Audio-Technica has released its first wireless open-back headphones in the ATH-AL5NC.
This new introduction builds on a lineup built for music production through the R Series and the recently expanded ADX Series for audiophile listening, the ATH-AL5NC extends Audio-Technica’s open back design into the wireless realm for the first time.
Specially designed 53mm dynamic drivers deliver the detailed sound associated with open-back listening, while the open housing improves airflow around the earcups compared to sealed, closed-back alternatives that trap more heat during long sessions.
The focus on comfort extends to the construction itself: the ATH-AL5NC weighs 240 grams, so listeners can wear these headphones for hours on end.
Wireless use is supported by up to 75 hours of battery life, and a 15-minute charge restores up to 8 hours of playback if the battery runs out.
The multi-point pairing feature allows the headphones to connect to two Bluetooth devices at the same time, while LDAC support enables 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution audio over a wireless connection.
If you want to use the headphones over a wired connection rather than wirelessly, Audio-Technica includes a 1.2m cable with a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack and its own built-in microphone, while the headphones’ built-in microphone covers Bluetooth calls.
Beyond the hardware, the AT Connect mobile app extends the ATH-AL5NC with a low-latency gaming and video mode, an EQ, and a sound imaging feature that layers ambient sounds over music for focus or relaxation.
The right earcup has a noise canceling feature that remains active even when listeners plug in the included cable. The app also unlocks a sound leakage reduction mode aimed at open-back headphones used in shared spaces, though Audio-Technica notes that leakage cannot be completely eliminated at higher volumes, and that this mode changes the headphones’ sounds.
The ATH-AL5NC is available now, priced at £219 / €249 / $279 / AU$499. We don’t see many wireless open-back headphones outside of the Grado GW100x, which are still priced at £249 / $279 despite being launched several years ago, so these fewer headphones could make Grado more of a challenge.
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