Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC

Open-Back Listening Finally Cuts the Cord

The ATH-AL5NC is Audio-Technica's first wireless open-back headphone, pairing the airy presentation of a home listening model with the freedom of Bluetooth. Its 53mm drivers sit behind ventilated earcups that allow air and outside sound to pass through, which can make music feel more spacious and reduce heat during long sessions. The tradeoff is real: sound can leak out, and the design does not isolate like a sealed travel headphone.

High-Resolution Audio With a Lighter Fit

LDAC support carries audio at up to 24-bit/96kHz, with AAC and SBC available for broader device compatibility. The headphones weigh 240 grams and use relatively gentle clamping pressure, a promising combination for hours at a desk. A wired 1.2-meter cable is included when Bluetooth is unnecessary, and a built-in microphone handles calls.

Seventy-Five Hours Between Charges

Battery life reaches 75 hours in standard playback or 50 hours with noise-reduction mode active. A 15-minute top-up adds about eight hours, while multipoint pairing keeps two devices connected at once. Audio-Technica's Connect app supplies EQ, codec selection, a low-latency gaming option, and a leakage-reduction setting; a physical button controls noise reduction without opening the app. At $279, the ATH-AL5NC is an unusual option for listeners who want wireless convenience without giving up an open-back design.