Audio-Technica - ATH-M50xBT2 vs Bose - QuietComfort SC
Between the ATH-M50xBT2 and QuietComfort SC, the ATH-M50xBT2 comes out ahead in battery life and driver size, while the QuietComfort SC wins on weight and active noise cancellation. Overall, the ATH-M50xBT2 scores 74.2 and the QuietComfort SC scores 62.9 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The ATH-M50xBT2 is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 11.3 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the ATH-M50xBT2 if your top frustration with your current device is running out of charge before the day ends — endurance is the lead spec here. The biggest gaps in its favor are battery life, driver size, ldac.
Pick the QuietComfort SC if you carry the device everywhere and weight or thickness has been the deciding factor before. Its strongest claims are weight, active noise cancellation.
Both ship with comparable spatial audio, multipoint, water resistance, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the ATH-M50xBT2 is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Why Audio-Technica - ATH-M50xBT2 wins
- ▲Battery life — 108.33% more. 50 h vs 24 h.
- ▲Driver size — 28.57% more. 45 mm vs 35 mm.
- ▲Has LDAC.
Why Bose - QuietComfort SC wins
- ▲Weight — 67.00 g less. 240 vs 307.
- ▲Has Active noise cancellation.
Spec comparison
Design
| Spec | Audio-Technica - ATH-M50xBT2 | Bose - QuietComfort SC |
|---|---|---|
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 307 g | 240 glead |
| Water resistance | none | none |
Audio
| Spec | Audio-Technica - ATH-M50xBT2 | Bose - QuietComfort SC |
|---|---|---|
| Driver sizeⓘ | 45 mmlead | 35 mm |
| Impedanceⓘ | 38 Ωlead | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivityⓘ | 99 dBlead | 98 dB |
| Active noise cancellationⓘ | false | truelead |
| Transparency mode | false | truelead |
| Spatial audioⓘ | false | false |
Battery
| Spec | Audio-Technica - ATH-M50xBT2 | Bose - QuietComfort SC |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 50 hlead | 24 h |
| Fast chargeⓘ | true | true |
Connectivity
| Spec | Audio-Technica - ATH-M50xBT2 | Bose - QuietComfort SC |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetoothⓘ | 5.0 | 5.1lead |
| Multipointⓘ | true | true |
| 3.5mm jack | true | true |
| LDACⓘ | truelead | false |
| aptX HDⓘ | truelead | false |
Frequently asked
Which has better battery life, ATH-M50xBT2 or QuietComfort SC?+
ATH-M50xBT2 lasts 50 hours vs 24 hours.
Do ATH-M50xBT2 or QuietComfort SC have active noise cancellation?+
QuietComfort SC has ANC; ATH-M50xBT2 does not.
Which supports LDAC, ATH-M50xBT2 or QuietComfort SC?+
ATH-M50xBT2 supports LDAC; QuietComfort SC does not.
Spec-level deep dives
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