Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 Earbuds review: A feature-packed wireless experience

At a glance

• Big bass

• Huge 65 hours of battery life with case

• Five-minute quick charge delivers 90 minutes of listening time

• Noise-cancelling and ambient mode

• Good price

“Bass! How low can you go” rapped Chuck D on Public Enemy’s Bring the Noise. If we’re talking about Audio-Technica’s new earbuds, the ATH-CKS50TW2, we’re talking very low.

Designed to deliver deep bass, long-lasting battery life, and modern conveniences like noise cancellation and wireless charging, we took them for a test drive.

Battery life

Perhaps the most requested feature when searching for new earbuds is the battery performance, and that's a major highlight here.

Without active noise cancellation (ANC) engaged, you get up to 25 hours on a single charge, and the case provides an additional 40 hours.

Combined, that’s a whopping 65 hours that will be music to the ears of those who perennially forget to charge their buds.

With ANC turned on, playback time drops to 15 hours, plus 25 more from the case, totalling 40 hours – that’s still good.

If you’re in a rush or, like us, prone to forgetting to power buds up, a quick 5-minute charge provides 90 minutes of listening time.

Audio Performance

We’ve already mentioned the bass, and that’s the drawcard here for music lovers who enjoy their tunes at the bottom end – these buds are for you.

Equipped with 9mm dynamic drivers, the ATH-CKS50TW2 earbuds focus on delivering rich bass without overpowering mids and highs.

The result is well-balanced sound that works well across multiple music genres and even your favourite binge-worthy series on Netflix.

Whether you enjoy punchy beats or clear vocals, these earbuds provide a satisfying audio experience.

There’s an EQ through the A-T Connect app for tweaking the audio for personal preference.

Noise cancellation and ambient mode

Good noise-cancelling technology is essential for escaping the drone of public transport or even working from home with turbo toddlers running rampant.

Equally, an ambient mode is a must-have for joggers to safely negotiate a run through a traffic-dense area.

The ATH-CKS50TW2 earbuds feature quality hybrid noise-cancelling using dual microphones on each earbud. This helps to effectively reduce unwanted background sounds.

Conversely, if you need to hear your surroundings, Ambient Mode lets in external sounds so you can stay aware of your environment.

Magnetic switch: Smart battery management

The Magnetic Switch is a unique feature, equating to smart battery management. How does it work? When the earbuds are magnetically joined together, they automatically power off.

This innovative, clever design helps preserve battery life without placing them back in the case.

Durability and comfort

Rated at IP55, these earbuds offer resistance against dust and water, making them suitable for sweaty workouts or rainy commutes.

The silicone eartips provide a snug yet comfortable fit, so they won’t pop out of your ears when you’re getting physical.

Charging and connectivity

Charging options here are flexible. You can charge the case via USB-C or Qi wireless charging.

The earbuds also support Google Assistant and Siri for hands-free voice commands, and dual microphones with beamforming technology improve phone call clarity.

Multipoint pairing is also supported.

Final Thoughts

The ATH-CKS50TW2 earbuds combine exceptional battery life, impressive sound, reliable noise cancellation, and thoughtful design choices to make them a solid choice for music lovers and daily commuters.

If you value deep bass, long-lasting performance, and convenience-focused features, these earbuds should be on your radar.