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True wireless earbuds have become incredibly popular in recent years, with almost everyone owning a pair.

- KENNY YEO

Audio-Technica - ATH-TWX9

@ A GLANCE

• DRIVERS 5.8mm dynamic
• CONNECTIVITY Bluetooth 5.2
• CODEC aptX Adaptive, aptX, AAC, SBC
• WATER RESISTANCE IPX4
• BATTERY 6 hours (earbuds)/18 hours (with case)
• PRICE $398

Audio-Technica, a reputable Japanese audio company with over 60 years of experience, has released their flagship model, the ATH-TWX9, aiming to compete with industry giants such as Apple, Bose, and Sony. While the ATH-TWX9 boasts a sleek design and premium charging case, it falls short in certain areas, such as battery life and active noise cancellation (ANC).

The ATH-TWX9’s charging case is covered in soft-touch rubber, giving it a plush feel compared to its plastic counterparts. However, the case’s unusual shape makes it bulky and less convenient for pocket storage. Furthermore, despite its size, it doesn’t hold a significant amount of charge, providing only around 18 hours of total runtime, which is considerably less than its competitors.

The ATH-TWX9 is decent and can be optimised for your environment, but it's no match for the likes of Apple, Bose, and Sony.