After spending $699 on the Westone B50 and testing them for 30 days with everything from electronic music to classical, I discovered something unexpected about these bass-focused IEMs.
The Westone B50 is a 5-driver balanced armature in-ear monitor designed for bass lovers, featuring enhanced low-end response and warm sound signature perfect for rock, electronic, and hip-hop genres.
Most reviews miss the crucial detail about how these IEMs actually perform after the honeymoon period ends. I tracked my daily listening sessions, tested with 12 different genres, and compared them against 8 competitors in the same price range.
In this comprehensive review, you'll learn exactly what makes the B50 worth considering, who should avoid them entirely, and whether the premium price delivers enough value compared to budget alternatives that cost 70% less.
First Impressions and Unboxing
Opening the B50's premium packaging reveals why Westone charges $699 for these IEMs.
The accessory package immediately stands out with both a high-definition silver MMCX cable featuring four strands of silver-plated copper and a Bluetooth cable with aptX technology rated for 8 hours of battery life.
You get 10 pairs of ear tips including foam, silicone, and dual-flange options from multiple manufacturers. The deluxe zippered carrying case feels substantial enough to protect your investment during daily commutes.
Initial fit testing revealed something interesting - the ergonomic design based on 60 years of Westone's experience actually works. My relatively small ears achieved a secure seal within seconds using the medium silicone tips.
The exchangeable metal faceplates add a premium touch that plastic competitors at this price point lack. Build quality feels solid despite the lightweight 0.16-ounce construction.
One concern emerged immediately - the MMCX connectors rotate freely, which some users report causes cable management issues during movement.
Design, Features, and Build Quality
The B50 uses five proprietary balanced-armature drivers in each earpiece to deliver its signature bass-heavy sound.
Westone configured these drivers with their largest bass driver ever, specifically tuning the low-frequency response to satisfy bass enthusiasts who found previous models lacking. The result delivers 117 dB SPL sensitivity with a frequency response ranging from 15Hz to 18kHz.
Physical construction reveals interesting design choices for the premium price point. The main housing uses high-grade plastic rather than metal, which keeps weight down but doesn't feel as premium as aluminum competitors.
The MMCX connector system allows cable swapping for future upgrades or replacements. Both included cables feature sturdy construction with minimal microphonics during movement.
The silver-plated cable measures 52 inches with a 3.5mm gold-plated plug. Four separate strands of silver-plated copper promise improved signal clarity compared to standard cables.
The Bluetooth cable adds wireless convenience with IPX-4 water resistance rating. Controls include volume adjustment, track skipping, and call management.
Comfort during extended wear impressed me most. The ergonomic shape distributes weight evenly, preventing fatigue during 4-hour listening sessions.
Passive noise attenuation reaches 25dB according to specifications. Real-world testing on public transit confirmed excellent isolation without active noise canceling.
One design flaw became apparent - the lack of memory wire means cables don't stay positioned behind ears without adjustment. This creates minor annoyance during physical activity.
Sound Quality and Performance Analysis
The B50's sound signature immediately reveals its bass-first tuning philosophy.
Bass response dominates the frequency spectrum with powerful sub-bass extension reaching down to 15Hz. Electronic music tracks with deep synthesizer lines showcase remarkable texture and control that budget IEMs can't match.
Mid-bass exhibits slight bloat that adds warmth but occasionally masks lower midrange detail. Hip-hop and rock benefit from this tuning, while jazz suffers slightly.
Testing with "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson demonstrated the B50's bass prowess - the iconic bassline punched through with authority while maintaining distinction from the kick drum. However, classical pieces like Beethoven's 9th Symphony revealed the bass emphasis overwhelming delicate string sections.
Midrange presentation stays smooth and slightly recessed. Vocal reproduction favors male voices with added body and warmth.
Female vocals lose some air and presence compared to neutral monitors. Testing with Adele's "Hello" showed good emotional conveyance but lacked the crystalline clarity of reference IEMs.
Instrument separation in the midrange remains adequate. Complex passages don't congeal into mush, though they lack the precision of analytical monitors.
Treble extends adequately without harshness or sibilance. The forgiving high-frequency tuning prevents fatigue during extended sessions.
Cymbals and high-hats lack ultimate sparkle and air. This tuning choice clearly prioritizes smooth delivery over absolute detail retrieval.
Soundstage width stays intimate rather than expansive. Imaging precision allows accurate instrument placement within the somewhat compressed stage.
Genre testing revealed clear winners and losers. Electronic, hip-hop, rock, and pop music shine with engaging energy. Classical, jazz, and acoustic recordings expose the colored tuning.
Source pairing experiments showed the B50 scales modestly with better amplification. My FiiO BTR5 drove them adequately, while the iFi hip-dac revealed marginally better bass control.
Real-World Performance and Testing
Daily commute testing over 30 days revealed both strengths and weaknesses of the B50.
The 25dB passive isolation effectively blocked subway noise without requiring dangerous volume levels. Walking with the wired cable created noticeable microphonics that the Bluetooth option eliminated.
Gym testing exposed the cable management issue others reported. The free-rotating MMCX connectors and lack of memory wire meant constant readjustment during exercises.
Office use proved ideal with the Bluetooth cable. Eight-hour battery life lasted full workdays with 30 minutes to spare at moderate volume.
The IPX-4 rating handled light rain during outdoor walks without issue. I wouldn't trust them for intense workouts despite the water resistance claim.
Phone call quality surprised me positively. The Bluetooth cable's microphone delivered clear voice transmission even in moderately noisy environments.
Long listening sessions confirmed exceptional comfort. Four-hour flights passed without ear fatigue or pressure buildup.
Cable durability concerns emerged after three weeks. The MMCX connector on the right earpiece developed intermittent connection issues requiring careful positioning.
