AKG K371 vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
A side-by-side look at AKG K371 and Audio-Technica ATH-M50x for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
AKG K371
Closed-back reference headphone engineered to AKG's own frequency target - foldable for the road
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Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The studio monitor headphone that became the industry default
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Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| AKG K371 | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Podcasters and producers who want a modern closed-back with flat reference tuning and portable foldable design | Podcasters and audio producers who need accurate monitoring headphones for editing, mixing, and tracking |
Key features
AKG K371
- 5 Hz - 40 kHz frequency response
- Closed-back, over-ear, foldable design
- 50mm drivers tuned to AKG Reference Response target
- 32 ohm impedance - no amp required
- Three detachable cables: 3m coiled, 3m straight, 1.2m straight
- Oval ear cups for passive noise isolation
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Closed-back over-ear, 45mm large-aperture drivers
- 15 Hz - 28 kHz frequency response
- 38 ohm impedance - drives from any device without an amp
- Three interchangeable cables: coiled, long straight, short straight
- 90-degree swivel earcups for one-ear monitoring
- Collapsible design for transport
Pros and cons
AKG K371
Pros
- Flat, reference-tuned response matched to the Harman target
- Three cable options cover all use cases
- 32-ohm impedance works from any interface or device
- Foldable for travel without sacrificing studio-grade accuracy
Cons
- Foldable mechanism adds plastic to the build
- Oval ear cups require adjustment to fit some head shapes
- Bass extension can sound slightly soft versus V-shaped alternatives
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Pros
- Accurate, detailed monitoring response trusted by professionals
- Excellent passive isolation for studio tracking
- Three interchangeable cables for different use cases
- Works without an amp at 38 ohms
Cons
- Stock earpads deteriorate and need replacement after a few years
- Slightly clampy fit for larger heads on long sessions
- Not completely neutral - has a mild V-shaped character
The verdict
Choose AKG K371 if
Podcasters and producers who want a modern closed-back with flat reference tuning and portable foldable design.
The K371 is one of the most technically accurate closed-back headphones at its price, and the measurement community noticed it early - it closely follows the Harman target curve, which correlates well to what most people perceive as neutral and…
Choose Audio-Technica ATH-M50x if
Podcasters and audio producers who need accurate monitoring headphones for editing, mixing, and tracking.
The M50x has been the default studio headphone recommendation for over a decade and the reasons are legitimate - the isolation is excellent, the detail retrieval is honest without being harsh, and the slight low-end emphasis makes it forgiving for…