After the success of Apple AirPods and
AirPods Pro, pretty much every important audio manufacturer sees potential in
the true wireless earphones space. CES 2020 has itself seen some key launches
in the segment from brands such as Shure, Panasonic, and Technics, and now
another respected headphone maker has joined the list. Japanese headphone
specialist Audio-Technica has launched its latest consumer audio product as
part of its QuietPoint range, the ATH-ANC300TW true wireless earphones, at the
annual tech expo in Las Vegas.
Although this isn't Audio-Technica's first
pair of true wireless earphones, the ATH-ANC300TW earphones are unique as they
combine active noise cancellation with the convenience of the true wireless
form factor. The headset has 5.8mm dynamic drivers, Bluetooth 5, and supports
the aptX, AAC, and SBC Bluetooth codecs. The earphones have a claimed battery
life of 4.5 hours per charge, while the charging case promises an additional
three charges to the earbuds.
The ATH-ANC300TW earphones themselves
feature a typical in-canal fit, while the charging case has a unique shape to
account for the size of the earbuds. Charging the case is through the USB
Type-C port at the side. Although battery life is in line with what we've come
to expect from true wireless earphones, we have seen some options with claims
of better battery life.
The recently launched Shure Aonic 215
earphones promise eight hours of use per charge, while AirPods Pro (Review)
offer around 22-23 hours of overall battery life per charge cycle. Panasonic
also announced new true wireless earphones with active noise cancellation at
CES 2020.
Audio-Technica's QuietPoint series of
headphones and earphones is well-regarded for its active noise cancellation and
overall performance, so there are high expectations from the ATH-ANC300TW true
wireless earphones as well. The earphones will be priced at US$ 249 and are expected to go on sale in Spring 2020. There's no word on
whether the earphones will be available in India just yet, but the product
could be launched here alongside other markets.
