Audio-Technica has added its first wireless model to the StreamSet headset family. The new ATH-M50xSTS-WL combines headphones derived from the popular ATH-M50x studio monitor with a boom-mounted condenser microphone, then replaces the fixed USB or XLR cable with a dedicated 2.4GHz wireless link.
The headset is available now in the United States for $299. That price places it above the company’s $249 ATH-M50xSTS-USB and $199 XLR-equipped ATH-M50xSTS. The wireless model is aimed at streamers, podcasters, gamers and other creators who value low-latency monitoring and microphone quality more than everyday mobile convenience.
There is an important limitation in that positioning: the ATH-M50xSTS-WL does not support Bluetooth. Wireless audio depends on the included USB transceiver, so buyers should think of this as a cable-free production headset rather than an all-purpose pair of travel headphones.
What the wireless StreamSet adds
Audio-Technica uses a proprietary 2.4GHz digital connection instead of Bluetooth. The supplied USB-A transceiver handles both headphone playback and microphone input, and a USB-A-to-USB-C adapter is included for computers with newer ports. The company lists an approximate line-of-sight range of 10 meters, or 33 feet.
The reason for that choice is latency. Bluetooth can introduce a noticeable delay between action on screen and sound in the headphones, particularly when microphone audio is also involved. Audio-Technica describes the 2.4GHz system as a low-latency link suitable for live streaming and gaming. We have not independently measured its delay, range or interference resistance.
Engadget reports that the USB transceiver can work with PCs and consoles including PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2. Audio-Technica’s published computer requirements specifically list Windows 11 and recent macOS versions, so console buyers should confirm compatibility with their exact system and chat setup before purchasing.
M50x-derived sound with one wireless tradeoff
The closed-back headphones use 45mm dynamic drivers based on the ATH-M50x design. Audio-Technica specifies a 20Hz to 22kHz frequency response and 99dB/mW sensitivity. Those figures describe the hardware but do not establish how the headset will sound to a particular listener; fit, earpads and source level can all affect the result.
Two sets of interchangeable earpads are included. The leather-style set emphasizes isolation and audio performance, while the mesh-and-memory-foam pair is intended to improve breathability during long sessions. That is a practical inclusion for creators who may wear a headset for several hours at a time.
The headset weighs approximately 365 grams without its charging cable. It can fold flat for transport, but the lack of Bluetooth makes it less convenient for phones and tablets than mainstream wireless headphones. A creator who wants one headset for both production and commuting may need a separate mobile solution.
The microphone is the main reason to consider it
Audio-Technica places a cardioid condenser microphone on a flexible boom arm. Its design draws on the company’s AT20-series microphone technology and has a specified frequency response of 50Hz to 20kHz. The boom keeps the capsule close to the speaker’s mouth, and raising it automatically mutes the microphone.
The microphone includes noise reduction with two selectable levels plus an off setting. This feature is designed to reduce sounds such as computer fans and air conditioning in the captured voice signal. It should not be confused with active noise cancellation for the person wearing the headphones; Audio-Technica does not advertise listener-facing ANC on this model.
A sidetone feature feeds some microphone audio back into the headphones. Hearing one’s own voice can reduce the tendency to speak too loudly when using closed-back earcups, and it makes live conversations feel less isolated. Physical controls on the earcup handle volume, microphone monitoring and noise-reduction settings without requiring a desktop app.
Battery life and charging
Audio-Technica rates the ATH-M50xSTS-WL for up to 24 hours of continuous wireless use. A full charge takes approximately 3.5 hours. Actual runtime will vary with volume, wireless conditions, battery age and microphone use.
The included two-meter USB cable can charge the headset while also carrying wired audio, so a depleted battery does not necessarily end a stream. That fallback is useful for long sessions, although it temporarily turns the wireless headset back into a wired one.
Unlike earbuds with a charging case, the StreamSet relies on its internal battery and USB charging. Creators who work on a fixed schedule will need to build charging into their routine rather than expecting a quick case-based top-up between sessions.
What the $299 price buys
The premium over the wired StreamSet models pays for the radio system, rechargeable battery and freedom to move away from a desk without a cable pulling on the headset. The core idea remains the same: combine monitor-style headphones and a purpose-built voice microphone in one device.
For someone who already owns good headphones and a USB microphone, the ATH-M50xSTS-WL may be an expensive way to remove two cables. A separate microphone can also offer more placement options and easier component upgrades. The integrated design makes more sense for creators who want consistent mouth-to-microphone distance, a cleaner desk and simple plug-and-play operation.
Gamers have many cheaper wireless headsets to choose from, including models designed around spatial audio, console controls or simultaneous Bluetooth. Audio-Technica is instead emphasizing its microphone lineage and M50x monitoring heritage. Buyers comparing it with products such as Sony’s $99.99 PlayStation Pulse should decide whether the StreamSet’s production-focused microphone is worth the large price difference.
Who should buy it
- Streamers and podcasters: The flip-to-mute condenser boom, sidetone and noise reduction are built around spoken voice.
- Creators who move while recording: The 2.4GHz link removes the fixed headset cable within roughly 33 feet of the transceiver.
- M50x fans: The familiar 45mm-driver approach is paired with two replaceable earpad styles.
- Long-session users: The 24-hour battery claim and wired-while-charging fallback reduce downtime.
It is a weaker fit for people who need Bluetooth for a phone, listener-facing noise cancellation, or a lightweight travel headset. It may also be unnecessary for a stationary setup where the less expensive USB or XLR StreamSet already provides the desired sound and microphone arrangement.
What remains unproven
Manufacturer specifications do not answer every practical question. Independent testing is still needed to determine microphone performance in untreated rooms, how aggressively noise reduction alters the voice, whether the 365-gram weight remains comfortable through long sessions, and how reliably the radio link behaves in a crowded 2.4GHz environment.
Battery longevity over years of daily charging is also unknown. The product page does not present the battery as user-replaceable, so heavy users should consider long-term service options and warranty coverage before treating the headset as permanent studio equipment.
Bottom line
The ATH-M50xSTS-WL is a focused upgrade for creators who like Audio-Technica’s StreamSet concept but want to lose the cable. Its dedicated wireless link, condenser boom microphone, two earpad choices and charging-while-wired fallback all serve that goal. The $299 price and lack of Bluetooth make the audience narrower: this is production equipment first and general-purpose wireless headphones second.
Sources
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-WL product specifications
- Engadget launch report, October 28, 2026
- Notebookcheck launch coverage and specifications
Featured image credit: Audio-Technica.