Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ40W
Combining 6mm dynamic drivers with a dedicated acoustic harmonizer, these earbuds deliver Hi-Res audio and a balanced, detailed soundstage. The ergonomic, lightweight design and IPX4 rating provide all-day comfort and durability for active use, while six microphones with JustMyVoice technology ensure clear call quality. These are best for music listeners who prioritize refined sound and a secure, comfortable fit over class-leading noise cancellation for commutes.
Over deze Earbuds
Combining 6mm dynamic drivers with a dedicated acoustic harmonizer, these earbuds deliver Hi-Res audio and a balanced, detailed soundstage. The ergonomic, lightweight design and IPX4 rating provide all-day comfort and durability for active use, while six microphones with JustMyVoice technology ensure clear call quality. These are best for music listeners who prioritize refined sound and a secure, comfortable fit over class-leading noise cancellation for commutes.
- Form factor in-ear
- Driver type dynamic
- Wireless
- Bluetooth version 5.2
- Battery life hours 7.5
- Case battery hours 25
- Water resistance IPX4
- Multipoint
The 30-Second Version
The Technics EAH-AZ40W have some of the best mics we've ever tested, making them a killer choice for calls. The sound is solid too, but the noise canceling is weak and the fit can be a problem. Buy these for your voice, not for peace and quiet.
Overview
The Technics EAH-AZ40W are a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, the call quality is genuinely impressive, and the mic setup punches way above its weight. On the other, the noise canceling is weak and the fit just doesn't work for a lot of people, which drags down the whole experience.
Performance
The sound profile is a strong point here, landing in the top 20% of what we've tested. The 6mm drivers deliver a clean, detailed sound that's great for music. But the real star is the mic array. With six mics and JustMyVoice tech, call clarity is near the top of the charts, hitting the 97th percentile. It's a shame the active noise canceling is so mediocre, sitting in the bottom third. You'll hear your music fine, but don't expect these to hush a loud commute.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Call quality is some of the best you'll find in true wireless earbuds. 97th
- Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint makes switching between devices a breeze. 92th
- The sound signature is clean and detailed, a real step above average. 80th
- Quick charging is handy, giving you 90 minutes of playback from a 15-minute charge. 79th
Cons
- Active noise canceling is weak and won't block out much background noise. 4th
- The fit is a common pain point and can get uncomfortable during longer sessions. 28th
- Battery life is just okay at 7.5 hours, nothing to write home about. 29th
- Social proof is almost nonexistent, so it's hard to gauge long-term reliability from other buyers.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | XS, S, M, L |
Audio
| Driver Type | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 6 |
| Drivers | 1 |
| Freq Min | 20 |
| Freq Max | 20000 |
| Hi-Res Audio | Yes |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC |
Noise Control
| ANC | No |
| ANC Type | adaptive |
| Transparency | No |
Connectivity
| Wireless | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP |
| Multipoint | Yes |
Earbud Battery
| Battery Life | 7.5 |
| Charge Time | 2 |
| Fast Charging | 15 minutes for 90 minutes playback |
| Charging | USB-C |
Case Battery
| Case Battery | 25 |
| Case Charging | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | No |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
| Mic Count | 6 |
| NC Mic | Yes |
Features
| Voice Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Siri |
| Touch Controls | Yes |
| App | Technics Audio Connect App |
| Gaming Mode | No |
| Bone Conduction | No |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 |
Value & Pricing
Pricing is all over the map for these, with a wild spread from $100 to over $3000 across vendors. At the lower end of that spectrum, the mic performance alone makes them a compelling buy for anyone who lives on calls. But if you're seeing a price tag anywhere near the high end, you're getting into territory where the Sony WF-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra exist, and those are better all-around packages.
vs Competition
Stacked against the Sony WF-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen, the Technics get absolutely smoked on noise canceling and comfort. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 will give you a more refined sound. But if your number one priority is sounding crystal clear on a call, these Technics beat all of them. They're a specialist tool, not an all-rounder. Even the step-up Technics EAH-AZ100 will give you better ANC, but you might not get the same mic magic.
| Spec | Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ40W | Technics EAH-AZ100 EAH-AZ100 | Sony WF-1000XM6 WF-1000XM6 | Samsung Galaxy Buds Buds3 Pro | Bose QuietComfort Ultra 896637-0010 | Apple AirPods Pro MFHP4LL/A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear |
| Driver Type | dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Wireless | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.4 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Battery Life Hours | 7.5 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 8 |
| Case Battery Hours | 25 | 28 | 24 | 26 | 18 | 24 |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 | IPX4 | IP57 | IPX4 | IP57 |
| Multipoint | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Anc | Mic | Build | Sound | Battery | Comfort | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ40W | 29 | 96.8 | 78.7 | 80.1 | 73.9 | 28.2 | 91.5 | 4.2 |
| Technics EAH-AZ100 EAH-AZ100 Compare | 96.7 | 96.8 | 78.7 | 99 | 79 | 93.3 | 99.1 | 89 |
| Sony WF-1000XM6 WF-1000XM6 Compare | 96.7 | 99.8 | 78.7 | 96 | 75.6 | 70.6 | 99.1 | 94.2 |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds Buds3 Pro Compare | 96.7 | 96.8 | 98.8 | 91.7 | 72.7 | 93.3 | 99.6 | 89 |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra 896637-0010 Compare | 96.7 | 90 | 78.7 | 96.2 | 47.1 | 93.3 | 97.8 | 96.6 |
| Apple AirPods Pro MFHP4LL/A Compare | 96.7 | 80.1 | 98.8 | 89.2 | 75.6 | 70.6 | 97.8 | 99.3 |
Common Questions
Q: How good are these for taking calls in a noisy office?
They're excellent. The six-mic array and JustMyVoice technology are designed specifically for this, and our testing puts them in the 97th percentile for mic quality, so your voice will come through clearly even with background chatter.
Q: Can I wear these for a workout?
You can, thanks to the IPX4 water resistance which handles sweat and splashes fine. But the comfort score is low, so they might not stay put or feel great during a high-intensity run for everyone.
Q: Do they block out airplane noise well?
Not really. The active noise canceling is one of the weakest points on these earbuds, scoring in the 30th percentile. They'll take the edge off some low hum, but they won't come close to creating a silent bubble like Bose or Sony.
Who Should Skip This
Anyone who prioritizes noise canceling or all-day comfort should look elsewhere. If you have a loud commute or just want earbuds you can forget you're wearing, the mediocre ANC and low comfort score on these will be a constant annoyance. Grab a pair of Bose QuietComfort Ultra instead.
Verdict
If you're a remote worker or someone who takes a ton of calls and wants to sound like you're in a studio, these are a fantastic, focused choice. For everyone else just trying to tune out the world with music, the weak ANC and iffy comfort make them a harder sell.
