Technics Reference Class EAH-AZ100-N

The EAH-AZ100 delivers the best sound we've ever measured in a true wireless earbud (99th percentile) and call quality that rivals a dedicated headset (97th percentile mic). ANC is still top-tier but a touch behind the previous AZ80, and the fitness score is mediocre at 80/100. If you prioritize audio and calls over workouts, this is the one.

Straight to the numbers: the EAH-AZ100 lands in the 99th percentile for sound quality and 100th for connectivity in our database. That means the music you hear is about as accurate and detailed as true wireless earbuds get right now, and the Bluetooth connection is rock-solid with support for LDAC, LC3, and three-device multipoint. Call quality is also top-tier—97th percentile for mic performance—so your voice comes through clean even when you're standing next to a bus. But not everything is perfect. The ANC is still excellent (97th percentile), though several owners note it's a hair less isolating than the previous AZ80, and the fitness score sits at a mediocre 80/100.

The 10mm magnetic fluid driver isn't just marketing fluff. Paired with LDAC on Android, the AZ100 delivers stunning resolution across the entire 20Hz–40kHz range, with bass that hits deep but stays controlled and an open, airy treble. Dolby Atmos with head tracking adds a genuinely immersive layer to movies and supported tracks—it recalibrates as you turn your head, keeping the soundstage centered. And that 6-mic array with active noise cancellation for calls is the real deal. In our testing, it handled simulated car wash and screaming-kid noise better than any earbud under $400, backing up its 97th percentile mic score. Battery life is solid at 10 hours per charge (28 with the case) and a quick 15-minute top-up gives you 90 minutes of playback—enough for a commute after you forgot to charge.

At the low end of its $248–$340 price range, the EAH-AZ100 offers a staggering price-to-performance ratio. You're getting sound and call quality that surpass earbuds costing $100 more, plus a connectivity suite that's best-in-class. If you find a deal around $250, it's a steal. At the full $300+, the value proposition tightens—you can grab the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Bose QC Ultra on sale for similar money, though they don't match the Technics' mic ability or overall sound refinement.

Stacked against its closest rivals, the EAH-AZ100 carves out a clear lane. The Sony WF-1000XM5 delivers slightly more aggressive ANC and a warmer sound profile, but its call quality lands in the mid-80s percentile range—a noticeable gap for anyone taking frequent calls. Bose's QuietComfort Ultra still leads in pure noise isolation, yet its sound signature isn't as transparent or detailed. Sennheiser's Momentum True Wireless 4 comes close on audio fidelity but can't touch the Technics' mic or connectivity scores. Even the budget-star EarFun Air Pro 4+ puts up a good fight on ANC, but its 75th percentile sound ranking makes the extra cash for the AZ100 feel justified if you care about audio.

If you're upgrading from the AZ80 mainly for better noise cancellation, you'll likely notice the slight downgrade and might be disappointed. Gym-goers should also look elsewhere—the 80/100 fitness score and lack of a robust IPX rating mean these won't survive a sweaty session. And if budget is tight, the EarFun Air Pro 4+ at a fraction of the cost gets you decent ANC and respectable sound, though you'll sacrifice that reference-class audio.

The Technics EAH-AZ100 is the new benchmark for anyone who values sound and call quality above all else. The combination of a 99th percentile audio score and a 97th percentile mic is simply unmatched right now, and the flawless connectivity cements it as an everyday workhorse. If you can live with the slightly softer ANC and the fitness trade-offs, and you find a price under $300, these are the earbuds to beat.