Technics EAH-AZ100

The Technics AZ100 deliver the best sound we've heard from a pair of true wireless earbuds, with ANC and call quality that run circles around Sony and Bose. But you can't adjust volume with a tap, and your wallet will feel it.

The one thing you need to know: the Technics EAH-AZ100 are the new benchmark for true wireless earbuds. They combine reference-class sound, class-leading noise cancellation, and superb call quality into a package that's smaller and lighter than their already excellent predecessor. After weeks of listening, we're convinced these are the earbuds to beat right now—if you can stomach the price.

What surprised us most was just how natural and spacious the soundstage is. Those 10mm planar magnetic drivers pull out details we usually only hear on over-ear headphones. The ANC is eerily good, adjusting on the fly and blotting out everything from airplane drone to coffee shop chatter. And call quality? With six mics and a dedicated AI chip, your voice comes through crystal clear even in a wind tunnel. Our only wish: they don't get quite as loud as some competitors, so if you crave ear-shattering volume, you might be left wanting.

At $248 to $340, these aren't cheap. But you're getting the best-sounding wireless earbuds money can buy, period. If you care about audio quality first and everything else second, the AZ100 are worth every penny. For everyone else, there are solid options at half the cost—but they won't make your music feel this alive.

The obvious rivals are the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. Sony's ANC is neck-and-neck, but the Technics pull ahead in sheer musicality and call clarity. Bose fights back with a more immersive spatial audio that some might prefer, but they can't match the AZ100's refined, reference tuning. The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 is closer in sound philosophy, but its ANC and mic quality fall short. If you want one pair to rule them all for music and calls, the Technics are it.

If you sweat buckets at the gym, look elsewhere—the IPX4 rating is just splash protection and the fit isn't lockdown secure for burpees. Grab the Jabra Elite 8 Active for workouts. And if you're budget-conscious, the EarFun Air Pro 4+ deliver surprisingly great sound for under $100, albeit without the audiophile magic.

These are the earbuds for anyone who refuses to compromise on sound. The ANC and call quality are just icing on an already delicious cake. Yes, the missing volume control is annoying, and they won't rattle your skull at max volume, but as a total package, the Technics EAH-AZ100 are the best true wireless earbuds we've tested. Highly recommended.