Technics EAH-AZ100 Review: One of the Best True Wireless Earbuds

Experience premium sound with Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds boasting Dolby Atmos, long battery life, and sleek design in the competitive wireless audio market.

A Legendary Brand Keeps Raising the Bar

In the realm of top-tier wireless headphones, Technics EAH-AZ100 holds a well-deserved spot alongside giants like Sony and Bose. Having fallen in love with last year's Technics EAH-AZ80 — arguably some of my favorite earbuds in the last decade — I was eagerly anticipating the arrival of the fresh Technics EAH-AZ100. Spoiler alert: they proudly continue the tradition of excellence.

The star feature setting the AZ100 apart from the AZ80 is a new set of 10mm drivers equipped with magnetic fluid technology. This upgrade means lower distortion, richer bass, and impressive battery life — up to 28 hours using AAC codec with noise cancellation turned on. Plus, these hundred-series Technics earbuds are more compact and lighter than their predecessors. Wearing them feels comfortable, at least if you don’t mind the snug sensation of a tightly sealed ear canal.

What ties the AZ100 to the previous generation is the stunning sound quality: crystal-clear highs and elaborate detail that truly shine. But will this be enough to dethrone the reigning champion, Sony WF-1000XM5? Probably not. However, these earbuds are certainly nipping at their heels.

Technics EAH-AZ100 Pricing and Launch Details

Launching at CES 2025 with a price tag of $299, the Technics EAH-AZ100 entered the premium segment aiming to compete fiercely. Over the months, prices have dipped slightly, and seasonal sales can snag you a pair for around $239. Still, calling these budget-friendly would be a stretch.

These earbuds square off against Sony WF-1000XM5 priced at $329 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra at $299. While competitors often see steep discounts during sales, the AZ100 remains steadfast at its original price, keeping their premium aura intact.

With notable rivals like the AirPods Pro 3 ($209) and AirPods Pro 2 (available on discount for around $199), which also offer spatial audio including Dolby Atmos, the battlefield is packed with formidable options.

Availability and Usage Considerations

Currently, Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds are not officially available in all markets due to the brand's strategic changes. However, parallel imports make these earbuds accessible via major online platforms, although prices can be inflated initially.

Unofficial sellers may list them for about $350-$400, but ordering through international shipping services can reduce the cost closer to $290-$310, including shipping fees and customs duties.

Everyday Use Insights

From a daily use perspective, there are no significant restrictions—these earbuds pair effortlessly with any smartphone. Support for high-quality codecs like LDAC functions reliably. The Technics Audio Connect app is readily available on both App Store and Google Play without region restrictions, which is a plus.

The only caveat? No official manufacturer warranty. If you encounter defects, you’ll rely on the retailer's guarantee or pay out of pocket for repairs at independent service centers.

Design That Stands Out

The Technics EAH-AZ100 sports a stylish two-tone design and boasts an impressively light, compact build. Unlike some earbuds, these don’t have extra silicone stabilizers — they just snugly screw into your ear canal. They hold firmly, though if you dislike the sensation of ear canal pressure or vacuum, these might not be the comfiest fit.

Personally, I found the fit quite agreeable. While I wouldn’t choose them for intense workouts, they’re perfect for relaxed city strolls with zero fear of the earbuds falling out.

Currently, the AZ100 comes in three base colors: classic black, silver, and a fresh blue. A Champagne shade is expected mid-2025, which piques my curiosity — I've amassed enough black earbuds to form a small army, so a new hue is refreshing.

Music control is managed via highly responsive touch panels on the earbud shells. Honestly, these are some of the most sensitive sensors I’ve tested lately. Sometimes, they’re too eager — a quick hair adjustment occasionally pauses the track, a guilty pleasure I often indulge in.

A neat bonus is the proximity sensor inside. Remove an earbud, and the music automatically pauses — a convenient feature that also conserves battery life.

Sound Quality and Features That Impress

Before I got my hands on the AirPods Pro 3, I genuinely believed the AZ100 were the best earbuds I’d tested in a whole year. The sound is exquisitely clear, with a stage detail level that’s simply mesmerizing.

I put them through their paces with a diverse playlist—from the rocking energy of Avenged Sevenfold's "City of Evil" to the electrifying beats of HUNTR/X’s "Golden." Each time, I was blown away. The highs feel gently smoothed out, never piercing the ear, while the bass hits tight without turning into a muddy mess. For pure music listening, this is top-notch.

Active noise cancellation (ANC), however, is more modest here—nothing to write home about. When my neighbors mowed the lawn, the trimmer noise breezed through, unphased by the noise cancelling or the tunes. For a long-haul flight, I'd pass; but for daily commutes or office trips, it’s perfectly adequate.

One disappointment was audio lag during video playback. Possibly an issue with AAC codec and my iPhone combo — Android users with LC3 or LDAC might have a better time — but the picture consistently ran about half a second ahead of the sound. Manageable but definitely distracting when binge-watching YouTube.

To tweak codecs and other settings, you’ll want the Technics Audio Connect app, which offers an equalizer and some useful features. The app itself is a bit temperamental, sometimes acting as if the earbuds don’t exist. Usually, restarting the app or reconnecting fixes this glitch. Spatial audio can be turned on here too — it sounds alright, though nowhere near the magic Apple delivers. Honestly, not many brands nail spatial sound perfectly.

While the app won’t be my daily favorite, it’s functional and earns its spot on my phone.

Battery Life That Keeps Up With You

Technics claims battery life varies depending on codec and ANC use. Testing with an iPhone 15 on AAC and ANC enabled, I got a solid 34 hours total: about 10 hours per charge on the earbuds, plus 24 hours added by the charging case.

In reality, over weeks of active use, I only charged the case twice. This matches the endurance of key rivals like AirPods Pro 3 and Sony WF-1000XM5.

Of course, crank up the volume and switch to power-hungry codecs like LDAC, and battery life drops—but even then, it should last several days of office use without a hitch.

Final Verdict: A Premium Choice for the Discerning Listener

If you’re a picky audiophile who values every nuance, the Technics EAH-AZ100 will deliver first-class sound with Dolby Atmos and head-tracking support. Yes, they cost a bit more than some competitors and don’t quite reach audiophile flagship perfection, but at this price point, they offer possibly the best sound on the market — especially if you’re using Android and can utilize LDAC.

With such an impressive soundstage, you forgive their shortcomings elsewhere. Battery life is superb, and while the noise cancelling doesn’t outshine Bose or Sony, it handles everyday background noise competently.

Still, annoying little flaws like noticeable audio-video lag and a rough-around-the-edges app keep them from a perfect score.

If they were half the price, these earbuds would be a smash hit. But in the premium league where prices bite and competitors shine, the EAH-AZ100 remains a strong alternative for those who put audio quality above all else.

"The highs feel gently smoothed out, never piercing the ear, while the bass hits tight without turning into a muddy mess."

FAQ

• How long do Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds last on a single charge?
  They deliver about 10 hours of playtime on a full charge, with the charging case providing an additional 24 hours, totaling around 34 hours.
• Do these earbuds support active noise cancellation?
  Yes, they have ANC, but it’s more modest and suited for everyday background noise rather than loud environments.
• Are Technics EAH-AZ100 compatible with both Android and iOS?
  Absolutely. They work with all smartphones, and high-resolution codecs like LDAC function well on Android devices.
• Is the Technics Audio Connect app necessary?
  The app is useful for fine-tuning settings, including the equalizer and activating spatial audio, but it can sometimes be glitchy.
• What colors are available for the AZ100 earbuds?
  Currently, black, silver, and blue are available, with a champagne color expected to launch mid-2025.

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