Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Review: Premium Sound

With years of experience testing over-ear headphones, I understand what makes a great listening device. I have carefully studied and personally tested the Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones to provide you with a clear and honest review. My goal is to help you make a smart choice by sharing detailed insights on sound quality, comfort, and features. You can trust this review because it is based on thorough research and hands-on use. Whether you want premium studio sound, strong noise cancelling, or long battery life, I will guide you through everything this headphone offers.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Premium studio-quality sound with 50mm dynamic drivers
• ✅ Spatialized audio technology with three immersive modes
• ✅ Enhanced Gen 2 active noise cancelling
• ✅ Long 45-hour battery life with quick charge feature

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Premium price point may be high for some users
• ❌ Bulky over-ear design may not suit all preferences
• ❌ Limited color options (only black available)

Who Should Buy This

The Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 headphones are perfect for people who want top sound quality and noise cancellation. If you listen to music a lot, work in noisy places, or enjoy clear calls, these headphones are a great choice. They are also good for those who like to customize their sound with the EQ settings. Plus, the long 45-hour battery life means you can use them all day without charging. The wireless Bluetooth 5 connection makes them easy to use with many devices.

However, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option, these headphones might be too expensive. Also, if you prefer very lightweight or compact headphones, the over-ear design might feel a bit bulky. People who don’t use wireless devices often might not get the most from these headphones. In those cases, simpler or cheaper models might be better.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: Shure
• Model: SBH50G2-BK
• Size: 3.8″ x 11.0″ x 13.9″
• Weight: 1.0 lb
• Material: Premium over-ear construction with high-quality ear cushions
• Color Options: Black
• Special Features: Wireless noise cancelling, Premium studio sound, Bluetooth 5, Customizable EQ, 45-hour battery life, Over-ear design
• Warranty: Manufacturer’s warranty included

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first unboxed the Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2, I was impressed by its solid build and sleek black design. The headphones felt sturdy but comfortable, with plush ear cups that promised long listening sessions without discomfort. Setting them up was straightforward – connecting via Bluetooth 5 was quick and seamless. I started with some of my favorite tracks to get a feel for the sound quality, and right away, the premium studio-quality sound stood out. The 50mm dynamic drivers delivered clear, detailed audio that made me appreciate songs I thought I knew well. It was clear from the start that these headphones were built for serious listening.

Daily Use

Using the AONIC 50 Gen 2 throughout my day became a real pleasure. Whether I was working from home, commuting, or just relaxing, the enhanced noise cancelling did a fantastic job blocking out background noise. It was especially helpful during noisy subway rides or when my neighbors were being loud. I also loved switching between the three spatialized audio modes depending on what I was doing. The Music mode gave my playlists a richer soundstage, Cinema mode made movie soundtracks feel more immersive, and Podcast mode made voices crisp and easy to follow. The battery life was impressive too — lasting well over a day on a single charge, which meant less hassle charging constantly.

Key Features in Action

The customizable EQ was one of my favorite features. Using the Shure app, I could tailor the sound exactly how I liked it. As someone who enjoys bass-heavy tracks but also listens to acoustic music, this flexibility made a big difference. The spatialized audio technology really expanded the soundstage, making it feel like the music was coming from around me rather than just inside the headphones. The improved ANC worked better than I expected, creating a quiet bubble even in busy environments. Overall, these features combined to create a rich, immersive listening experience that kept me focused and entertained.

Long-Term Performance

After using the Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 for several weeks, I can say they held up well. The build quality remained solid with no signs of wear, and the comfort stayed consistent during long listening sessions. Battery life remained strong, and the Bluetooth connection never dropped unexpectedly. I appreciated that the sound quality stayed true over time without any distortion or loss of clarity. These headphones quickly became my go-to for both work and leisure, proving their worth as a premium pair of wireless noise cancelling headphones.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless Headphones	Shure AONIC 50 Wireless Headphones	Shure AONIC 215 TW2 Earbuds
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	Premium studio-quality sound from custom-engineered 50mm dynamic drivers delivering high-fidelity audio with spatialized audio technology for expanded soundstage and three unique listening modes.	Premium wireless studio-quality sound engineered from decades of professional experience with Bluetooth 5 for stable wireless connectivity and comfort fit over-ear design.	Studio-quality true wireless audio with professional-grade drivers providing clear sound and deep bass; sound isolating design trusted by professional musicians.
Features	Bluetooth 5, customizable EQ, enhanced Gen 2 noise cancelling, 45-hour battery life, spatialized audio technology (Music, Cinema, Podcast modes), over-ear design.	Bluetooth 5, adjustable noise cancelling with environment mode, fingertip controls, 20-hour battery life, comfort fit over-ear.	Bluetooth 5, sound isolation blocking up to 37 dB, secure fit, 32-hour total battery life (8 hours per charge plus charging case), quick-access button controls.
Best For	Critical listeners seeking studio-quality sound with long battery life and immersive spatial audio modes for music, cinema, and podcasts.	Users wanting wireless over-ear headphones with adjustable noise cancelling and straightforward controls for everyday listening.	Active users or commuters preferring true wireless earbuds with secure fit, sound isolation, and extended battery life in a compact form.

In my opinion, the Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones stands out because of its enhanced Gen 2 noise cancelling, customizable EQ, and superior 45-hour battery life combined with spatialized audio technology that offers three unique listening modes. This makes it ideal for critical listeners who want a premium, immersive experience for music, cinema, and podcasts. If you’re like me and prefer over-ear headphones with studio-level sound accuracy and long-lasting performance, this is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones, Premium Studio Sound, Bluetooth 5, Customizable EQ, 45-Hour Battery, Over-Ear, Black

Overall Satisfaction

Customers generally rate the Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 highly, appreciating its sound quality and comfort, reflected in the strong seller rating of 4.9/5.

Most Praised Features

• Exceptional premium studio sound quality with clear, rich audio.
• Effective noise cancelling that performs well in various environments.
• Long-lasting 45-hour battery life supporting extended use.

Common Concerns

• Some users find the headphones slightly bulky for prolonged wear.
• Occasional Bluetooth connectivity hiccups reported by a few customers.

Who Loves It Most

Audio enthusiasts and professionals who prioritize superior sound and customizable EQ settings tend to be the most satisfied buyers of the Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 headphones.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $367 with a 6% discount from its original $389 price, the Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 sits in the premium wireless headphone category. While pricier than many mainstream brands, its cost reflects high-end sound quality and advanced features, making it fair for audiophiles seeking top-tier performance.

Value Features

• Premium Studio-Quality Sound: Custom 50mm drivers deliver precise, detailed audio, justifying the higher price for critical listeners.
• Spatialized Audio Technology: Offers three immersive modes (Music, Cinema, Podcast), enhancing the listening experience beyond standard headphones.
• Enhanced Noise Cancelling: Gen 2 ANC effectively blocks ambient noise, perfect for focused listening in noisy environments.
• 45-Hour Battery Life: Exceptional long playback with quick charge saves time and adds convenience, reducing frequent recharges.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to brands like Bose and Sony, the Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 is competitively priced given its studio-grade sound and customizable EQ. It may cost slightly more but offers superior audio fidelity and unique spatial audio modes.

Final Verdict

If you prioritize premium sound quality, advanced noise cancellation, and long battery life, the Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 is worth the investment. It delivers excellent value for audiophiles and serious listeners despite the premium price tag.