Head to head
HDJ-X5 vs. ATH-M50x
Both are Headphones in the same price bracket (€100 to €200) — which is why you genuinely hesitate between them. Here is what our register says about both, side by side, including what speaks against them.
Pioneer DJ
HDJ-X5
€100 to €200
The entry point to the HDJ-X range: closed back, swivelling cups, detachable cable.
For
- Swivelling cups for one-ear monitoring
- Closed back, good isolation
- Detachable cable
Against
- Sound and build one step below the X7
- Less secure fit than the HD 25
Also available atAmazonAd
Audio-Technica
ATH-M50x
€100 to €200
Closed-back studio headphones, popular with DJs for their sound.
For
- Frequency range 15–28,000 Hz (manufacturer figure)
- Comfortable over longer periods
- Swivelling ear cups, detachable cable
Against
- Bigger and heavier than the HD 25
- Less isolation on loud stages
Also available atAmazonAd
Where it says “Ad” we earn a commission if you buy through the link — on the other routes we earn nothing. Either way you pay the same price, and it changes nothing about our recommendation. How we handle this
The key facts side by side
| Feature | HDJ-X5 | ATH-M50x |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Pioneer DJ | Audio-Technica |
| Price bracket | €100 to €200 | €100 to €200 |
| Our classification | Entry level | Recommended |
| Meant for | Nothing yet, Laptop only, Controller setup, Vinyl setup | Nothing yet, Laptop only, Controller setup, Vinyl setup |
Where they differ
- We classify the two differently — one is an entry device to us, the other is not. That is an editorial call, not a measurement.
- Different manufacturers, so different software ecosystems, spare parts and control logic. If you already own gear from one brand, that is a reason in itself.
We deliberately crown no winner here. What we can back up is above; anything else would be a claim, and there are plenty of those on this question already.
More comparisons: Headphones
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