Audio-Technica has launched the ATH-AL5NC, a new pair of wireless open-back headphones designed to combine spacious, natural sound with the convenience of Bluetooth.

The ATH-AL5NC are priced at $279 and are available now.

What are the Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC?

The ATH-AL5NC use an open-back design, meaning air can pass through the earcups rather than being completely sealed.

Open-back headphones are popular with audiophiles because they can create a wider, more natural soundstage than traditional closed-back headphones.

The downside is that they also allow more outside noise in and can leak some of your music into the room.

Audio-Technica says the open design also helps reduce heat buildup, while minimal clamping pressure should make the ATH-AL5NC comfortable during longer listening sessions.

53mm drivers and high-resolution wireless audio

Inside the ATH-AL5NC are large 53mm drivers.

The headphones support LDAC for wireless audio at up to 24-bit/96kHz, alongside AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs.

Multipoint Bluetooth is also supported, allowing users to connect the headphones to two devices simultaneously.

That could be particularly useful if you’re regularly moving between a laptop and smartphone while working or listening to music.

Up to 75 hours of battery life

Battery life is another major selling point.

Audio-Technica claims the ATH-AL5NC can provide up to 75 hours of continuous playback.

A 15-minute quick charge can also provide another eight hours of listening time.

That’s considerably longer than many mainstream wireless headphones and should mean most users won’t need to charge them particularly often.

Can the ATH-AL5NC block outside noise?

Not completely.

Because these are open-back headphones, they cannot provide the same level of active noise cancellation as traditional closed-back headphones.

However, Audio-Technica provides several software modes through its CONNECT app, including noise reduction, sound leakage reduction and a low-latency gaming mode.

Users can also adjust EQ settings, Bluetooth codecs and sound presets through the app.

Who are the Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC for?

The ATH-AL5NC look particularly interesting for people who mainly listen to music at home.

Open-back headphones aren’t ideal for noisy trains, offices or flights because you’ll hear more of your surroundings and people nearby may hear your music.

But at home, that trade-off can result in a much more spacious listening experience.

Combining that traditional audiophile-style open-back design with Bluetooth, LDAC and a huge 75-hour battery could make the ATH-AL5NC an interesting alternative to the increasingly crowded market for closed-back wireless headphones.

Audio-Technica’s ATH-AL5NC are available now for $279 and include a 1.2-metre cable and carrying pouch.