If you have been reading our earbuds reviews, you would know there are many different form factors for earbuds. These tiny wireless headphones come in a variety of designs. There are earbuds, in-ear earphones, over-the-ear, bone conduction, and neckband wireless headphones. Some are called buds, and others are earbuds. There are only three ways to wear headphones or earbuds: in-the-ear, over-the-ear, or supra-aural, which is on-the-ear. We recently tested wireless earbuds from a company called audio-technica. We had previously tested their over-the-ear headphones, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2, and liked its high-quality design and sound. So, we were anxious to see if this held with their wireless earbuds, the ATH-CKS50TW wireless earbuds. Check out our review below to see what we learned.

What are Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW Wireless Earbuds?

Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW Wireless Earbuds unboxedGearBrain

At the heart of Audio-Technica's ATH-CKS50TW wireless earbuds lies an exceptional sound quality crafted to deliver an immersive listening experience. These earbuds are not just about superb audio; they are designed for maximum convenience, ensuring a seamless interaction with your audio world. Listed below are a bunch of features you need to be aware of regarding these Audio-Technica earbuds:

Extended Playtime and Rapid Recharge
Equipped with industry-leading battery technology, the ATH-CKS50TW offers up to 20 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. For those in a hurry, its fast-charge feature provides about 90 minutes of playtime with just a 10-minute charge, keeping you connected with minimal downtime.

Effortless Control and Advanced Features
The multifunction buttons on each earbud allow you to manage your music, calls, and volume easily. You can also toggle between noise-canceling and hear-through modes to either block out distractions or let in ambient sound. Each interaction is intuitive, making your listening experience as smooth as possible.

Crystal Clear Calls
Enhance your call quality with Qualcomm cVc Generation 8.0 technology, which ensures superior voice clarity. The sidetone feature lets you hear your voice naturally during calls as if you weren't wearing headphones.

Durable and Water-Resistant
With the ATH-CKS50TW's IPX4-equivalent splash-proof design, you never have to worry about the elements. Whether you're caught in a sudden downpour or sweating it out at the gym, these earbuds ensure your music never stops.

Customize the settings for your Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW Wireless Earbuds in the A-T appGearBrain

Customize Your Audio Experience
Tailor your sound with the Audio-Technica Connect app. This versatile app allows you to switch between audio codecs, adjust EQ settings, and even locate your earbuds. It's your sound, your way.

Stable Connection in Crowded Places
The ATH-CKS50TW's unique antenna design ensures a stable connection even in busy environments like train stations. Qualcomm TrueWireless Mirroring minimizes interruptions, providing robust wireless performance.

Convenient Automatic Pairing
With automatic power-on and fast pairing, these earbuds are ready when you are. Remove them from the charging case; they will instantly connect to your Android or Google device, streamlining your setup process.

Battery Status at a Glance
Stay informed on your charging status with the visible LED indicators on the charging case, informing you of your battery life and charging progress.

A-T app allows you to set up Sony's 360 Reality Audio feature.GearBrain

360 Reality Audio Certified

Certified by Sony's 360 Reality Audio, the ATH-CKS50TW lets you enter a world of sound precisely as the artist intended, supported by Audio-Technica's renowned acoustic engineering. Users can play spatial audio content from select services.

With a blend of premium sound quality, user-centric controls, and robust connectivity features, the ATH-CKS50TW earbuds from Audio-Technica are an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their audio experience in every aspect of daily life. Whether at home, in transit, or in the midst of adventure, these earbuds stand ready to deliver an audio experience that stands out from the crowd.

Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW Wireless in-Ear Headphones, Black

List Price: $147.00

New From: $147.00in Stock

Used From: $78.70in Stock

How to set up your Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW Wireless Earbuds

Use A-T app to pair your Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW Wireless Earbuds with a smartphoneGearBrain

Getting up and running with the ATH-CKS50TW earbuds is simple and fast. Just follow these steps, and you will be listening to your favorite song or podcast within minutes:

1. Charge Your Earbuds: Before using your new ATH-CKS50TW for the first time, make sure they are fully charged. Connect the charging case to a power source using the USB-C cable provided.
2. Power On: Remove the earbuds from the charging case. They automatically power on and enter pairing mode. If not, press and hold the power button on each earbud until you hear the pairing tone.
3. Pair with Your Device: Turn Bluetooth on your smartphone or other devices. In your Bluetooth settings, select “ATH-CKS50TW” from the list of available devices. A confirmation tone or voice prompt will indicate that the pairing is successful.

Next, download the A-T Connect app from the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) to access additional features like EQ customization, find my earbuds, and firmware updates.

You can see the small button on top of the earbuds which is the controller.GearBrain

How do you control the audio-technica earbuds? The controls on these wireless earbuds work like this:

• Playback Control:
  • Play/Pause: Single tap the right earbud.
  • Skip Track: Double tap the right earbud to skip forward.
  • Previous Track: Triple-tap the right earbud to go back.
• Volume and Modes Control:
  • Increase Volume: Single tap the left earbud.
  • Decrease Volume: Double tap the left earbud.
  • Switch between Noise-Cancelling and Hear-Through: Press and hold the left earbud.
• Handling Calls:
  • Answer/End Call: Single tap the right earbud.
  • Reject Call: Press and hold the right earbud for 2 seconds.
• Access Voice Assistant: Double tap the left earbud to activate your device's assistant.

With these simple steps, you're ready to enjoy the superior sound quality and advanced features of your Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW wireless earbuds!

How much do Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW Wireless Earbuds cost?

The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW Wireless Earbuds have an MSRP of $149 and are available on the company website, Walmart, B&H, Amazon, and other online consumer electronics retailers.