Different source testing revealed minimal quality differences. Spotify's 320kbps streams sounded nearly identical to lossless files, suggesting the warm tuning masks subtle details anyway.
Volume requirements stayed reasonable. Most portable sources drove them to uncomfortable levels without distortion.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Outstanding bass response with excellent sub-bass extension perfect for electronic and hip-hop music. Exceptional wearing comfort allows multi-hour sessions without fatigue.
Comprehensive accessory package includes premium cables worth $250 if purchased separately. Smooth, non-fatiguing tuning prevents listener exhaustion.
Excellent passive noise isolation rivals active noise canceling in effectiveness. Both wired and wireless connectivity options provide flexibility.
Cons:
Premium $699 price doesn't match the plastic build quality. Bass-heavy tuning limits versatility across all music genres.
MMCX connector rotation and cable memory issues affect usability. Limited availability and only 4 user reviews raise concerns about long-term support.
Midrange recession and treble roll-off disappoint audiophiles seeking accuracy. The warm signature masks fine details that cheaper, analytical IEMs reveal better.
Alternatives to Consider
Several compelling alternatives challenge the B50's value proposition at various price points.
The Westone B30 at $449 offers similar bass-focused tuning with three drivers instead of five. You sacrifice some technical refinement but save $250 for 80% of the performance.
Budget seekers should consider the KZ ZSN Pro X at $25. While lacking the B50's refinement, these deliver impressive bass for 96% less money.
The Moondrop Blessing 2 at $320 provides superior technical performance with more balanced tuning. Choose these for all-genre versatility over bass specialization.
Shure SE535 at $449 offers legendary reliability and more neutral sound. Musicians preferring accuracy over coloration should pick these instead.
For pure bass impact, the Sony XBA-Z5 at $698 matches the B50's price while delivering even deeper sub-bass. The hybrid driver configuration outperforms pure balanced armature designs for low-frequency slam.
Those seeking the absolute best bass should investigate the Empire Ears Legend X at $2,299. Yes, it costs triple, but the bass quality justifies the premium for true enthusiasts.
Consider your priorities carefully - if you primarily enjoy bass-heavy genres and value comfort over absolute fidelity, the B50 makes sense. Otherwise, these alternatives offer better value propositions.
Detailed Product Review
Westone B50 - Premium Bass-Focused Five-Driver IEM
Westone Audio B30 Three-Driver True-Fit…
Drivers: 5 Balanced Armature
Frequency: 15Hz-18kHz
Sensitivity: 117dB SPL
Impedance: 110Ω
The Westone B50 represents a deliberate evolution toward bass-heavy tuning from a company known for balanced sound signatures.
Each earpiece houses five balanced-armature drivers specifically configured to emphasize low-frequency response. The proprietary driver arrangement includes Westone's largest bass driver to date.
Technical specifications reveal serious engineering with 117 dB SPL sensitivity at 1mW and 110 ohms impedance at 1kHz. The frequency response spans 15Hz to 18kHz with deliberate emphasis below 200Hz.
Real-world listening confirms the specifications translate to genuinely impressive bass reproduction. Electronic dance music and hip-hop sound phenomenal with texture and impact that justify the premium price.
The included cable package adds significant value. The high-definition silver MMCX cable uses four strands of silver-plated copper for improved conductivity.
The Bluetooth cable with aptX technology and 8-hour battery life essentially includes a $150 wireless adapter. IPX-4 water resistance adds practical durability for active use.
Comfort remains a standout feature throughout extended wear. The ergonomic shape developed over 60 years of Westone's experience genuinely works for various ear sizes.
Forum feedback reveals mixed opinions about value. Users praise the bass quality and comfort but question whether plastic construction justifies the $699 price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Westone B50 worth $699?
The B50 justifies its price for bass enthusiasts who value comfort and included premium cables worth $250. However, neutral sound lovers and budget-conscious buyers should consider alternatives offering better overall value.
How many drivers does the Westone B50 have?
The B50 features five balanced-armature drivers per earpiece, including Westone's largest bass driver configuration. This 5-driver setup specifically targets enhanced low-frequency response while maintaining midrange and treble clarity.
Are Westone B50 good for all music genres?
The B50 excels with bass-heavy genres like electronic, hip-hop, and rock but struggles with classical and jazz. The warm, bass-emphasized tuning can overwhelm delicate passages in acoustic and orchestral recordings.
What cables come with the Westone B50?
The B50 includes two premium cables: a high-definition silver MMCX cable with silver-plated copper and a Bluetooth cable with aptX technology offering 8-hour battery life and IPX-4 water resistance.
How comfortable is the Westone B50 for long listening?
Exceptional comfort allows 4+ hour sessions without fatigue thanks to the lightweight 0.16-ounce design and ergonomic shape. The variety of included ear tips ensures proper fit for most ear sizes.
What's the difference between Westone B50 and B30?
The B50 uses five drivers versus the B30's three drivers, delivering deeper bass extension and better technical performance. The B50 costs $250 more but includes the same premium cable package and accessories.
Final Verdict
After 30 days with the Westone B50, I can definitively say these IEMs excel at their intended purpose - delivering exceptional bass for enthusiasts who prioritize low-end impact over neutral accuracy.
Bass lovers who primarily enjoy electronic, hip-hop, and rock should strongly consider the B50. The combination of powerful low-end, exceptional comfort, and comprehensive accessories justifies the premium price for this specific audience.
Skip these if you value neutral sound reproduction, listen primarily to classical or jazz, or expect metal construction at this price point. Several alternatives offer better value for all-genre listening.
The B50 earns my recommendation with caveats. For those seeking the best budget IEM earphones, exploring alternatives in lower price ranges makes more sense than stretching for these specialized monitors.