Headphones / Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 vs Sonos Ace
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 vs Sonos Ace
Sonos Ace
The best-built headphone here — but despite the name, it has no Wi-Fi.
Wins overall by 1.3 points
Quick Verdict
A 1.3-point gap makes the Sonos Ace the straightforward choice here. The best-built headphone here — but despite the name, it has no Wi-Fi.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 and Sonos Ace are both closely matched headphones models, and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is $220 cheaper than the Sonos Ace ($179 vs $399). On Noise Cancelling, the Sonos Ace leads (8.0 vs 2.0/10) — how well ambient noise is blocked. On Call & Mic Quality, the Sonos Ace leads (7.5 vs 6.0/10) — voice clarity and background noise rejection on calls. On Durability, the Sonos Ace leads (9.0 vs 7.5/10) — build materials, hinge quality, and reported longevity. Overall, the Sonos Ace scores 7.8/10 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 | Sonos Ace |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.00 | $399.00 |
| Release Year | 2021 | 2024 |
| Battery Life (hrs) | Not applicable — this model has no active noise cancelling | 30 |
| Battery (ANC off) (hrs) | 50 | Sonos publishes only the 30-hour ANC-on figure |
| Quick Charge (min for 3hrs) | 10 | 3✓ |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.4 |
| Weight (g) | 307✓ | 312 |
| Driver Size (mm) | 45 | 40 |
| Active Noise Cancelling | None | Adaptive ANC using an 8-microphone array; on/off only, with no user-adjustable intensity |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Microphones (mics) | Audio-Technica states dual beamforming mics; independent testing counted one | 8 |
| Foldable | Yes | No |
| Water Resistance | None | None |
| App EQ | Yes | Bass, treble, balance and loudness controls only — not a graphic or parametric EQ |
| Warranty | 12 months | 12 months |
| Colors | Black | Black, Soft White |
Category Scores
Battery
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 leads clearly here, 8.5 against 8.0 — a 0.5-point margin on playtime, standby, and charging speed. If that is what you are buying for, the Sonos Ace does not close the gap elsewhere.
Noise Cancelling
The Sonos Ace leads clearly here, 8.0 against 2.0 — a 6.0-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 Sonos Ace leads clearly here, 7.5 against 6.8 — a 0.7-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 and Sonos Ace are level here, at 8.5/10 each. driver performance, tuning, and detail is not what separates these two — look to the categories where the scores diverge.
Call & Mic Quality
The Sonos Ace leads clearly here, 7.5 against 6.0 — a 1.5-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 Sonos Ace leads clearly here, 7.0 against 6.0 — a 1.0-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 Sonos Ace 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 Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 and Sonos Ace are level here, at 7.0/10 each. features and performance relative to price is not what separates these two — look to the categories where the scores diverge.
Durability
The Sonos Ace leads clearly here, 9.0 against 7.5 — a 1.5-point margin on build materials, hinge quality, and reported longevity. If that is what you are buying for, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Features
The Sonos Ace leads clearly here, 7.5 against 6.0 — a 1.5-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 $220 cheaper.
- • Your main use case is students.
Choose the Sonos Ace if…
- • Noise Cancelling matters most to you — the Sonos Ace scores 8.0/10 here (how well ambient noise is blocked).
- • Call & Mic Quality matters most to you — the Sonos Ace scores 7.5/10 here (voice clarity and background noise rejection on calls).
- • Durability matters most to you — the Sonos Ace scores 9.0/10 here (build materials, hinge quality, and reported longevity).
- • Features matters most to you — the Sonos Ace scores 7.5/10 here (app ecosystem, multipoint, spatial audio, extras).
- • Travel matters most to you — the Sonos Ace scores 7.0/10 here (foldability, case, ANC on planes, battery for long trips).
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
Sonos Ace
Pros
- +Best build quality here — aluminium and stainless steel, and it feels it
- +aptX Lossless plus USB-C lossless
- +TV Audio Swap with a Sonos soundbar is genuinely useful
- +List price has been cut from $449 to $399
Cons
- −No Wi-Fi — despite the Sonos name it cannot join a Sonos system or stream from the Sonos app, which surprises most buyers
- −TV Audio Swap requires you to already own a Sonos Arc
- −Heaviest non-Apple option at 312g
- −Only a four-slider EQ
- −Does not fold in for packing
Shop by Need
FAQs
Is the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 or Sonos Ace better overall?+
Based on our 10-category scoring, the Sonos Ace 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 Sonos Ace?+
The Sonos Ace scores higher on Noise Cancelling (8.0/10 vs 2.0/10) — how well ambient noise is blocked.
Which is better for Call & Mic Quality, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 or the Sonos Ace?+
The Sonos Ace scores higher on Call & Mic Quality (7.5/10 vs 6.0/10) — voice clarity and background noise rejection on calls.
Which is better for Durability, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 or the Sonos Ace?+
The Sonos Ace scores higher on Durability (9.0/10 vs 7.5/10) — build materials, hinge quality, and reported longevity.
Which is better for Features, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 or the Sonos Ace?+
The Sonos Ace scores higher on Features (7.5/10 vs 6.0/10) — app ecosystem, multipoint, spatial audio, extras.
Is the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 worth the price difference over the Sonos Ace?+
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is the cheaper option at $179 versus $399. 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 Sonos Ace is the better fit for commute or travel.
What's the warranty on the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 vs the Sonos Ace?+
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 ships with a 12-month warranty; the Sonos Ace 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
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) — $449.00
Specifications and prices for both products last verified . Scores are calculated from published specifications — see how we compare products.