Another benefit of this arrangement is that if you’re connected to a computer and a smartphone simultaneously, you can continue to adjust the earbuds’ settings from the A-T app on your phone even while listening/working on your PC. Low Latency Mode for an immersive experience with minimal sound delay while playing games or watching videos on smartphones or tablets Transparency mode in the XM5 is also top notch. It sounds natural and there's a feature that can detect when you're talking so it can pause your music and automatically switch the earbuds from ANC to transparency mode so you can have a conversation.

The ATH-TWX9’s hybrid noise cancellation was automatically activated when the system was switched on, and it attenuated low-frequency as well as high-frequency outside sounds quite effectively. Voices or complex street and construction noise were filtered to a lesser extent, but it was still noticeable. Overall, the five ANC modes did not provide outstanding but rather satisfactory attenuation of noise sources. However, the best results were achieved when the ambient noise was measured, and a specific adjustment was made, and this was uncomplicated to use and could be implemented within a few seconds. Hear-through function allows you to hear ambient sounds (plus your own, unmuffled voice) so you can talk to others around you without removing your earbuds That may be true, but this is the first time I’ve ever encountered this particular problem when using Multipoint. Sumptuous sound Simon Cohen / Digital TrendsVoice guidance for notifications, including power and pairing statuses as well as remaining battery level The default eartips created a perfect seal right from the get-go, but if they hadn’t, Audio-Technica includes an astonishing collection of 12 additional sizes and shapes, in varying widths and lengths.

The Technics EAH-AZ60s battery life isn't anything to write home about, though, with roughly seven hours per charge with ANC activated and a total of 24 to 25 hours of playtime with the charging case (which isn't wireless, by the way). Using the LDAC will yield even less playtime. But that's a reasonable tradeoff considering the sound quality for the price. The Elite 7 Pro's transparency mode (called HearThrough) is also pretty great, and switching between it and ANC is as easy as a tap on the left earbud. Add to that the fantastic Jabra Sound+ app that makes the Elite 7 Pros the most customizable earbuds we've ever tested. All in all, I came in skeptical and not at all expecting a hi-fidelity sound with these to be honest… and was completely surprised to find it to be dynamic, well tuned, great timbre, great detail and a very good fit in the ear. it hard to find any criticisms really, though if being a bit strict, it’s perhaps not quite as intuitive as Airpods in an Apple ecosystem. What fundamentally distinguishes the tuning of the ATH-TWX9 was a precise presentation with a pure sound image that seemed uncoloured and matter-of-fact without appearing sterile. The focus was on homogeneous, unadulterated reproduction with clean separation and high information content. At the same time, the reproduction conveyed a catchy, carefree lightness that was capable of capturing attention when the November rain was pelting against the window panes outside.

Battery life

Use the touch sensor to choose from five preset noise-cancelling modes or optimised noise cancelling that adapts to your current environment Hear-through (transparency) mode worked well for hearing other sounds around me, but my own voice still sounded muffled, which kept interactions from being as natural as they are when using the AirPods Pro. Battery life Simon Cohen / Digital Trends When it comes to battery life, the XM4 outperforms the TWX9 by two extra hours. You’ll get up to eight hours from one full charge, while the TWX9 only gives you six. For the price they go for, the XM4 has more value here. Soundstage But let's get to the reason you're here — ANC. The TWX9s are outstanding here as well, with five modes you can choose based on your situation, such as airplanes, trains, and noisy offices. There's also an "Optimized" mode that measures the ambient noise around you and adjusts the ANC to suit the situation. The earbuds also have an automatic calibration process that analyzes how the buds fit in your ears, adjusting the sound and ANC accordingly.

I have watched the rise of Audio-technica’s in-ear monitors for years. Its new product releases have been regular and predictable, with the company really hitting its stride in 2020 with the ANC-ATH300. With a distinctive form factor, a compact clamshell case, crisp sound and handy features, it was hard not to like. If working out is on your list of main uses for a pair of earbuds, then the Elite 7 Pro's IP57 rating will please you, as they're waterproof in up to a meter of water for up to 30 minutes.These are literally much better than Airpods Pro, and will be taking its place - something I didn’t ever expect to say as the Airpods Pro served their usage case extremely well with a serviceable sound. As mentioned in my immediate impressions upon a couple mins of listening - this is better than what the market dictates in the high end price range - it’s seriously good. I legitimately prefer the tuning of these to my IE900, which are one of the better wired iem’s out there. it doesn’t sound like your prototypical A-T headphones, it’s actually quite fun and punchy, somewhat reminiscent of Harman but just way less shouty in the upper midrange and more sweet in a way.