Mackie Mackie MP-20TWS Noise-Canceling True Wireless Review

The Mackie MP-20TWS true wireless earbuds deliver exceptional battery life and best-in-class microphone quality for clear calls, thanks to a six-mic array. Their dual-driver sound is detailed and the hybrid ANC is effective, making them a strong pick for travelers and commuters. At around $160, they offer pro-audio features at a mid-range price.

If you're hunting for true wireless earbuds with serious pro-audio chops, the Mackie MP-20TWS should be on your radar. Priced around $160, these in-ears come from a company known for studio gear, and they're packing some interesting hardware: a dual-driver setup with a Knowles balanced armature for mids/highs and a dynamic driver for bass, plus Mackie's own MIS Wide-Band Hybrid ANC. They promise over 53 hours of total battery life with the case, which is a lot, and they're equipped with six microphones total for calls and noise cancellation. In our database, they score highest for travel and gaming, which makes sense given the feature set.

Let's talk numbers. The sound quality lands in the 86th percentile, and you can hear why. The dual-driver design gives you clear, detailed highs from the balanced armature and a solid, punchy low end. The ANC performance is in the 84th percentile, which is strong for this price. Mackie's MIS system does a good job cutting out a wide range of ambient noise, from plane rumble to office chatter. But the real star is the microphone array, scoring in the 97th percentile. With six Knowles SiSonic mics, your voice comes through clearly on calls, even in noisier environments. The battery life is also a standout, sitting in the 93rd percentile. You get about 13 hours from the buds and over 40 from the Qi-compatible case, so you really can forget your charger for a week.

At $160, the MP-20TWS sit in a competitive spot. You're paying for pro-audio brand expertise and specific hardware like the Knowles drivers and mics, which you don't always get at this price. You're essentially getting flagship-tier microphone performance and battery life for a mid-range price. The trade-off is that you might find more polished software, brand recognition, or comfort from the established players.

This puts them right up against some heavy hitters. Compared to the Sony WF-1000XM5, the Mackies offer better battery life and arguably better call quality, but Sony's ANC and overall sound tuning are more refined. The Technics EAH-AZ80 is another dual-driver competitor with fantastic sound, but it's often more expensive. The Mackie's value proposition is strongest against the Apple AirPods Pro. If you're deep in the Apple ecosystem, the seamless pairing is hard to beat. But if you want better battery, wireless charging out of the box, and superior mic quality for calls, the Mackies are a compelling alternative, especially for Android users.

Skip these if you prioritize absolute comfort above all else, as their fit scores are just average. Hardcore audiophiles who want extensive EQ customization through an app might also be disappointed, as Mackie's app experience isn't as feature-rich as Sony's or Jabra's. And if you're on a very tight budget under $100, there are capable single-driver options that sacrifice some call quality and battery for a lower price. For those users, we'd point you towards models like the EarFun Air or Anker Soundcore Liberty series.

So, should you buy the Mackie MP-20TWS? If your top priorities are marathon battery life, having the clearest possible voice on calls, and you appreciate detailed audio from dedicated drivers, then yes, absolutely. They're a fantastic choice for commuters, frequent travelers, or anyone who takes a lot of work calls on the go. However, if comfort is your number one concern, or you absolutely need the most seamless connectivity and brand-name app support, you might want to try the Sonys or the AirPods Pro first. For the specs you get, especially the mics and battery, $160 is a very fair ask.