Audio-Technica ATH-M50xEnso vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xEnso

The Enso's headline change is purely cosmetic: an all-black finish with a single white circular 'Enso' brushstroke marking 10 years of the M50x. Underneath, it is the same plastic-and-metal closed-back build — comfortable for a couple of hours, with swivelling cups and a flimsy pouch.

• The Enso marks the 10-year anniversary of the M50x with a fresh minimalist design — an all-black finish with a styled swirling accent that honours Japanese artistry.
• Audio-Technica describes the Enso as a return to the original sophisticated all-black colourway after years of varied limited-edition designs, with the circle reflecting both that return and the iconic rings on the M50x.
• The build itself doesn't change much for the Enso — it keeps the same swivelling ear cups and the proven M50x construction.
• The mainly plastic body with metal-notched headband adjustments looks spectacular in its matte finish, with hinges that let the closed-back cups fold down for storage.
• The memory-foam pads feel stiff initially but break in with use; clamping force is secure rather than overly tight, and it fits comfortably for a couple of hours.
• The closed-back design, while excellent for isolation, can make the M50x feel a bit tight for some users, and the vinyl pads retain heat over long sessions.
• The robust design includes 90-degree swivelling ear cups for easy one-ear monitoring — a practical touch for DJs, producers and engineers.
• The included vinyl drawstring pouch mainly guards against surface scrapes — cheaper headphones often ship with better protective cases.
• Hands-on with the limited edition: the soft pleather on the headband and ear cups feels great and the build quality looks genuinely solid in person.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

Comfort is a near-universal win — a light ~262g build, soft glasses-friendly pads and low clamping force make these one of the easiest flagship ANC headphones to wear all day. The design, dimensions and case are carried over unchanged from Gen 1, with only updated leather-style materials and a slightly more premium feel.

• After two months of daily use these are the best-feeling headphones the reviewer owns — wearable for very long stretches where many headphones get uncomfortable after two hours.
• The headphones weigh in at 262g — lightweight for a pair of premium ANC over-ears, where rivals often sit between 280 and 300g.
• Around 260g with a soft-padded headband, the ear cups fold inward on a proper hinge and drop into a hard-shell carry case with a magnetic clasp.
• The ear cups fold in, making the case significantly more compact than much of the competition — a real win for regular travellers.
• Bose has stepped up the build with aluminium elements and sturdier plastics while keeping the headphones light — a long-standing critique partially addressed.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xEnso

As a collectible 10th-anniversary edition, the Enso's value rests on whether the artwork appeals — the audio is identical to the standard M50x. Reviewers still rate the M50x platform a strong wired buy, while rivals like the AKG K371 and Sennheiser HD 280 Pro / HD 58X compete hard on sound and comfort.

• The Enso is positioned as a celebration of legendary performance with a new symbolic look and a level of rarity Audio-Technica hasn't offered in years — its value is partly collectible.
• For its price and longevity, the M50x remains one of the best do-everything wired over-ear headphones you can buy.
• RTINGS calls the M50x one of the best values on the market thanks to its strong price-to-performance ratio for critical listening.
• The AKG K371 sells around the same price, follows the consumer target curve more closely, isolates slightly better and is more comfortable for glasses-wearers — though the M50x feels more durable.
• Against the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro the M50x is better built and noticeably more comfortable with spare cables included — overall better value even at its higher price.
• Some audiophiles argue the M50x is overhyped by casual buyers and there are headphones in its price range, such as the Sennheiser HD 58X, that outperform it for casual listening.
• Reddit owners are split — many love their M50x for everyday music, while critics note it was over-hyped as the best closed-back ever, fuelling an audiophile backlash.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

At an unchanged $449 the QC Ultra 2 sits head-to-head with the Sony WH-1000XM6 and AirPods Max. It wins on ANC and comfort and undercuts the AirPods Max, but trails Sony on battery and software — and with the near-identical Gen 1 now heavily discounted, the value case depends heavily on how much you weigh the new battery, USB-C audio and refined sound.

• Forbes tested more than 25 pairs and named the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) the best wireless headphones overall.
• Gen 2 launches at $449 in both the US and UK — exactly the same as Gen 1's launch price, a small step up from the older $429 QC Ultra.
• Against the AirPods Max 2 the Bose gives 30 hours of battery to Apple's 20, weighs about 120g less and costs $100 less — the more practical daily driver.
• Versus the Sony WH-1000XM6 it's a genuinely close call — Bose wins comfort and ties on ANC, but Sony pulls ahead on battery life and the depth of its app and automation.