Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold
Over-ear · 2022
Bose QC45
Over-ear · 2021
Bose QC45 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold lands at 85 and Bose QC45 at 88. That puts Bose QC45 ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Pick Bose QC45 if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
Bose QC45Tuning, detail, and staging
Bose QC45 leads on sound (88 vs 85).
Noise cancelling
Bose QC45ANC strength for commute and travel
Bose QC45 leads on anc (86 vs 83).
Comfort
Bose QC45Long-session wearability
Bose QC45 leads on comfort (87 vs 84).
Value for money
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose GoldSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold more score per dollar ($199 vs $329).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold | Bose QC45 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Release year | 2022 | 2021 |
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
Bose QC45
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
FAQ: Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold vs Bose QC45
Which is better, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold or Bose QC45? +
Bose QC45 scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold worth the price? +
At $199, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in sound.
Is Bose QC45 worth the price? +
At $329, Bose QC45 delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.
Does Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold or Bose QC45 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 sound quality, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold or Bose QC45? +
Bose QC45 — leads on sound (88 vs 85). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold or Bose QC45? +
Bose QC45 — leads on anc (86 vs 83). ANC strength for commute and travel.