Audio-Technica ATH-CKS30TW Plus

Name: Audio-Technica ATH-CKS30TW Plus
Brand: Audio-Technica
SKU: 7897

Manufacturer: Audio-Technica

The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS30TW Plus are true wireless in-ear earbuds offering a compact, cable-free listening experience with a focus on everyday practicality. Weighing just 9 g per earbud, they carry an IP55 rating for resistance against dust and sweat, making them a reasonable option for active use. Active noise cancellation is included alongside a passive noise isolation design, and an ambient sound mode lets users stay aware of their surroundings when needed.

The earbuds use 9 mm drivers with a frequency range spanning 5 Hz to 20,000 Hz, an impedance of 20 Ohms, and a sound pressure level of 110 dB/mW. Connectivity runs over Bluetooth 5.1 with AAC codec support and a maximum wireless range of 10 m, while multipoint pairing allows simultaneous connection to two devices. Battery life sits at 7.5 hours per charge (6.5 hours with ANC active), with the charging case extending the total to 20 hours; fast charging is supported and the case uses USB-C. Additional features include a noise-canceling microphone, ambient sound mode, find-device function, mute control, voice prompts, a battery level indicator, and a travel bag in the box.

Pros

Both active noise cancellation and passive noise isolation are present, providing two layers of background noise reduction
Multipoint pairing supports simultaneous connection to two devices, useful for switching between a phone and laptop
A travel bag is included in the box, adding practical value for users on the move
Fast charging is supported, reducing downtime when the battery runs low
The find-device feature helps locate misplaced earbuds
IP55 rating provides resistance against sweat and dust, making the earbuds suitable for physical activity

Cons

No wireless charging support, requiring a cable for every recharge
No in-ear detection means music will not automatically pause when an earbud is removed
The only supported high-quality codec is AAC, with no LDAC, aptX, or any of its variants available
Bluetooth range is limited to 10 m, restricting movement away from the paired device
No wingtips are included, which may affect stability during more intense physical activity

Who is this for?

The ATH-CKS30TW Plus are a practical fit for users who want active noise cancellation in a true wireless form factor for commuting, office use, or moderate outdoor activity. The IP55 rating and lightweight 9 g build make them well-suited for gym sessions or daily wear where sweat exposure is likely. Users who regularly switch between two devices will benefit from multipoint pairing, and the combined 20-hour battery life with fast charging support suits those who need reliable all-day use without frequent recharging.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who prioritize high-resolution wireless audio codecs such as LDAC or aptX will find the ATH-CKS30TW Plus limiting, as AAC is the only advanced codec on offer. The absence of in-ear detection makes them less convenient for users who frequently take one earbud out and expect automatic playback pausing. Those looking for a secure fit during high-intensity workouts may also find the lack of wingtips a concern, as there is no additional ear stability accessory included.

Design:

Fit	In-ear
Ingress Protection (IP) rating	IP55
water resistance	Sweat resistant
weight	9 g
has no wires or cables	✓
are neckband earbuds	✕
wingtips included	✕
has stereo speakers	✓

The ATH-CKS30TW Plus are true wireless in-ear earbuds with no cables or neckband, weighing just 9 g per unit, which keeps them light during extended wear. They carry an IP55 rating with sweat resistance, making them suitable for use during physical activity. Stereo speakers are present, but no wingtips are included for additional ear stability.

Sound quality:

has active noise cancellation (ANC)	✓
has passive noise reduction	✓
driver unit size	9 mm
lowest frequency	5 Hz
highest frequency	20000 Hz
impedance	20 Ohms
sound pressure level	110 dB/mW
has a neodymium magnet	✕

The ATH-CKS30TW Plus include both active noise cancellation and passive noise isolation, giving them two layers of background noise reduction. The 9 mm drivers cover a frequency range of 5 Hz to 20,000 Hz, with an impedance of 20 Ohms and a sound pressure level of 110 dB/mW. The earbuds do not use a neodymium magnet in their driver construction.

Power:

Battery life	7.5 hours
Battery life of charging case	12.5 hours
Battery life (ANC)	6.5 hours
charge time	2.5 hours
has wireless charging	✕
has a battery level indicator	✓
has a rechargeable battery	✓

The ATH-CKS30TW Plus offer 7.5 hours of battery life per charge, dropping to 6.5 hours when ANC is active, with the charging case contributing an additional 12.5 hours for a combined total of 20 hours. A full charge takes 2.5 hours, and a battery level indicator is present to help track remaining power. The battery is rechargeable, but wireless charging is not supported.

Connectivity:

has fast pairing	✓
Has USB Type-C	✓
Bluetooth version	5.1
has LDAC	✕
has LDHC	✕
has aptX Adaptive	✕
has aptX Low Latency	✕
has aptX HD	✕
has aptX	✕
has aptX Lossless	✕
has aptX Voice	✕
maximum Bluetooth range	10 m
supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC	✕
Can be used wirelessly	✓
has AAC	✓

The ATH-CKS30TW Plus connect wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.1 with a maximum range of 10 m, supporting the AAC codec and fast pairing for quicker device connections. The charging case uses USB Type-C for wired charging, though NFC pairing is not available. On the codec side, the earbuds do not support LDAC, LDHC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Low Latency, aptX Lossless, or aptX Voice, keeping the wireless audio options limited to AAC and the standard Bluetooth audio stack.

Features:

has ambient sound mode	✓
has in/on-ear detection	✕
has find device feature	✓
Supports fast charging	✓
multipoint count	2
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	✕

The ATH-CKS30TW Plus support multipoint pairing with up to two devices simultaneously, along with ambient sound mode for environmental awareness and a find-device feature for locating misplaced earbuds. Fast charging is available, and controls are handled via a panel on the earbuds themselves rather than an in-line remote. The earbuds can function as a headset for calls, include a mute function, and provide voice prompts for audio feedback. A travel bag is included in the box, while in-ear detection and a body temperature sensor are both absent.

Microphone:

has a noise-canceling microphone	✓
highest mic frequency	8000 Hz
lowest mic frequency	100 Hz

The ATH-CKS30TW Plus feature a noise-canceling microphone for call use, with a frequency response ranging from 100 Hz to 8,000 Hz, covering the range typically associated with voice clarity in everyday calls.

Final Verdict

The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS30TW Plus deliver a well-rounded set of features for everyday wireless earbud use, with active noise cancellation, IP55 sweat resistance, and multipoint pairing forming a practical core for commuters and active users alike. The 20-hour combined battery life and fast charging support add to their day-to-day reliability, though users with specific demands around advanced audio codecs or automatic ear detection may find the feature set falls short of their expectations. Overall, the ATH-CKS30TW Plus represent a dependable option for users seeking a versatile, cable-free listening experience with noise cancellation built in.