If you want professional-grade studio monitoring, deep bass response, and total sound isolation for critical listening, choose Audio-Technica ATH-M50X; if you need open-ear safety, bone conduction technology, and complete waterproof durability for active movement like cycling, choose WALLA SOUND Beat Bone Conduction.
These two products live in completely different worlds of audio engineering. One is a wired, over-ear workhorse built for the quiet precision of a mixing desk or a home theater setup, while the other is a lightweight, wireless neckband designed specifically to keep your ears open to the world around you. There is no middle ground here. The choice comes down entirely to whether your priority is sonic fidelity and noise cancellation or situational awareness and physical freedom during motion.
• Audio-Technica ATH-M50X: Offers exceptional clarity with deep, accurate bass through 45mm large aperture drivers, but trades off ambient awareness due to its closed-back, isolating design.
• WALLA SOUND Beat Bone Conduction: Provides an open-ear experience that keeps you safe by hearing surroundings while offering IPX8 waterproofing and 32GB internal storage, though it sacrifices the immersive bass and isolation of traditional headphones.
• Who picks which: Choose the Audio-Technica for stationary, high-fidelity tasks like studio work or focused listening at home; choose the WALLA SOUND for running, cycling, or any activity where seeing and hearing your environment is non-negotiable.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X is engineered for the purist who demands accuracy above all else. Its core strength lies in the proprietary 45-millimeter large aperture drivers equipped with rare earth magnets and copper clad aluminum wire voice coils. This hardware configuration allows for an extended frequency range spanning from 20 Hz to 28,000 Hz, ensuring that every nuance of a recording is reproduced faithfully. If you are an audio engineer, a musician, or simply someone who cares deeply about the tonal balance of their music, this device delivers the kind of performance that has earned it a reputation among top professionals.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-30 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
The circumaural design contours tightly around the ears, creating a sealed environment that provides excellent passive sound isolation. In loud environments, this feature is invaluable, blocking out distractions so you can focus entirely on the mix or the track. The earcups swivel 90 degrees, allowing for one-ear monitoring which is a staple requirement in professional tracking and mixing scenarios. The build quality supports this serious intent, utilizing aluminum materials for the enclosure and professional-grade pads that prioritize durability over softness. You get a heavy-duty tool designed to withstand the rigors of daily use in a studio setting.
However, this product is not designed for the active user. Because it relies on wired connectivity via a 3.5 mm jack and features a closed-back design, it is physically cumbersome for movement. The weight of the unit, sitting at 0.29 kg, combined with the tight seal around the ears, makes it unsuitable for long periods of jogging or cycling. It creates a barrier between you and the outside world, which is perfect for focusing on a beat but dangerous when navigating traffic. If your primary use case involves being outdoors or moving rapidly, this model will feel restrictive and potentially unsafe. It is strictly for those who value the "what" they hear over the "where" they are.
The WALLA SOUND Beat Bone Conduction Headphones are built for a specific lifestyle: the person who refuses to disconnect from their surroundings while enjoying audio. Unlike traditional headphones that sit inside or over the ear canal, these utilize advanced bone conduction technology to transmit sound through the cheekbones. This leaves the ear canal completely open, meaning you can listen to music, podcasts, or calls while still hearing cars, birds, or people approaching you. This open-ear design is the defining feature for anyone who prioritizes safety during outdoor activities like running, cycling, or commuting.
Durability and independence from a phone are key selling points here. With an IPX8 waterproof rating, these headphones are engineered to withstand sweat, rain, and even submersion in water, making them reliable companions for swimming laps or intense workouts in the rain. They weigh only 30 grams, utilizing a flexible liquid-silicone neckband that ensures a secure fit without causing pressure or fatigue during long sessions. Furthermore, the inclusion of 32GB of built-in MP3 storage means you can leave your smartphone at home entirely. You have enough room for thousands of tracks stored directly on the device, connected via Bluetooth or played back locally without needing a pairing connection.
The trade-off is clear when compared to studio monitors: you lose the deep, immersive bass and the ability to block out noise. The open-ear design means sound leakage occurs, and external noise easily penetrates your listening experience. However, for the cyclist or runner, this is a feature, not a bug. The lack of noise isolation ensures you remain aware of your environment. The battery life averages 5 hours, which covers most workout durations, and the magnetic charging cord offers convenience. If you need a headset that survives water, stays light on your head, and lets you see the road ahead, this is the only logical choice.
• Best for cycling safety → WALLA SOUND Beat Bone Conduction (Open-ear design allows full environmental awareness).
• Best for studio mixing and tracking → Audio-Technica ATH-M50X (Circumaural isolation and precise driver response).
• Best for waterproofing → WALLA SOUND Beat Bone Conduction (IPX8 rating handles rain and swimming).
• Best for bass response → Audio-Technica ATH-M50X (45mm dynamic drivers deliver deep, accurate low-end).
• Best for phone-free workouts → WALLA SOUND Beat Bone Conduction (32GB internal storage eliminates need for a paired device).
• Best for long-term durability → Audio-Technica ATH-M50X (Professional grade materials and 2-year warranty).
• Best for comfort during motion → WALLA SOUND Beat Bone Conduction (Ultra-lightweight 30g silicone band).
• Best for noise isolation → Audio-Technica ATH-M50X (Closed-back design blocks exterior sound effectively).
After weighing the specifications and intended use cases, I would buy the WALLA SOUND Beat Bone Conduction for my own needs, specifically because I am looking for the best waterproof gaming headphones for cycling or general outdoor exercise. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X is an incredible piece of equipment, but its closed-back nature and wired connection make it impractical for anything involving movement. For over ear headphones for cycling, the risk of missing traffic cues is too high, and the bulk is uncomfortable. The WALLA SOUND's ability to keep my ears open while providing 32GB of storage and IPX8 protection makes it the superior tool for an active lifestyle. It solves the problem of staying safe while staying entertained, something the Audio-Technica simply cannot do.
No, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X uses wired connectivity exclusively via a 3.5 mm jack and does not include Bluetooth or wireless technology.
The WALLA SOUND Beat offers up to 5 hours of playtime on a single charge, whereas the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X has no battery as it is a passive wired device that draws power from the source.
While they are durable, they are not rated for water resistance like the IPX8-rated WALLA SOUND, and their closed design would trap sweat and prevent you from hearing traffic, making them unsafe for running.
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