Top Headphones Compared 2026
You're looking at two of the most trusted studio headphones under $250 CAD: the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X at $219 and the Shure SRH840A at $209. Both are closed-back, over-ear designs built for critical listening in the studio. Both have detachable cables. Both are industry standards. So what's the difference, and which one should you buy?
Quick Verdict
The ATH-M50X gives you a punchy, slightly hyped sound with strong bass presence — great for tracking, beatmaking, and general listening. The SRH840A delivers a balanced response that's better suited for mixing and mastering where accuracy matters most. If you need one pair for everything and you like a bit of energy in your sound, go M50X. If you're mixing and need to hear the truth, the SRH840A is the better tool.
Build Quality and Comfort
The ATH-M50X uses a collapsible design with 90-degree swiveling earcups, making it easy to pack and monitor one-ear. The headband is lightly padded, the earcups are thick memory foam wrapped in pleather. It's a tried-and-tested build that's been around for years. The detachable cable system uses a proprietary locking connector on the left cup — you get three cables in the box: coiled, straight long, and straight short.
The SRH840A takes a simpler approach. The earcups don't fold, but they do swivel flat for single-ear monitoring. The headband padding is generous, and the earcups are deeper than the M50X, which some users find more comfortable for long sessions. The detachable cable uses a standard 3.5mm locking connector on both cups, so you can run a cable from either side. You get one coiled cable and one straight cable in the box. Both models feel solid, but the M50X's folding mechanism adds a bit more portability.
Sound Signature and Performance
This is where the two diverge. The ATH-M50X has a V-shaped sound signature with boosted bass and treble. The low end hits hard — kick drums and bass guitars have weight and punch. The mids are slightly recessed, and the highs are present without being harsh. This tuning makes the M50X fun to listen to and useful for tracking, where you want to hear detail and feel energy. It's not reference-flat, but it's not trying to be. The large 45mm drivers deliver strong output and handle high SPL without distortion.
The SRH840A is described as a pro reference headphone, designed to provide accurate monitoring across an extended frequency range. The 40mm neodymium drivers deliver clear sound with good isolation. The bass is present but not hyped, which means you won't be fooled into thinking your low end is bigger than it is. The highs are smooth and extended. If you're making decisions about EQ and balance, the SRH840A gives you a reliable reference point.
Passive isolation is strong on both. The M50X's earcups seal tight and block out most room noise. The SRH840A's deeper cups and thicker padding provide solid isolation, which matters in noisy environments or when tracking loud sources.
Features and Connectivity
Both headphones are passive — no batteries, no active noise cancellation, no Bluetooth. You plug them in and they work. The ATH-M50X comes with three cables: a 1.2m straight cable, a 3m straight cable, and a 1.2m coiled cable. All three terminate in 3.5mm with a screw-on 6.35mm adapter included. The proprietary locking connector on the left cup is secure but limits your cable options to Audio-Technica's ecosystem.
The SRH840A includes two cables: a coiled cable and a straight cable, both with 3.5mm termination and a screw-on 6.35mm adapter. The dual-entry design means you can plug into either cup, which is useful if your audio interface is on your right side. The standard 3.5mm locking connector opens up more third-party cable options. Both models have replaceable earpads, but Shure makes it easier — the SRH840A's pads snap on and off without tools.
Value for Money
At $219 CAD, the ATH-M50X gives you a versatile headphone that works for tracking, casual listening, and light mixing. You're paying for a proven design with strong brand recognition and wide availability. At $209 CAD, the SRH840A costs $10 less and delivers accurate sound with better isolation and easier maintenance. The price difference is negligible — your decision comes down to sound signature preference and workflow needs. Both are solid investments that will last years with proper care.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | ATH-M50X | SRH840A |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Size | 45mm | 40mm neodymium |
| Frequency Response | Extended range | 5 Hz – 25 kHz |
| Impedance | 38 ohms | Not specified |
| Cable System | Detachable, proprietary lock | Detachable, dual-entry 3.5mm |
| Included Cables | 3 (coiled, straight long, straight short) | 2 (coiled, straight) |
| Foldable | Yes | No |
| Weight | Not specified | Not specified |
| Street Price (CAD) | $219 | $209 |
Alternatives Worth Considering
If you're a DJ who needs something more portable and club-ready, the Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1 at $119 CAD offers swivel earcups and a bass-forward tuning designed for beatmatching. If you want studio-grade accuracy with better noise isolation and replaceable parts, the KRK KNS 8402 at $209 CAD delivers up to 30 dB of passive noise reduction and a frequency response from 5 Hz to 23 kHz. And if you're budget-conscious but still want Audio-Technica quality, the ATH-M40X at $149 CAD gives you a flatter sound than the M50X in a similar build for $70 less.
