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Audio-Technica's new earbuds boast marathon 65-hour battery life
- The new Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 offers up to 65 hours of total playback (25 + 40 from the case) without ANC but drops to 40 hours (15 + 25) with noise canceling enabled.
- New Magnetic Switch technology will automatically power off the earbuds when magnetically joined together.
- The earbuds retain the original’s 9mm drivers and IP55 rating while adding Qi wireless charging, all for $149.
Audio-Technica has announced its latest true wireless earbuds, the ATH-CKS50TW2. These earbuds focus on extended battery life and convenient features while maintaining the audio foundation of their predecessors.
If it lives up to the claims in our lab, the most impressive feature is the 65-hour total battery life without ANC—achieved through 25 hours from the buds themselves and 40 more from the charging case. However, enabling noise cancelation will reduce this to 15 hours per charge, with an additional 25 from the case, which is still impressive. For those in a hurry, a 5-minute quick charge provides 90 minutes of playback.
Another notable addition is the Magnetic Switch technology, which automatically powers off the earbuds when they’re magnetically joined—a practical solution for preserving battery life we haven’t seen before for when the charging case isn’t handy.
The audio hardware remains largely unchanged, featuring the same 9mm high-definition drivers that prioritize clear sound and deep bass response. The hybrid noise canceling system combines feedforward and feedback methods, while hear-through and talk-through modes provide environmental awareness when needed.
On the connectivity front, the CKS50TW2 supports multipoint pairing and now includes Qi wireless charging compatibility. The A-T Connect app offers customization options, including EQ adjustment, low-latency mode for better video sync, and a device locator function. There’s also a new soundscape feature that provides nature and meditation sounds for relaxation or concentration.
The earbuds maintain their predecessor’s IP55 water and dust resistance rating and use hybrid silicone tips combining hard and soft materials for better isolation. Dual MEMS microphones with beamforming technology handle call quality, and both Google Assistant and Siri are supported.
The ATH-CKS50TW2 is available now for $149, positioning it in the mid-range true wireless segment where battery life could be its key differentiator.