Technics Technics EAH-AZ100 Reference-Class True Wireless Review

The Technics EAH-AZ100 true wireless earbuds deliver arguably the best sound quality in their class, thanks to planar magnetic drivers and elite ANC. Battery life is just average, and they command a premium price. For audiophiles who want wireless convenience, they're a top pick.

If you're hunting for premium true wireless earbuds that prioritize sound quality above all else, the Technics EAH-AZ100 should be on your radar. Priced around $300, they're competing directly with heavyweights like Sony and Bose. The big sell here is the audio tech: planar magnetic drivers, Dolby Atmos with head tracking, and AI-powered adaptive noise cancellation. They're also 10% smaller and 16% lighter than their predecessor, the AZ80, which was already a comfort champ. So, are these the best-sounding wireless earbuds you can buy? Let's dig in.

The sound quality is, frankly, exceptional. In our database, it scores in the 98th percentile, which puts it in the absolute top tier. The planar magnetic drivers deliver a level of detail and clarity you just don't get from standard dynamic drivers, especially in the mids and highs. Bass is accurate and punchy, not just a muddy thump. The ANC performance is equally elite, landing in the 98th percentile. It's not just strong, it's smart—the adaptive tech adjusts the cancellation based on your environment, which is great for commuting. The head-tracking spatial audio is a neat party trick for movies, making the soundstage feel more immersive. The only real performance letdown is the battery life. At 10 hours with ANC on, it's in the 12th percentile. That's fine for a workday, but it's well behind class leaders that push 8-10 hours more.

At $298, the AZ100s are firmly in the premium bracket. You're paying for that best-in-class sound and ANC. If those are your top priorities, the value is there. But if you need all-day battery or the absolute best call quality, you might feel like you're leaving some features on the table for the price. There are strong alternatives that trade a bit of audio fidelity for more well-rounded packages.

This is a crowded field. The Sony WF-1000XM5 is the direct rival, often praised for its slightly better battery life and more refined ANC algorithm, though some listeners prefer Technics' more neutral, detailed sound signature. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are the comfort and ANC kings, with their signature rich bass, but they can't match the AZ100's audio clarity and detail retrieval. The Nothing Ear (a) offers a compelling budget alternative with good sound and ANC, but it's not in the same league for pure audio performance. The AZ100 carves its niche by being the audiophile's choice in a wireless form factor.

Skip these if marathon battery life is your top concern. At 10 hours, they're beat by several competitors. Also, if you take a lot of calls in very noisy environments, there are better options like the latest AirPods Pro. And, obviously, if you're on a tight budget, there are fantastic earbuds under $200 that get you 90% of the way there. For those folks, check out the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC or the Nothing Ear (a).

Should you buy the Technics EAH-AZ100? If your main goal is to get the best possible sound quality from a pair of true wireless earbuds, then yes, absolutely. The planar magnetic drivers and overall tuning are fantastic. The ANC is also top-notch. Just go in knowing the battery life is good, not great, and the call quality is decent but not a standout. For music lovers and commuters who value fidelity above all, these are an easy recommendation. If you need a jack-of-all-trades with marathon battery life, look at the Sony XM5 or even the latest Apple AirPods Pro.