Is this a reasonable price? The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW Wireless Earbuds occupy a unique middle ground in the market, positioned between the high-end offerings from Panasonic's Technics and more budget-friendly options from brands like SoundPeats. They compete effectively regarding features and pricing with reputable brands such as Sennheiser and Denon. While the earbuds are reasonably priced, finding them on sale makes them an excellent deal, offering a compelling blend of quality and value.

Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW Wireless in-Ear Headphones, Black

List Price: $147.00

New From: $147.00in Stock

Used From: $78.70in Stock

Performance - How did the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW Wireless Earbuds perform during our testing?

During our extensive testing period, which lasted several months and several miles of walking, the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW Wireless Earbuds consistently delivered high performance across various metrics. Notably, their long battery life stood out; with roughly two hours of daily usage, the earbuds and case rarely required recharging, providing over thirty days of music playback.

The earbuds feature versatile noise-canceling capabilities and a convenient hear-through option. This functionality proved invaluable for outdoor activities, allowing ambient sounds for safety or quick conversations without removing the earbuds. For instance, I would switch to hear-through mode and pause the music to talk to my friend while walking or when I saw someone commuting to work.

One of the highlights of these earbuds is the A-T app. This app includes a built-in equalizer with five adjustable presets, allowing users to tailor their listening experience according to their preferences. However, it lacks personalized sound tests for individual ears, a feature we see in other competitive earbud apps that would enhance user experience. And a feature I really like to have with my wireless headphones or earbuds.

Use five presets to adjust your sound mix fcor Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW Wireless Earbuds GearBrain

The low latency mode enhanced audio sync, making these earbuds an excellent choice for gaming, listening to podcasts, or watching videos on platforms like YouTube and TikTok without perceptible delay. Another innovative feature was 360 Reality Audio, which provided an immersive listening experience by enveloping the user in a 360-degree sound field. However, it requires activation via the app and is limited to compatible music services.

In terms of design, the earbuds are waterproof and sweatproof, with an IPX4 rating, and are ideal for workouts and all-weather conditions. However, the physical button controls on the earbuds presented challenges; they were difficult to locate and press and sometimes unresponsive, which could be frustrating compared to the touch controls commonly found on other models.

While the earbuds were lightweight and generally comfortable, they did not always fit snugly enough to effectively block out wind noise, which could affect sound quality in windy conditions. Additionally, the size of the earbuds was larger than preferred, which might not suit all users, especially those with smaller ears. This highlights the importance of ensuring a good fit before purchasing.

Despite some ergonomic drawbacks, the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW Wireless Earbuds offer impressive sound quality and a range of features that elevate the audio experience. They are well-suited for anyone looking for reliable, feature-rich earbuds for diverse listening environments, though potential buyers should consider the control interface and fit before purchasing.

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What are users saying about Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW Wireless Earbuds?

Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW Wireless Earbuds chargingGearBrain

We took a look at some of the user reviews online for Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW, and here is what we found:

Positive Feedback: Users have widely praised the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW Wireless Earbuds for their excellent sound quality, which rivals that of more expensive models. Many appreciate the detailed, rich audio performance that enhances both music-listening and video-watching experiences. The battery life is particularly lauded, with many noting that the earbuds sustain long periods of use without frequent recharging, offering more than 10 hours of playback, which is highly beneficial for extended uses such as flights or full workdays. The build quality also receives positive comments, with users noting the durability of both the earbuds and the case, even after accidental drops. Users find the earbuds comfortable to wear, and the fit is secure enough for most activities, including running. The app’s functionality, including a customizable EQ, is a significant draw for users who like personalizing their audio settings. Additionally, the multi-pairing feature and the quality of the hear-through mode are often highlighted as useful functions.

Negative Feedback: However, some users express dissatisfaction with certain aspects of these earbuds. The size of the pods and case is frequently criticized for being too large, particularly for users with smaller ears or those who prefer a more compact design for portability. Noise cancellation capabilities, although adequate, do not meet the expectations of some users, particularly when compared to other brands known for their noise-canceling technology. A common issue reported involves the control buttons on the earbuds, which some users find difficult to operate accurately, leading to frustration during use. Additionally, the earbuds’ fit does not sufficiently block out wind noise, which can distort sound quality in outdoor environments. There are also isolated complaints about the earbuds not charging properly after a short period and poor call quality that degrades over time. Some describe the warranty process for resolving issues as cumbersome, detracting from overall satisfaction.

Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW Wireless in-Ear Headphones, Black

List Price: $147.00

New From: $147.00in Stock

Used From: $78.70in Stock

Summary

The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW Wireless Earbuds deliver standout performance, making them suitable for many listeners. With their long battery life, users rarely need to recharge, even with consistent use. The dual functionality of noise-canceling and hear-through modes caters to immersive listening and environmental awareness, which is essential for outdoor activities or interactions. The app’s built-in equalizer with customizable presets enhances audio customization, though the absence of personal sound tests for each ear was noted. The low latency mode is particularly effective for watching videos, ensuring the audio syncs perfectly with visual media.

Moreover, the 360 Reality Audio feature offers an enveloping sound experience, though it's limited to compatible services. On the downside, the earbuds’ control buttons are a bit cumbersome, and their size may not fit comfortably in smaller ears. The earbuds’ robust IPX4 rating makes them resistant to water and sweat, ideal for fitness enthusiasts. Despite some issues with fit and wind noise penetration, these earbuds provide excellent sound quality and are a strong contender in their price range. I recommend them to those seeking durable, high-quality sound with useful smart features, but make sure you test them for fit and control ease before buying.

Pros

• Extended Battery Life
• High-Quality Sound:
• 360 Reality Audio
• Versatile Features (Noise Cancelling)

Cons

• Bulky Design
• Button Controls:
• Wind Noise Penetration
• Fit and Comfort Issues