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
The entry point to the HDJ-X range: closed back, swivelling cups, robust enough for the booth.
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
Audio-Technica
ATH-M50x
Closed-back studio headphones, popular with DJs for their sound.
For
- Very good sound
- Comfortable over longer periods
- Swivelling ear cups, detachable cable
Against
- Bigger and heavier than the HD 25
- Less isolation on loud stages
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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.