Audio-Technica ATH-AC5TW specifications and in-depth review

Audio-Technica ATH-AC5TW

Manufacturer: Audio-Technica

The Audio-Technica ATH-AC5TW wireless earbuds offer a comfortable open-ear design with a secure fit, making them ideal for everyday use. They feature 13 hours of battery life and a rechargeable battery, providing long-lasting performance without wires. These earbuds come with wingtips for a better fit and have a sweat-resistant build with an IPX4 rating for durability in various environments.

On the technical side, the ATH-AC5TW is equipped with four microphones that include noise-canceling technology to ensure clear voice pickup. They support Bluetooth 5.4 for seamless connectivity, and their 14.3mm driver unit delivers a frequency range from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. The earbuds also feature a mute function, voice prompts, and come with a travel bag for added convenience.

Pros
  • Open-ear design provides comfort and reduces ear fatigue during extended use.
  • Sweat-resistant with an IPX4 rating, making them suitable for light exercise or outdoor use.
  • Includes a travel bag for easy storage and portability.
  • 13 hours of battery life with an additional 21 hours from the charging case, providing extended usage time.
  • Noise-canceling microphone improves call quality by reducing background noise.
Cons
  • Does not support active noise cancellation or passive noise reduction for immersive listening.
  • Lacks wireless charging, requiring a wired connection for recharging.
  • No support for fast pairing or NFC pairing, which may slow down initial setup.
  • Does not feature ambient sound mode or in-ear detection, limiting situational awareness or convenience.
  • No support for spatial audio, Dolby Atmos, or other advanced audio technologies.
Who is this for?

The Audio-Technica ATH-AC5TW wireless earbuds are well-suited for users who value comfort and durability during daily activities. With their open-ear design and IPX4 water resistance, these earbuds are ideal for light workouts, outdoor use, or casual listening. Their long battery life of 13 hours, extended by an additional 21 hours from the charging case, also makes them suitable for users who need reliable performance for extended listening sessions.

Who is this NOT for?

These earbuds may not be ideal for users seeking a fully immersive audio experience or advanced noise control. They lack active noise cancellation or passive noise reduction, which limits their effectiveness in noisy environments. Additionally, they do not support features like spatial audio or Dolby Atmos, making them less suitable for audiophiles or users seeking high-end audio technology.

Design:

Fit Open-ear
Ingress Protection (IP) rating IPX4
water resistance Sweat resistant
weight 21 g
has no wires or cables
are neckband earbuds
wingtips included
has RGB lighting
has stereo speakers
has UV light
Has a display

The Audio-Technica ATH-AC5TW wireless earbuds feature an open-ear fit for a comfortable listening experience, along with wingtips included for added stability. With a lightweight design at just 21 grams, these earbuds are designed for everyday use, offering true wireless freedom. They are sweat resistant with an IPX4 rating, making them suitable for light exercise or outdoor activities, though they do not support features like RGB lighting or a display.

Sound quality:

has active noise cancellation (ANC)
has passive noise reduction
driver unit size 14.3 mm
lowest frequency 20 Hz
highest frequency 20000 Hz
supports spatial audio
has Dolby Atmos
has Dirac Virtuo
has a neodymium magnet

The Audio-Technica ATH-AC5TW wireless earbuds are equipped with a 14.3 mm driver unit, delivering a frequency range from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. While they do not feature active noise cancellation (ANC), passive noise reduction, or support for spatial audio or Dolby Atmos, these earbuds are designed to provide clear and balanced sound without advanced noise-canceling technologies.

Power:

Battery life 13 hours
Battery life of charging case 21 hours
charge time 2 hours
has wireless charging
Has a solar power battery
has a battery level indicator
has a rechargeable battery

The Audio-Technica ATH-AC5TW wireless earbuds offer a solid battery life of 13 hours on a single charge, with the charging case providing an additional 21 hours of usage. Charging takes about 2 hours, and the earbuds feature a rechargeable battery. A convenient battery level indicator lets you know when it's time to recharge, but these earbuds do not support wireless or solar charging.

Connectivity:

has fast pairing
Has USB Type-C
Bluetooth version 5.4
has LDAC
has LDHC
has Bluetooth LE Audio
has aptX Adaptive
has aptX Low Latency
has aptX HD
has aptX
has aptX Lossless
has aptX Voice
has Auracast
maximum Bluetooth range 10 m
supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC
Can be used wirelessly
has AAC

The Audio-Technica ATH-AC5TW wireless earbuds use Bluetooth 5.4 for reliable connectivity, with a maximum Bluetooth range of 10 m. They support AAC codec for high-quality audio streaming but do not feature fast pairing, NFC pairing, or advanced Bluetooth technologies like aptX or LDAC.

Features:

release date March 2025
has ambient sound mode
has in/on-ear detection
has find device feature
Supports fast charging
can read notifications
has a mute function
can be used as a headset
control panel placed on a device
Has voice prompts
travel bag is included
Has an in-line control panel
Has a temperature sensor
Has a built-in camera remote control function

The Audio-Technica ATH-AC5TW wireless earbuds come with several practical features, including fast charging support for quick power-ups and a mute function for easy sound control. These earbuds can also be used as a headset for calls, feature voice prompts for notifications, and include a travel bag for added convenience. However, they do not support features like ambient sound mode, in-ear detection, or find device functionality.

Microphone:

number of microphones 4
has a noise-canceling microphone

The Audio-Technica ATH-AC5TW wireless earbuds are equipped with four microphones, including a noise-canceling microphone to enhance call quality and reduce background noise during conversations.

Final Verdict

The Audio-Technica ATH-AC5TW wireless earbuds offer solid performance with a comfortable open-ear design and a robust battery life of 13 hours, extended to 21 hours with the charging case. While they excel in daily use with features like sweat resistance and noise-canceling microphones for clear calls, they lack advanced audio technologies like noise cancellation or spatial audio. These earbuds are ideal for those looking for a practical and durable option for general listening and exercise, but audiophiles or those seeking more immersive sound may find them lacking.

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