Design and Build
The Shure Aonic 50 exudes elegance and durability with its premium materials and minimalist aesthetic. Its over-ear, closed-back design ensures a comfortable fit and passive noise isolation. The ear cups are generously padded with memory foam and covered in soft leatherette, providing hours of listening comfort. The headband is equally cushioned and adjustable, catering to different head sizes without compromising on fit.
Built for durability, the Aonic 50 uses high-quality plastics and metal reinforcements, making it a reliable companion for both indoor and outdoor use. The ear cups fold flat, which is convenient for portability, though the headphones do not fold into a more compact form.
Wireless Performance
The Aonic 50 supports Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring a stable and high-quality wireless connection. It offers an impressive array of codec support, including aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, AAC, and LDAC, catering to users who prioritize high-resolution audio. These codecs ensure minimal audio compression, maintaining the integrity of the sound.
With a range of up to 10 meters (33 feet), the Aonic 50 provides consistent performance, whether connected to a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The Aonic 50 features adjustable ANC, allowing users to tailor the level of noise cancellation to their environment. This makes it versatile for various scenarios, such as noisy commutes or quiet offices. Additionally, it includes an Environment Mode that lets external sound in, ensuring situational awareness when needed—ideal for conversations or listening to announcements.
Sound Quality
Shure is known for its studio-quality audio, and the Aonic 50 lives up to this reputation. It delivers a neutral and balanced sound profile, making it suitable for critical listening. The bass is tight and controlled, the mids are rich and natural, and the treble is clear without being harsh. This accurate sound signature ensures that no detail is lost, whether you’re listening to music, watching movies, or editing audio.
Battery Life
The Aonic 50 offers up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge with ANC and Bluetooth enabled. While not the longest in its class, it is sufficient for most daily use cases, including long flights or extended workdays. Charging is done via USB-C, and a full charge takes about 2.5 hours.
Specifications
Audio
- Driver Type: Dynamic, 50mm
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 22,000 Hz
- Impedance: 39 ohms (wired)
- Sensitivity: 97.5 dB/mW
- Sound Profile: Neutral and studio-quality
- Audio Codecs: aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, AAC, SBC, LDAC
Wireless
- Bluetooth Version: 5.0
- Range: 10 meters (33 feet)
- Codec Support: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, LDAC
Active Noise Cancellation
- Modes: Adjustable ANC and Environment Mode
Build and Dimensions
- Weight: 334 grams
- Material: Leatherette, memory foam, metal reinforcements
- Folding Mechanism: Flat-folding ear cups for easy storage
Battery
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours (Bluetooth + ANC)
- Charging Port: USB-C
- Full Charge Time: Approximately 2.5 hours
Connectivity
- Wired Option: 3.5mm audio jack and USB-C audio support
- Microphone: Built-in for calls and voice assistants
Key Features
- Studio-Quality Sound: Neutral and detailed sound signature, perfect for audiophiles and professionals.
- Adjustable ANC: Tailor the level of noise cancellation to your environment for maximum flexibility.
- Environment Mode: Lets in ambient sound for safety and awareness when needed.
- High-Resolution Audio Support: LDAC and aptX HD ensure the best possible sound quality over Bluetooth.
- Durable and Comfortable Build: Premium materials and thoughtful design make it suitable for extended use.
- Wired and Wireless Options: Use the Aonic 50 wirelessly via Bluetooth or wired through a 3.5mm jack or USB-C for lossless audio.
Performance
Sound Quality
The Aonic 50 excels in delivering a balanced and neutral sound, making it ideal for a wide range of genres and professional applications. The bass is present but not overemphasized, ensuring clarity in tracks with heavy low frequencies. The mids are warm and articulate, highlighting vocals and instruments, while the treble is crisp, adding sparkle without sibilance.
This detailed sound profile makes the Aonic 50 a favorite for critical listening, as it faithfully reproduces the nuances of recordings without coloration.
Noise Cancellation
The adjustable ANC is effective in reducing a wide range of background noises, from low-frequency hums of engines to mid-range chatter in offices or cafes. While it may not rival industry leaders like Bose or Sony in total noise elimination, its performance is more than adequate for most users. The Environment Mode is a standout feature, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings when needed.
Call Quality
The built-in microphones offer clear voice transmission, making the Aonic 50 suitable for phone calls and virtual meetings. The microphone system works well in reducing background noise during calls, ensuring your voice comes through clearly.
Comfort
With its plush padding and ergonomic design, the Aonic 50 is comfortable for extended listening sessions. However, its 334-gram weight may feel slightly heavy compared to lighter alternatives, though this is offset by its excellent fit and premium materials.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Neutral, detailed sound profile for audiophiles and professionals
- High-quality build with comfortable materials
- Adjustable ANC and Environment Mode for versatility
- Wide codec support, including LDAC and aptX HD
- Wired and wireless operation
- USB-C connectivity for charging and audio
Cons
- Battery life of 20 hours is average compared to competitors
- Slightly heavy for prolonged use
- Fold-flat design but does not collapse for compact storage
- ANC performance, while good, is not the best in class
Use Cases
- Audiophiles: Studio-quality sound and high-resolution codec support make it ideal for music lovers.
- Travelers: Effective ANC and comfortable design ensure a pleasant experience during long journeys.
- Professionals: Balanced sound and clear microphones suit video editing, audio production, and virtual meetings.
- Everyday Listening: The versatility of wireless and wired options makes it perfect for casual use.
Conclusion
The Shure Aonic 50 is a premium wireless headphone that delivers exceptional sound quality, comfort, and versatility. Its adjustable ANC, Environment Mode, and wide codec support make it a reliable choice for both casual listeners and professionals. While its battery life and weight might be slightly less competitive, the Aonic 50 makes up for these shortcomings with its superior audio performance and robust build. If you value pristine sound quality and premium features, the Aonic 50 is a worthy investment.