Outstanding sound, a powerful battery life, innovative features and an attractive price: The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 impressed in the test with a convincing overall package, making them perhaps the best in-ear headphones currently available in the price range up to 150 euros.
Technical data
| The product | ATH-CKS50TW2 |
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth codecs | SBC, AAC, LC3 |
| Driver size | 9 mm |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz to 20,000 Hz |
| Maximum operating range | 10m (without obstacle) |
| Battery life | Up to 25 hours, 65 hours in total with charging case; (varies depending on volume level and audio content) |
| Charging time | 2 hours (for charging case + headphones via USB-C) |
| Weight | 7.2 g per earbud; 51.5 g charging case |
| Most important functions | ANC; transparency mode; magnetic connection |
| Price | € 149.00 * |
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 review: Unique design – with magnets
The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 immediately catch the eye: the round housings of the ear buds are unusually large for true wireless in-ears and protrude significantly from the ear. This size is a compromise in favor of the impressive battery capacity, but ensures that the earbuds are less discreet for smaller ears or flat ear shapes and may protrude or exert pressure.
The material is made of robust, matt plastic, which tests have shown to be scratch-resistant and of high quality. The surface is dirt-repellent and the earphones are protected against dust and water in accordance with IP55, making them suitable for sporting activities or rainy weather.
The charging case is pleasantly compact and has a transparent window for the status display as well as the option of wireless Qi charging. A rarity in this price range.
However, the magnetic function of the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 is particularly clever: both earbuds can be magnetically attached to each other and are thus automatically switched off – energy-saving and practical for on the go if you tend to lose your earbuds quickly.
Within the companion app, you can also specify how the buds should react to a magnetic connection: Switching on and off or pausing the music.
Despite the large dimensions, the wearing comfort is excellent. The earbuds weigh around 7.2 grams each, but the shape means they sit very comfortably in the ear. The manufacturer also supplies three additional sizes of silicone ear tips.
Modern features in the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2
- Modern features
- multipoint; ANC; transparency mode
- no wearer detection
Technically, the latest standards are used with Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint connections and the AAC, SBC and LC3 codecs. Multipoint support allows seamless switching between two devices – such as a smartphone and laptop – without having to pair them again.
Four different earpieces are included in the scope of delivery, so that they can be easily adapted to different ear shapes. Audio-Technica also supplies a USB-A to USB-C charging cable for the case.
One drawback, however, is the lack of automatic wear detection: the headphones do not automatically stop the music when they are removed from the ear. However, this function can be assigned to the magnets if desired. Active noise suppression and a transparency mode are of course also included.
There is also a quick-charging function: with just 10 minutes of charging time in the case, around 2.5 hours of playback is guaranteed, which is very practical for everyday use.
Practical operation, clear app
- Reliable operation
- Practical buttons
- Clear, comprehensive app
The ATH-CKS50TW2 are controlled via physical multifunction buttons on each earbud instead of touch surfaces. These are located on the top of the earbuds. This ensures reliable and very precise operation – even with wet hands or gloves. I really like the operating concept, as it minimizes input errors.
The buttons can also be assigned individually: play/pause, volume, Google Assistant, ANC and transparency mode are freely selectable.
The associated “A-T Connect” app impresses with a clear interface, several equalizer presets, a 5-band equalizer and extras such as soundscapes (natural sounds, white noise). No account is required, all settings can be made without registration.
The connection between the headphones and the app is stable and fast. The app also allows firmware updates, battery status tracking and personalization of the button functions.
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 with strong battery life
- 15 hours of use with ANC
- 25 hours without ANC
- Charging case stores an additional 40 hours
The battery life of the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 is a real highlight: up to 25 hours without ANC or 15 hours with ANC (per charge) puts this model at the top of its class.
The charging case stores an additional 40 hours so that a total of up to 65 hours of listening pleasure is possible – a value that hardly any other model currently achieves. Even our battery winner in the form of the Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 (our test) doesn’t last quite as long, clocking up 10 hours with ANC and up to 52 hours in the case.
The key feature of the magnetic function – earphones can simply be plugged together and thus switched off – naturally also helps to actually utilize these battery runtimes in everyday life instead of unintentionally losing energy through standby. The quick-charging function is ideal for commuters in particular and guarantees long music enjoyment with a short interim charge.
Audio quality, ANC and microphones
- 9 mm driver; 5 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Rich bass; but subdued mids
- Clean, detailed treble; somewhat sharp in places
In terms of sound, the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 are tailored to bass fans. The sound is extremely powerful and offers a deep but controlled bass, which is particularly enjoyable with modern music (hip-hop, electro).
The mids are present, but seem somewhat discreet compared to the bass and treble, although this can be fully compensated for with the equalizer function – acoustic and classical tracks are also balanced. And yet, in my opinion, the sound image lacks a little detail, especially in comparison with other in-ear headphones in this price range.
The treble is clean, but may be slightly sharp in places for sensitive ears. The soundstage is open and spacious, which is surprising for in-ears of this size. This is made possible by the 9 mm dynamic drivers that Audio-Technica has fitted to the in-ears. They reproduce a frequency response of 5 Hz to 20,000 Hz and offer an impedance of 20 ohms.
ANC and transparency mode
Active Noise Cancelling filters low-frequency, continuous noises such as motors or fans very effectively, but some parts of voices and sudden everyday noises are let through. In transparency mode, the surroundings appear authentic, but somewhat muffled and quieter than when listening naturally.
Overall, the active noise cancellation delivers a good performance considering the price. However, higher-quality models such as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) provide much better sealing.
Microphone quality
The quality of the microphones is solid; voices come through clearly when making calls, but very strong wind or background noise can sometimes lead to slight intelligibility problems. In direct comparison, your own voice also seems less detailed than with some competitors and lacks a little clarity.
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 microphone test recording:
Microphone test recording Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen):
Microphone test recording Cambridge Audio Melomania M100:
This is absolutely fine for occasional phone calls, but you can’t do much more with it – especially outdoors.
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 Review: Conclusion
With the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2, the manufacturer delivers earbuds with a really coherent overall package. The design is elegant, the wearing comfort is pleasing, the operation via multifunction buttons is extremely precise and the in-ear headphones also have a lot to offer in terms of sound.
They also have a truly incredible battery life, which makes the model particularly interesting for anyone who is often on the move. And thanks to the magnetic function, the buds always stay connected, making it harder to lose them.
In my opinion, the ATH-CKS50TW2 could sound a little more detailed, but bass fans will get their money’s worth here, while weaknesses in the mids can be ironed out quite well with the help of the equalizer.
VORTEILE
- Incredible battery life
- Successful operation
- Rich bass
- High wearing comfort
NACHTEILE
- ANC could be better
- Mid-range somewhat lacking in detail
- Microphones only average
Fazit
Incredibly durable, very comfortable and convincing in terms of sound. The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 are successful earbuds in the mid-price segment.
