speed. If that is what you are buying for, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Noise Cancelling
The JBL Tour One M3 leads clearly here, 8.5 against 2.0 — a 6.5-point margin on how well ambient noise is blocked. If that is what you are buying for, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Comfort
The JBL Tour One M3 leads clearly here, 7.8 against 6.8 — a 1.0-point margin on clamp force, padding, and weight for long sessions. If that is what you are buying for, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Sound Quality
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is marginally ahead, 8.5 to 8.2. A gap this small rarely decides a purchase on its own, though it counts if driver performance, tuning, and detail is your priority.
Call & Mic Quality
The JBL Tour One M3 leads clearly here, 8.5 against 6.0 — a 2.5-point margin on voice clarity and background noise rejection on calls. If that is what you are buying for, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Travel
The JBL Tour One M3 leads clearly here, 9.5 against 6.0 — a 3.5-point margin on foldability, case, ANC on planes, battery for long trips. If that is what you are buying for, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Gaming
The JBL Tour One M3 leads clearly here, 7.5 against 7.0 — a 0.5-point margin on latency, low-lag mode support, and soundstage. If that is what you are buying for, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Value
The JBL Tour One M3 leads clearly here, 8.5 against 7.0 — a 1.5-point margin on features and performance relative to price. If that is what you are buying for, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Durability
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 and JBL Tour One M3 are level here, at 7.5/10 each. build materials, hinge quality, and reported longevity is not what separates these two — look to the categories where the scores diverge.
Features
The JBL Tour One M3 leads clearly here, 9.5 against 6.0 — a 3.5-point margin on app ecosystem, multipoint, spatial audio, extras. If that is what you are buying for, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Best For
Choose the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 if…
- • You want to spend less — it's $171 cheaper.
- • Your main use case is students.
Choose the JBL Tour One M3 if…
- • Noise Cancelling matters most to you — the JBL Tour One M3 scores 8.5/10 here (how well ambient noise is blocked).
- • Travel matters most to you — the JBL Tour One M3 scores 9.5/10 here (foldability, case, ANC on planes, battery for long trips).
- • Features matters most to you — the JBL Tour One M3 scores 9.5/10 here (app ecosystem, multipoint, spatial audio, extras).
- • Call & Mic Quality matters most to you — the JBL Tour One M3 scores 8.5/10 here (voice clarity and background noise rejection on calls).
- • Value matters most to you — the JBL Tour One M3 scores 8.5/10 here (features and performance relative to price).
Pros & Cons
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
Pros
- +The M50x sound signature, one of the most trusted references in audio
- +LDAC hi-res support
- +Largest drivers here at 45mm
- +Low-latency mode genuinely helps for video
Cons
- −No active noise cancelling at $179
- −Bluetooth 5.0 on a headphone still sold in 2026
- −Heaviest non-Apple option at 307g
- −The platform is now five years old
JBL Tour One M3
Pros
- +The bundled Smart Tx transmitter solves airplane entertainment systems and gym equipment properly
- +40 hours with ANC on and 70 with it off
- +10 microphones, the most here, and excellent call quality
- +Folds flat and collapses, with LDAC support
Cons
- −The transmitter is one more thing to carry and charge
- −No IP rating
- −LDAC and Auracast cannot be used at the same time
- −Bulkier than the Sony or Bose
Shop by Need
FAQs
Is the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 or JBL Tour One M3 better overall?+
Based on our 10-category scoring, the JBL Tour One M3 comes out ahead overall. See the full breakdown in the scores section above — the right pick still depends on which categories matter most for your use case.
Which is better for Noise Cancelling, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 or the JBL Tour One M3?+
The JBL Tour One M3 scores higher on Noise Cancelling (8.5/10 vs 2.0/10) — how well ambient noise is blocked.
Which is better for Travel, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 or the JBL Tour One M3?+
The JBL Tour One M3 scores higher on Travel (9.5/10 vs 6.0/10) — foldability, case, ANC on planes, battery for long trips.
Which is better for Features, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 or the JBL Tour One M3?+
The JBL Tour One M3 scores higher on Features (9.5/10 vs 6.0/10) — app ecosystem, multipoint, spatial audio, extras.
Which is better for Call & Mic Quality, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 or the JBL Tour One M3?+
The JBL Tour One M3 scores higher on Call & Mic Quality (8.5/10 vs 6.0/10) — voice clarity and background noise rejection on calls.
Is the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 worth the price difference over the JBL Tour One M3?+
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is the cheaper option at $179 versus $349.95. Whether the pricier model is "worth it" depends on how much you value its lead in Noise Cancelling.
Which is better suited to my use case?+
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is the better fit if you mainly care about students. The JBL Tour One M3 is the better fit for travel or commute.
What's the warranty on the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 vs the JBL Tour One M3?+
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 ships with a 12-month warranty; the JBL Tour One M3 ships with a 12-month warranty. Always confirm current terms on the manufacturer's site before buying.
Should I wait for the next model instead of buying either of these?+
If either model is more than two years old, a successor may be close — check the "Latest Model" link on each product page. Otherwise, both are current, well-supported options and there's no strong reason to wait.
Cheaper Option
Soundcore Space One — $99.99
Premium Option
Beats Studio Pro — $349.99
Specifications and prices for both products last verified . Scores are calculated from published specifications — see how we compare products.