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Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black — Over-ear · 2022
Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black

Over-ear · 2022

85
/ 100
From $199
VS
HiFiMan Sundara — Planar magnetic
HiFiMan

HiFiMan Sundara

Planar magnetic

85
/ 100
From $299
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black lands at 85 and HiFiMan Sundara at 85. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)

Pick HiFiMan Sundara if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Noise cancelling

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black

ANC strength for commute and travel

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black leads on anc (83 vs 0).

Comfort

HiFiMan Sundara

Long-session wearability

HiFiMan Sundara leads on comfort (88 vs 84).

Value for money

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black more score per dollar ($199 vs $299).

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black 85
vs
85 HiFiMan Sundara

Score breakdown

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black
85
anc 83
sound 85
comfort 84
battery 82
features 81
HiFiMan Sundara
85
anc 0
sound 85
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black versus HiFiMan Sundara — full spec comparison
Spec Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black HiFiMan Sundara
Type
Over-ear
Planar magnetic
Release year
2022
—

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

HiFiMan Sundara

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

FAQ: Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black vs HiFiMan Sundara

Which is better, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black or HiFiMan Sundara? +

Both score 85 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black worth the price? +

At $199, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in sound.

Is HiFiMan Sundara worth the price? +

At $299, HiFiMan Sundara delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in battery.

Does Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black or HiFiMan Sundara last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black or HiFiMan Sundara? +

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black — leads on anc (83 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.

Which is better for comfort, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Midnight Black or HiFiMan Sundara? +

HiFiMan Sundara — leads on comfort (88 vs 84). Long-session wearability.