Audio-Technica’s new earbuds achieve 25 hours of playback on a single charge!
All-day battery life and a new Magnetic Switch technology on the new ATH-CKS50TW2 means less hunting for the case and more enjoying the music.
Japanese audio brand Audio-Technica has just shown off their new true wireless earbuds at CES 2025. A sequel to ATH-CKS50TW released in 2022, the second edition focuses on true all-day listening with improved battery life and a new feature.
The ATH-CKS50TW2 will last for up to 25 hours of playback on a single charge or up to 15 hours with noise-cancelling. Paired with the case, you can get up to 65 hours of total listening. When the case does die, there’s USB-C or Qi wireless charging. Five minutes will give the listener an additional 90 minutes of listening. There’s a USB-A to USB-C cable included in the box.
The new earbuds also feature a new Magnetic Switch technology. Simply attach the headphones together to turn them off, then separate them to turn them on again. This means you can preserve power without the need to bring the case, which could be useful if space is tight.
Each earbud features a 9mm SOLID BASS HD TWS driver. The eartips are constructed from a hybrid of hard and soft silicone material to ensure good sound quality, noise-cancelling and comfort. An airtight fit prevents bass from escaping. There are four pairs of eartips in the box, so you can find the perfect fit for you. IP55 waterproof and dustproof protects the earbuds from rain, sweat and rinsing.
ATH-CKS50TW2 features improved ANC over the previous model, in what Audio-Technica calls hybrid noise-cancelling technology. Two noise-cancelling MEMS microphones on each earbud, an inner and outer, provides effective ANC. There’s a hear-through function to stay aware of your surrounds or talk-through to hear announcements and those around you. Noise-cancellation levels can be customized in the Connect app.
Noise-reduction should ensure calls are both clear and free from background noise. Calls can be made with just one or both headphones.
There’s a multifunction button, which can be customized to control music playback, volume, and Siri or Google Assistant with a press and hold. You can also make the button switch ambience control mode, between noise-cancelling, off and hear-through.
The app can also be used to customize the sound profile. There are four equalizer presets, plus the original flat setting. Alternatively, use the graphic equalizer to create your own custom sound profile. You can also adjust the left/right balance.
On top of noise-cancelling, EQ and controls, the Connect app can be used for soundscape functions, which are designed to help wearers focus or relax. An Out of Range Alert will notify you when Bluetooth connection is weak and display the last connected location on a map. You can also toggle on or off Low Latency Mode, which reduces the sound delay for gaming.
There’s also multipoint support for connection to two devices simultaneously, which makes switching automatic. Use the app to manage devices and manually switch between them.
The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 are available to order now for $149 in three colors, Black, Green or Brown. If you’re after some of the longest lasting earbuds, these are worth considering.
