Comfort is adequate but could be a little better.
However, it brings up a familiar question when looking at gaming headsets and thats figuring out whats important.
You wont find much in the way of features theres not even an app.
Yet the sound quality alone makes up for that.
The only differences between the two are connectivity.
Plus, it needs phantom power for the mic.
As far as the aesthetics of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS Streamset goes, it still keeps that belongs-in-the-studio all-black look.
They do offer slightly different experiences as I find the leatherette to be a little hotter to wear.
When it comes to ergonomics, theres plenty on hand as the earcups can tilt and swivel 180 degrees.
And, of course, the headband has plenty of extension on hand for different sized heads.
At the end of the day, the comfort on these headphones are decent but not amazing.
Though the clamping force is not excessive, it is a little tight.
That means that after long sessions, I did feel a little pressure where the headband sat.
Luckily, the sound quality makes up for any other issues.
Thats because the sound quality here is not only detailed with plenty of resolution but fairly evenly balanced.
Theres a little more bass than the most neutral headphones out there, but its not overly pronounced.
The mid-range is similarly full without being overbearing.
And, the high-end retains all the clarity one could ask for, again without being overly bright.
Theres also plenty of headroom so audio never gets compressed due to the headphones.
However, the soundstage is not a standout feature.
Make no mistake, its good just not especially wide.
As far as the mic goes, it has a little bit of a double-edge sword.
Luckily, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS StreamSet, while a bit spendy, is still within reach of most people.
There are two versions that have been available since the beginning of 2023.
That means that the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS StreamSet will sound better than most wired gaming headsets.
For instance, the mic picked up the fan from my bathroom almost ten feet away.
Plug in and start using them with the top-notch performance right away.
If you like to finetune or want those special gaming-related features, you wont find them here.
You have a limited budgetThough the price on this headset is more than justified, its not cheap.
For those with limited funds, there are plenty of decent options for half the price.
On top of that, the mic is pretty stellar, too.
Yet, this is not a headset to be overlooked.
Thanks to its open-back design, it offers phenomenal sound quality as well as fantastic comfort.
I used it with a number of games includingStarfield,Cyberpunk 2077,Control, andRocket League.
I also used it to watch some streaming video and listen to music.
I looked at other aspects beyond performance, of course, such as comfort and ease-of-use.
I also tried both earpads that were included.
Read more about how we test
First reviewed November 2023
