Audio Technica ATH-CKR7TW

Though it’s better known for wired headphones, Audio-Technica is slowly moving into wireless territory. In fact, its just-announced ATH-CKR7TW all-wireless headphones are proof of that. We don’t know why Audio-Technica didn’t opt for a more memorable name for its first wireless in-ear headphones, but what can you do?

Nothing special about the design here; it looks just like any oversized earbud setup you’ve seen from reputable rivals. However, because this carries the Audio-Technica branding, it means you get topnotch sound quality.

Now, on to the nitty-gritty: Each earbud includes a 11mm driver with a carbon-coated diaphragm that Audio-Technica claims provides fast response times and minimum distortion. There are brass stabilizers and a steel-mesh resistor that cut back on resonance and improve high-frequency responses. The audio company did not skimp on wireless audio codecs. We’re happy to report that the ATH-CKR7TW supports aptX, AAC, and SBC. All of these minimize the audio compression effects you often hear on wireless setups. Bluetooth 5.0 comes standard as well, boosting wireless performance.

The only possible downside is that they only offer up to six hours of music playback, but that’s not too terrible considering that’s already around the ballpark of battery life you get with wireless setups. You can slip them into the included charging case when not in use to recharge. Obviously, this isn’t what you want to bring on a cross-country road trip, but it’ll be the perfect companion while on the subway en route to home.

The ATH-CKR7TW arrives sometime this fall for $249.