The Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9 are an accomplished pair of true wireless earbuds that tick most of the … [+] boxes that a premium pair of earbuds should tick.

Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica has been around for 60 years, making fabulous headphones, microphones and turntable cartridges. However, in recent years the company has made quite a few true wireless earbuds, but it’s never really had cut-through in the market in the same way that Sennheiser and Sony have. However, that all looks set to change if the company’s new ATH-TWX9 earbuds are anything to go by.

The ATH-TWX9 are premium true wireless earbuds with just about every feature and customization option you could wish for. As well as offering dual-hybrid active noise cancelation, they also have features like deep-UV sterilization, 360 Reality Audio, plus Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound platform for higher quality music, video and calls. These are earbuds that tick every box.

Thanks to their splashproof design and IPX4 rating, the ATH-TWX9 can shrug off rain, water splashes and even sweat. There’s a companion smartphone app available for iOS and Android which offers five preset noise-canceling modes or the opportunity to optimize the noise cancellation by pressing the touch sensor on the left earbud.

The driver used in the Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9 are custom designed 5.8mm dynamic units with extended … [+] frequency range.

Audio-Technica

The earbuds are supplied with a dozen ear tips in various sizes and stem lengths to create the perfect acoustic seal, no matter the listener’s ear shape. A full charge of the built-in battery of each earbud provides up to six hours of listening time and up to 18.5 hours, with the backup charge held in the storage case.

Audio-Technica has used a newly designed 5.8mm diameter driver with an extended high-frequency range inside each earpiece. Built around Bluetooth Version 5.2, the ATH-TWX9 earbuds can support aptX, aptX Adaptive, AAC and SBC audio codecs. If you have a compatible smartphone that supports the latest SnapDragon Sound platform, Audio-Technica claims it is even possible to play digital audio up to 24-bit at 96kHz. With aptX Adaptive codec, the bit rate and resolution automatically adapt to suit the environment depending on how crowded the wireless spectrum is.

The earbuds are fitted with dual high-performance MEMS microphones that use beamforming technology to provide clear speech when making calls or taking part in video meetings. With Qualcomm cVc 8.0 technology, the microphones can mute unwanted background noises. Another neat feature when making calls is the inclusion of sidetone so you can hear yourself speak when making calls. Sidetone is very useful and stops the user from speaking too loudly when making a phone call because they can hear themselves talk.

The Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9 come with a selection of ear tips in different sizes and stalk lengths.

Audio-Technica

Like most new Bluetooth earbuds, the ATH-TWX9 can pair with up to two devices simultaneously. This handy feature enables you to listen to music on a personal phone while still being able to take phone calls on a business phone. The advanced technology built into the earbuds enables the user to listen to Sony’s 360 Reality Audio sound, giving a stadium feel to the music. Many music streaming services support Sony’s 360 Reality Audio, so you can listen to your favorite music as if you were at a live gig.

Anyone who uses their earbuds when exercising will know how grubby the ear tips can get with dirt, sweat and earwax. The ATH-TWX9’s charging case has a deep-UV LED sterilization system with mirror processing that eliminates bacteria and viruses from the surface of the earbuds.

I had a chance to try the ATH-TWX9 recently; to my mind, these are the best earbuds Audio-Technica has made to date. The sound is superbly detailed but without being harsh or distorted. There’s plenty of bass available, but it’s never woolly or overbearing. The overall sound is wonderfully well-balanced and suits most genres of music. You can use the Audio-Technica Connect app to tweak the sound with EQ controls.

Every time the ATH-TWX9 are put back in their case, a powerful UV light sanitizes their surface … [+] killing germs and viruses.

Audio-Technica

Using the Connect the app, it’s possible to customize the ATH-TWX9 extensively. Initially, I had a few problems getting the earbuds to sync correctly with the app, but a firmware update seems to have fixed that. The app can also customize the clickable control buttons on each earbud.

The control buttons can pause music, skip tracks, take phone calls, adjust volume levels, or turn on the ANC function. I prefer clickable buttons on earbuds as they are less prone to being triggered accidentally. The Connect app can also choose a favorite voice assistant, such as Amazon Alexa Built-in, Google Assistant or Apple Siri.

The ATH-TWX9 true wireless earbuds are supplied with a selection of ear tips. The charging case can … [+] be charged using a USB-C cable or any Qi-compatible wireless charging mat.

Audio-Technica

Verdict: The Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9 are the best-sounding true wireless earbuds that Audio-Technica has ever made, although they aren’t cheap. The ATH-TWX9 tick almost every box imaginable regarding audio codecs, waterproofing, UV sterilization and fully customizable ANC function, which works very effectively. I also love that the ATH-TWX9 have a sidetone function for making phone calls or taking part in video meetings. However, a pair of earbuds is not much use if they don’t sound good. Fortunately, the Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9 sound superb, with a beautifully clean tone and no hint of hiss or distortion. The earbud battery life is good and the overall design is excellent. There’s nothing to criticize here. If you want a pair of earbuds that do absolutely everything, the Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9 are a brilliant buy.

Pricing & Availability: The Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9 true wireless earbuds are available now from Amazon and other retailers for $299 / £279.99 / €319.

More info: www.audio-technica.com

Tech Specs:

• Type: Dynamic.
• Driver diameter: 5.8mm.
• Sensitivity: 102dB/mW.
• Frequency response: 10 – 40,000Hz.
• Impedance: 16Ω.
• Microphones: MEMs.
• Polar pattern: Omnidirectional.
• Mic frequency response: 100 – 16,000Hz.
• Bluetooth: Version 5.2.
• Audio codecs: aptX, aptX Adaptive, AAC and SBC.
• Supported sample rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz (SnapDragon Sound).
• Supported bit rates: 16-bit, 24-bit.
• Battery life: 6 hours (earbuds) and 18.5 hours (charging case).
• Charging method: USB-C or Wireless.
• Charging time: 2.5 hours.
• Weight: 5.4g (each earbud) and 55.9g (charging case).
• Waterproof rating: IPX4.