Late last year, I reviewed a new set of Bluetooth Earbuds from Audio-Technica. The ATH-CKS30TW+ are fantastic and the last thing I was expecting was the release of an even newer pair from the masters of audio.
Well, in January 2025, Audio-Technica announced the launch of their next generation in wireless audio, the ATH-CKS50TW2. This new and improved product boasts an increased battery life, stronger Bluetooth technology, even a more powerful set of drivers that improves the overall listening experience. The new design also comes with a patented Magnetic Switch™ that help prolong the battery life whilst not in use.
So, after using the ATH-CKS30TW+ for the best part of 6 months, do the new ATH-CKS50TW2 Wireless Earbuds stack up? To find this out, the wonderful folk over at Audio-Technica sent me out a pair of the stunning Green colour buds, just in-time for my overseas trip.
Available in Australia in three colours, the aforementioned Green, a classic Black and an eye-popping Beige. Each colour is paired with an equally stunning case and matching opaque lid. The case itself offers more than just good looks, it doubles as the charging station for your new buds. Charging via USB-C, the case adds a whopping 40 hours of battery life to the already 25 hours on-device playback. Offering a total of 60 hours usage before requiring to be reconnected to a charge cable. However, with noise cancelling switched on, this playback is reduced to a total of 40 hours. And, if you are on the go and your buds run flat, simply put them back into the case for a 5-minute quick-charge that provides an extra 90 minutes of playback.
The biggest difference in the buds would have to be the design and the addition of the new Magnetic Switch™ technology and you are probably wondering what the hell it is! Well, the new ATH-CKS50TW2 buds come with a complete design overhaul. The buds themselves are larger in size, whilst still fitting snug into your ear. And each bud also comes equipped with two tiny magnets that click the buds together when not in use. Meaning, as soon as you take them out of your ears and click them together, playback is stopped, and the power goes into standby mode.
Previously, it required the buds to be fully docked in the case before they switched off, so if your case is rolling around in your bag and you just need to take them out of your ears for a short time, the Magnetic Switch™ is as good as putting them in the case. It also keeps them together in your pocket, making it easier to grab both at the same time, snap them apart and get back to your listening experience.
I’ll admit, the refreshed design and larger device did take some getting used to. They are quite the jump in size from the small design I had been using. But after I found the right sized ear tips, the fit was snug and comfortable.
My first use of these new buds was on my 7+ hour flight to Singapore and the end of last month. I had my iPhone 15 Pro Max packed with my favourite music ready to go. I even had my new Steam Deck with some games to keep me entertained. Both connected to the ATH-CKS50TW2 with ease. However, the biggest thing I was concerned about was the Noise Cancelling on my long flight. Thankfully, the technology had been improved and the otherwise noisy flight was reduced to a dull background noise. It does not completely cut everything out, but it was close enough to make a huge difference.
Switching from my phone to the gaming device was simple and easy. And when connected to my iPhone, I also had the AT-Connect application at my disposal to improve the listening experience of my music. The app is your digital companion to the buds, offering up quick settings to switch through the Noise Cancelling, Talk Through and Off options.
There is even a full equaliser with pre-set environment from Super Bass to Vocal. Plus, there’s the option to customise the equaliser, allowing you to to set the frequency levels to your own settings. You can also adjust the quick actions of the on-device-buttons for playback, volume control, and Noise Cancelling settings. There are soundscapes you can download such as White Noise and Environmental sounds like a fireplace or rain. You can even use the new low-latency technology to improve the overall audio quality.
For the active amongst us, the ATH-CKS50TW2 buds are IP55-equivelant waterproof and dustproof, allowing for a multitude of listening environments, including getting sweaty at the gym. The built-in omnidirectional microphone makes taking calls or recording notes simple, easy and provides a clear voice to those listening in. You can also leave your phone in your bag or on your desk with a 10m line-of-sight range and strong signal via the Bluetooth v5.3 technology. The buds also support your on-device Siri and Google Assistant.
Overall, there is definitely a noticeable difference between the buds I have been using and the new and improved ATH-CKS50TW2. The Magnetic Switch™ will help prolong the battery life for those short trips to the shops when I don’t want to bring the case along with me. And the Noise Cancelling improvements make those noisy environments more bearable. But the biggest difference, is the quality of the audio playback. I already mentioned in my previous review that the ATH-CKS30TW+ was an improvement on my Air Pods Pro. Well, the ATH-CKS50TW2 is a step up again!
Audio-Technica are going from strength to strength and each new device is a giant leap forward, offering new technology and features that leave other audio manufactures trailing behind in the dust.
The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 is available Australia wide in three colours of Black, Green and Beige via Audio-Technica’s direct website or from your favourite technology retailer.
For more information, technical specifications and where to buy, please visit:
https://www.audio-technica.com/en-au/ath-cks50tw2