Audio-Technica ATH-CKS30TW+ ATH-CKS30TW+ True Wireless Noise-Canceling Review

The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS30TW+ deliver fantastic, bass-heavy sound and great noise cancellation for $109. But the battery life is short and the microphone is terrible for calls. A solid buy for music lovers, but a hard pass for frequent talkers.

Audio-Technica's ATH-CKS30TW+ are true wireless earbuds that aim to deliver potent bass and balanced sound for music, movies, and games. They come packed with features like active noise cancellation, ambience control, and a Soundscape function for meditation, all wrapped in an IP55 water-resistant build.

At $109, they're trying to punch above their weight in a crowded mid-range market. They've got the Audio-Technica name behind them, which usually means good sound, but they're up against some serious heavyweights.

Let's start with the good: the sound quality is genuinely excellent, landing in the 86th percentile in our database. The 9mm drivers deliver that promised potent bass without muddying the mids and highs. Noise cancellation is also solid at the 82nd percentile, effectively cutting out a good chunk of background noise. Now, the bad. The battery life is rough, sitting in just the 13th percentile with 6.5 hours per charge. And the microphone performance is a real weak spot, scoring a dismal 26.3 out of 100 for calls.

At $109, you're paying for Audio-Technica's audio expertise and a strong feature set. The sound and ANC alone make them a contender. But that value proposition gets shaky when you consider the subpar battery life and terrible mic. You're basically buying a great pair of music-listening buds that struggle with everything else. If your main use is solo listening, they're worth a look. If you need an all-rounder, the compromises are hard to ignore.

This is a tough spot. The Sony WF-1000XM5 is the ANC king but costs more. The Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless offers better battery and a more balanced profile for a similar price. The CMF Buds Pro 2 undercuts it on price and offers a unique dial. The Audio-Technica's ace is its sound signature and build quality. If you're an Audio-Technica fan who prioritizes rich, bass-forward audio and solid noise cancellation above all else, these make sense. Against the field, they feel like a specialist tool in a market of generalists.

Skip these if you're on calls all day or if you need all-day battery without a recharge. The mic performance is a deal-breaker for remote workers, and the 6.5-hour bud life won't cut it for long flights or workdays. Also, if wireless charging for the case is a must-have, look elsewhere.

Buy these if you're an Audio-Technica loyalist or a bass lover who wants great sound and ANC in a durable, workout-friendly package, and you don't mind carrying a charger. They're fantastic for immersive music and video. Just don't expect to win any awards for marathon listening sessions or clear conference calls.