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Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW2NC specifications and in-depth review

Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW2NC

Manufacturer: Audio-Technica

The Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW2NC are true wireless earbuds designed for everyday use, offering a lightweight in-ear fit at just 8 grams per earbud. They carry an IPX5 water resistance rating, making them suitable for workouts and commutes where exposure to sweat or light rain is a concern. A travel bag is included in the box, and the earbuds support multipoint connectivity, allowing simultaneous pairing with up to two devices.

On the technical side, the ATH-SQ1TW2NC feature active noise cancellation alongside a passive noise-isolating design, with a 5.8 mm driver unit covering a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Bluetooth 5.2 with AAC codec support handles wireless audio transmission up to 10 meters, while USB Type-C charging and fast charging capability keep downtime short. The charging case extends total playback to 18 hours combined, and the earbuds include an ambient sound mode, a noise-canceling microphone, and touch controls placed directly on the earbuds.

Pros
  • Supports active noise cancellation alongside passive noise isolation for a dual-layer approach to blocking ambient sound
  • Multipoint connectivity allows simultaneous pairing with two devices, useful for switching between a phone and laptop
  • Fast charging support helps reduce downtime when the battery runs low
  • Includes an ambient sound mode, letting users stay aware of their surroundings without removing the earbuds
  • IPX5 water resistance makes the earbuds suitable for use during physical activity or in wet conditions
  • A travel bag is included in the box, adding practical value for users on the move
Cons
  • Total battery life of 18 hours combined is relatively modest, with only 6 hours available from the earbuds themselves before relying on the case
  • No wireless charging support, requiring a physical USB Type-C connection every time the case needs to be topped up
  • Lacks in-ear detection, so music will not pause automatically when an earbud is removed
  • No support for high-resolution audio codecs such as LDAC, aptX HD, or aptX Adaptive, limiting audio quality over Bluetooth
  • NFC pairing is not available, making the initial connection process slightly less convenient on compatible devices
Who is this for?

These earbuds are a solid fit for commuters and everyday users who want active noise cancellation in a compact, wire-free form. The IPX5 water resistance rating makes them practical for gym sessions or outdoor use in light rain, while multipoint connectivity suits people who regularly switch audio between two devices, such as a work laptop and a personal phone. The inclusion of a travel bag and a mute function also makes them a reasonable choice for remote workers who take calls on the go.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who prioritize high-fidelity wireless audio will find the lack of advanced codecs such as LDAC or aptX HD a notable limitation, as the earbuds rely solely on AAC for Bluetooth transmission. Those who need extended listening sessions without access to a power source may also find the 6-hour earbud battery life insufficient, particularly for long-haul travel. Additionally, users who prefer the convenience of wireless charging will need to look elsewhere, as the case requires a wired USB Type-C connection.

Design:

Fit In-ear
Ingress Protection (IP) rating IPX5
water resistance Water resistant
weight 8 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-SQ1TW2NC adopts a true wireless, in-ear design with no cables or neckband, keeping each earbud at a lightweight 8 grams. The earbuds carry an IPX5 ingress protection rating, confirming their resistance to water and making them suitable for use in wet conditions. Stereo speakers are built in, while features such as wingtips, RGB lighting, a UV light, and a display are not included in the design.

Sound quality:

has active noise cancellation (ANC) ✓
has passive noise reduction ✓
driver unit size 5.8 mm
lowest frequency 20 Hz
highest frequency 20000 Hz
supports spatial audio ✕
has Dolby Atmos ✕
has Dirac Virtuo ✕
has a neodymium magnet ✕

The ATH-SQ1TW2NC combines active noise cancellation with passive noise reduction to help block out unwanted ambient sound. Audio is handled by a 5.8 mm driver unit with a frequency response spanning 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. The earbuds do not feature a neodymium magnet, and there is no support for spatial audio formats such as Dolby Atmos or Dirac Virtuo.

Power:

Battery life 6 hours
Battery life of charging case 12 hours
charge time 1 hours
has wireless charging ✕
Has a solar power battery ✕
has a battery level indicator ✓
has a rechargeable battery ✓

The ATH-SQ1TW2NC is equipped with a rechargeable battery that delivers 6 hours of playback per charge, with the charging case contributing an additional 12 hours for a combined total of 18 hours. A full charge takes 1 hour, and a battery level indicator is included to help monitor remaining power. Wireless charging and solar battery functionality are not supported.

Connectivity:

has fast pairing ✕
Has USB Type-C ✓
Bluetooth version 5.2
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 ATH-SQ1TW2NC connects wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.2 with a maximum range of 10 meters, and supports the AAC codec for audio transmission. Charging is handled through a USB Type-C port, though wireless charging is not available. The earbuds do not support fast pairing, NFC pairing, or Auracast, and none of the aptX codec variants — including aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Low Latency, aptX Lossless, or aptX Voice — are supported. Bluetooth LE Audio and LDHC are likewise absent.

Features:

release date February 2026
has ambient sound mode ✓
has in/on-ear detection ✕
Supports fast charging ✓
multipoint count 2
can read notifications ✕
Has a built-in translator ✕
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 ATH-SQ1TW2NC includes an ambient sound mode and a mute function, and it can be used as a headset for calls. Controls are placed directly on the earbuds, and voice prompts are available to guide the user, though there is no in-line control panel. The earbuds support multipoint connectivity for up to two devices simultaneously and feature fast charging for quick top-ups. A travel bag is included in the package. In-ear detection, notification readout, a built-in translator, a body temperature sensor, and a camera remote shutter function are not available.

Microphone:

has a noise-canceling microphone ✓
highest mic frequency 10000 Hz
lowest mic frequency 20 Hz

The ATH-SQ1TW2NC features a noise-canceling microphone that covers a frequency range of 20 Hz to 10,000 Hz, allowing it to capture voice clearly while reducing unwanted background noise during calls.

Final Verdict

The Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW2NC presents a well-rounded set of true wireless earbuds aimed at users who want practical, everyday functionality without unnecessary complexity. Its combination of active noise cancellation and IPX5 water resistance gives it genuine versatility across commuting, office, and light fitness scenarios, while multipoint connectivity and fast charging add meaningful convenience for busy users. The absence of high-resolution codec support and the modest per-earbud battery life do set a ceiling on what the ATH-SQ1TW2NC can offer, making it better suited to casual listeners than audiophiles. Overall, it represents a focused and functional option within the wireless earbud category for users whose priorities center around noise management, durability, and day-to-day practicality.