Between the Presonus HD9 vs. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT; which headphones are the best?
Here it is ladies and gentlemen. Two highly popular headphones side-by-side facing off. While each pair has its standard ups and downs, they also have their own unique benefits.
Depending on what you’re looking for in a pair of headphones will determine which of these might be the best choice for you. After extensive research, personal experience, and reviews; We formulated an in-depth comparison between each one. May the battle commence!
But first…
What Makes A Pair Of Headphones Good?
- Sound Quality: How good the overall audio quality of music, phone calls, or video.
- Comfort: The ability to remain comfortable for extended periods of time without itchiness, annoyance, or ear pain.
- Build Quality: The overall durability and longevity. Able to withstand harsh conditions for extended periods of time.
- Noise Isolation/ Active Noise Cancelling: If any at all, how well the active noise cancelling or noise isolating abilities are.
- Battery Life: How long the battery life of the pair of headphones is at a full charge.
- Added Features: A few examples of added features headphones offer can be Bluetooth capabilities, built-in AI assistant, headphone controls, built-in microphone for phone calls, flexibility, rotatable ear cups, etc.
We compared and contrasted each of these factors for the Presonus HD9 vs. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
Presonus HD9 
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
Sound Quality
Especially for music listeners, the overall quality of sound is a massive factor in finding your perfect pair of headphones. There are various factors that impact a pair of headphones’ sound quality.
Presonus HD9
If you want a more bass-heavy sounding pair, these are a great choice. The sound quality is very good for the low-price. They precisely customized the frequency response to be from 10 Hz – 26 kHz covering the entire audible spectrum the human ear can pick up. To get excellent sound quality for the price, they use 45mm dynamic neodymium drivers. The sensitivity is at 96dB. The Presonus HD9 was picked as the top choice by Namm in 2018 for editing music!
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
Audio-Technica’s 45mm drivers produce exceptional sound quality while wired. Unfortunately, in wireless Bluetooth mode, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT does not sound as good. However, in wireless mode, the quality of sound is still good. Many claim they are unable to tell the difference while audiophiles and musicians say there is a difference in sound. Overall, I give them a 9.4 for sound quality while wired.
Overall, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT provides better sound quality than the Presonus HD9.
Comfort
The ability for headphones to remain comfortable for extended periods of time without itchiness, annoyance, pressure, or ear pain. Considering many people use headphones for commute, air travel, or work; Comfort is a vital factor.
Presonus HD9
For all head-sizes, these headphones are very comfortable. The clamping force is just right. It’s not to tight where it hurts, but tight enough to keep the solid noise-isolation abilities. You are easily able to wear them for extended periods without fatigue.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
These headphones are relatively comfortable. However, in my experience, they become a bit uncomfortable after a few hours. Many others claim otherwise. It just depends on personal preference and your head/ear type.
Overall, the Presonus HD9 is more comfortable.
Build Quality
What good are your amazingly sounding headphones if they break in a few months? The overall durability and longevity are crucial for any investment you make. Especially for those who need headphones for commute, it’s important they’re able to withstand vigorous traveling conditions consistently.
Presonus HD9
These headphones have a remarkable build quality for their low price. It’s solid, robust, and able to withstand harsh conditions. Both of the ear cups rotate at 180 degrees, and the elastic extendable ability definitely comes in handy. They are light and flexible, making it an excellent choice for DJs.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
The design and build quality of these headphones is superb. They are robust and tough while remaining lightweight. The materials used are much more robust than the vast majority of headphones in this price range. Overall, you will be more than satisfied with the build.
Overall, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT has a better build quality.
Noise Isolation/ Active Noise Cancelling
Don’t be confused between active noise cancelling and noise isolation headphones. They are both entirely different. Noise-cancelling technology is very unique. Unlike noise-isolating headphones, noise-cancelling headphones do not eradicate outside noise by physical insulation. Within the ear cups, they have a mini microphone that picks up the outside environmental noise. It then triggers a frequency entirely opposite to the outside ambient noise. Thus, canceling out most outside ambient sound.
Presonus HD9
The Presonus HD9 provides good noise-isolation for those with smaller to medium-sized ears. However, those with more prominent ears may need to look elsewhere, considering the cups are not as big as other headphones on this list. Other than that, the noise-isolation is solid for the price.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
These headphones do not provide active noise-cancelling. However, they have decent passive noise-isolation. They are not the best, but they are not too bad, either. Overall, I give them a 5.5 out of 10 for noise isolation.
Overall, the Presonus HD9 provides better passive noise isolation than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT.
Battery Life
Battery life is an overlooked subject when speaking about over-ear headphones. Obviously, the only headphones that have a battery life are those which are wireless. Many headphones on the market do not have wireless capabilities. But for those who do, a more extended battery-life becomes a convenient factor.
Presonus HD9
These headphones do not have wireless capabilities. They must be plugged in via wire.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
These headphones provide a staggering 40-hour battery life.
Overall, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT is the only pair of the two with wireless capabilities.
Added Features
Here we summarize each pair of headphones and talk about some of the added features.
Presonus HD9
If you’re looking for an affordable pair of headphones primarily to edit music, the Presonus HD9 was picked as the top choice by Namm in 2018! It comes with a 10-foot straight cable that may get annoying to those who prefer a coiled cable. However, most don’t mind. These headphones do not have wireless Bluetooth, a built-in mic, or any other special features.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
These headphones give you the option to go wireless via Bluetooth 5.0. However, you still have the option to use them wired. To charge it for going wireless, you get a USB charging cable with the purchase. Added to that, the headphones also have a built-in mic for phone calls. You can also manually adjust the volume with the headphones, as well.
Our Winner Between Presonus HD9 & Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
Keep in mind that our opinion is not the end all be all. Like mentioned earlier, everyone has different needs, requirements, and budgets for their headphones. However, our winner is the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT due to its better sound quality, wireless capabilities, and build quality. We highly recommend it.
If you’re looking for over-ear headphones, see our top picks here.
See the top made-in-USA sunglasses here.
See the difference between hiking waterfalls or mountains here.
Need a modern outdoor coffee table? See the top picks here.
Need an alarm clock? See the top choices here.