Technics EAH-AZ100 Review: Stunning Wireless Headphones Just Got Better

Experience the remarkable upgrades of Technics EAH-AZ100 wireless headphones, offering richer sound and smarter features for true audio enthusiasts.

Testing wireless headphones can sometimes feel like déjà vu — a new model arrives with minor tweaks: a slightly longer battery life here, a new codec there, but nothing revolutionary. Well, Technics isn’t playing that game with the Technics EAH-AZ100 wireless headphones. This Japanese audio powerhouse has taken the lessons learned from the EAH-AZ80 and meticulously addressed nearly every shortcoming.

After spending weeks with the AZ100, I can confidently say they represent a significant leap forward. As a fan who often gravitates toward the usual suspects like Sony and Bose, it’s refreshing to see Technics stake its claim with a five-star contender that truly impresses.

Technics EAH-AZ100: Pricing and Availability

Unveiled at CES 2025, the Technics EAH-AZ100 has stirred curiosity worldwide, even though the exact release date remains under wraps. Lucky for me, I got to test these beauties weeks ahead during an exclusive preview in Kyoto.

Now, onto the numbers: these headphones are set to retail at $299, matching the original launch price of the AZ80 from a couple of years ago. Interestingly, the AZ80 is expected to remain on shelves but at a more wallet-friendly price point.

Positioned firmly in the premium mass-market zone, the AZ100 competes head-to-head with giants like Bose and Sony. As with most flagship gear, expect prices to fluctuate with sales and seasonal offers.

Design: Understated Yet Sophisticated

Sometimes, less is more. Technics’ legendary reputation for iconic design — especially their turntables — is well-earned, but with the AZ100, comfort and ergonomics took center stage over flashy aesthetics.

The AZ100s are notably smaller and lighter than their AZ80 predecessors — a difference you can feel the moment you hold them side by side. Their outer shell has shed the bulky triangular protrusions in favor of a subtle, ribbed circle adorned with the classic gold Technics emblem. This sleek improvement was made possible by relocating one of the built-in microphones deeper into the ear canal, freeing up space and slimming down the profile.

Comfort remains a priority with the new design focusing on fitting snugly into the ear’s concha. Technics bundles extra ear tips to help find the perfect fit — always a personal journey when it comes to ear comfort. Behind the scenes, countless prototypes were tested to nail down this design evolution.

The charging case sticks to a familiar formula but sports a slightly more rounded shape and matte metallic finish with the familiar Technics logo. Magnets keep the earbuds secure, though my test sample had a minor quirk with one side holding a bit less firmly—a common early-sample hiccup.

All told, the AZ100’s design represents a mature evolution over the already solid AZ80 — sleeker, more comfortable, and equally stylish in both black and silver finishes.

Features: Smarter, Sleeker, Stronger

The AZ80 introduced major features like active noise cancellation (ANC) and multipoint connectivity (pairing with three devices simultaneously), which was quite the novelty at the time. These useful traits remain, with the multipoint functionality still swift and hassle-free.

But the AZ100 steps it up a notch. ANC is now adaptive—not static—meaning it automatically adjusts to your changing environment. From planes and trains to busy offices and cars, the noise cancellation proved impressively consistent and unobtrusive. I barely noticed the adjustments happening in real-time, which is a testament to the fine-tuning.

Battery life is another winner. The AZ80 managed about 4.5 hours with ANC active, stretching to 7.5 hours when off. The AZ100 smashes that with a solid 10 hours on a single charge with ANC enabled, plus an additional 18 hours from the charging case — a combined 28-hour endurance that’s perfect for long trips or heavy daily use.

Charging options include USB-C and wireless charging, making powering up hassle-free.

The headphones maintain an IPX4 water resistance rating, so don’t hesitate to bring them along for workouts or rainy-day strolls.

A fascinating addition is the ‘Voice Focus AI’ microphone feature. Powered by artificial intelligence, it filters out background noise not only for you but also your conversation partner. This dual-sided clarity is rare and enhances call quality significantly, although sometimes it produces slightly artificial sound or cut-off words. If it’s not your cup of tea, it’s easy to toggle off within the sleek Technics app.

For fans of immersive audio, Dolby Atmos spatial sound support is integrated, complete with head-tracking capabilities—a treat for those wanting their music to come alive in 3D space.

Performance: Hear the Difference

Bluetooth LE support hints at future Auracast compatibility once the tech becomes mainstream.

But the real story is what happens when you pop these in your ears. Technics boldly showcased both AZ80 and AZ100 at their Kyoto event, handing visitors an immediate chance to compare. The results were clear: the AZ100 delivers more power and presence.

A standout innovation is the reworked “magnetic fluid driver.” Borrowed from their higher-end wired in-ear monitors, this tech uses magnetically active liquid to stabilize the driver, allowing stronger bass without distortion—a rare feat in wireless buds.

Straight out of the box, the AZ100 offers a noticeably fuller and richer sound than the AZ80, without sacrificing clarity or detail. Where the AZ80 was balanced and precise, the AZ100 leans just a tad more mainstream in character — a welcome shift that broadens its appeal.

The soundstage remains impressively wide, delivering a satisfying experience whether you’re lounging at home or in a quiet space to savor every note. From the delicate jazz nuances of Bill Evans to Justice’s energetic electronic beats, and even densely layered Mozart compositions, the AZ100 handles them all with aplomb.

For the audiophiles who love to tweak, the Technics app provides easy access to EQ settings, ANC modes, AI mic functions, and more — all presented with a clean, user-friendly interface.

The new, lighter design enhances comfort further. They practically disappear in your ears, with the concha-focused fit ensuring stability for long listening sessions.

The Verdict on Technics EAH-AZ100

I was genuinely impressed by the Technics EAH-AZ100. These headphones are a masterclass in comfort, functionality, and sound quality—marking a clear step up from their predecessor.

Technics’ heritage shines through and suggests a bright future for their wireless audio offerings. I’m particularly curious if they’ll venture into premium over-ear headphones next.

Though AirPods Pro still hold a permanent spot in my pocket, the AZ100 has managed to claim the title of my personal go-to true wireless earbuds. They are, without a doubt, a five-star triumph in every sense.

Alternatives Worth Considering

Since adaptive noise cancellation is a highlight, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds deserve a shoutout as top-tier rivals. Though their full price can be steep, discounts often bring them below the AZ100’s price, making them worthy competition.

Still, Sony’s WF-1000XM4 remains a favorite for many. With an expected newer generation on the horizon, the current model still offers fantastic sound and an appealing design at a slightly lower cost.

"The real difference between AZ80 and AZ100 is the power — the songs sound fuller and richer without losing detail." — Reviewer

FAQ

• How long does the battery last on the Technics EAH-AZ100?
  The AZ100 offers up to 10 hours of playback with ANC enabled, plus an additional 18 hours from the charging case.
• What is the price point for the AZ100?
  The headphones are priced at $299, aligning with the original launch price of the AZ80.
• Do the AZ100 support wireless charging?
  Yes, you can charge the earbuds wirelessly or via USB-C.
• What unique microphone technology do the AZ100 feature?
  The earbuds include ‘Voice Focus AI,’ an AI-based noise cancellation that enhances call clarity for both you and your conversation partner.
• Are the AZ100 comfortable for long listening sessions?
  Absolutely. The smaller, lighter design and included ear tip options ensure a comfortable and secure fit.

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