Audio-Technica's fresh wireless earbuds sport a groundbreaking improvement that renders AirPods apparently insufficient in comparison.
Fashioning the Cosmos' Companion: Audio-Technica's ATH-CKS50TW Earbuds* Journey to the Moon... and Back, All on One Charge (Mostly)* $149 / £125 / AU$260
If you're gearing up for a lunar expedition or simply seeking earbuds with exceptional endurance, the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW earbuds are your new space companions. With a whopping 65-hour battery life (ANC off), these earbuds essentially power through to the moon and back, leaving AirPods Pro 2 gasping for breath.
The earbuds themselves offer an impressive 25 hours of continuous battery life, and their Qi-compatible charging case provides an additional 40 hours. Even with ANC activated, the ATH-CKS50TW earbuds outshine the competition, offering 15 hours of battery life from the buds and another 25 hours from the case. Compared to the AirPods Pro 2's meager six-hour runtime, Audio-Technica's earbuds leave no question – battery life is no obstacle.
ATH-CKS50TW: Features Galore at an Affordable Price
In addition to the tentpole battery life, the ATH-CKS50TW earbuds boast a magnetic switch that powers them on or off with a simple separation or joining of built-in magnets, eliminating the need for the charging case when turning them off. While some may question the necessity of this feature, it does offer a convenient alternative.
The wireless charging case, compatible with Qi chargers, sets the ATH-CKS50TW apart from budget earbuds such as the Sony WF-C710N and Nothing Ear (a). The earbuds come equipped with hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC), hear-through, and talk-through modes, along with Bluetooth's LE Audio technology and the LC3 codec. Featuring custom-crafted 9mm drivers with extended low-end response, the ATH-CKS50TW earbuds also offer hybrid hard and soft silicone ear tips. They're rated IP55 for water and dust resistance.
Staying Plugged In
While the specs are impressive, Audio-Technica's history with earbud batteries warrants a cautious eye. Past grievances include faulty batteries causing overheating, even producing smoke in some cases, as with the SQ1TW2 wireless earphones. Additionally, Audio-Technica has recalled charging cases for the ATH-CK3TW earbuds due to overheating. So, although it's great to see cutting-edge battery technology at play, be on the lookout for any potential recalls to ensure a safe, smooth listening experience. (No kidding!)
Digging Deeper
- The Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds: Expert Picks for Every Budget
- The Top Wireless Earbuds: Real-World Tested and Reviewed
- The Best Earbuds: Budget-Friendly Picks for Every Listener
[1] Head-Fi.org, "Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW: First Listen, First Impressions," 2022, https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/audio-technica-ath-cks50tw-first-listen-first-impressions.18900/[2] Trust Radius, "Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW Review," 2022, https://www.trustradius.com/question/what-is-the-difference-between-ath-cks50tws-and-ath-ck3tws-90843[3] SoundGuys, "Earbuds: Common Problems and How to Fix Them," 2022, https://www.soundguys.com/common-earbuds-problems-fixes-50097/
- The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW earbuds are not just for lunar expeditions; they are also an ideal choice for those who value exceptional battery life in their everyday gadgets, such as smartphones and other tech devices that rely on robust audio performance.
- When it comes to headphones, the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW earbuds stand out not only for their impressive battery life but also for their integration of premium features, such as hybrid active noise cancellation, LC3 codec, and Qi-compatible wireless charging, surpassing budget models like the Sony WF-C710N and Nothing Ear (a).
- In the realm of tech accessories, the ATH-CKS50TW earbuds from Audio-Technica are more than just earphones; they are a testament to cutting-edge battery technology and the convergence of sound and innovation, catering to audiophiles who demand exceptional performance, affordability, and a wide range of features.
