Sony PULSE Explore 1000044170
Technics EAH-AZ100
What Buyers Say
Sony PULSE Explore 1000044170
The Sony Pulse Explore earbuds receive mixed feedback. Users praise the stylish design, comfortable fit, and long battery life, with some calling them a game-changer for gaming. However, complaints about frequent disconnections, mediocre sound quality compared to the Pulse Elite, and discomfort for some users are common. The proprietary PS Link dongle and inability to use generic earbuds are also criticized.
Pros
- Stylish design
- Comfortable fit
- Long battery life
- Great for gaming
- Easy pairing with PS5
Cons
- Frequent disconnections
- Mediocre sound quality vs Pulse Elite
- Uncomfortable for some users
- Proprietary PS Link dongle
- Cannot use generic earbuds
Technics EAH-AZ100
The Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds are overwhelmingly praised for their exceptional sound quality, with users highlighting deep bass, clear highs, and immersive audio. Comfort, battery life, and noise cancellation are also frequently commended, though some users note the price is high and volume could be louder. A few minor issues like Bluetooth LE disconnects and initial multi-device pairing were mentioned, but overall sentiment is very positive.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Deep immersive bass
- Effective noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- High price point
- Limited maximum volume
- Bluetooth LE disconnects
- Initial multi-device pairing issues
- Plastic exterior
Scores
Specifications
| Sony PULSE Explore 1000044170 | Technics EAH-AZ100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | three extra pairs | 5 x Eartip Pairs |
| Weight | — | 0.05 kg★ |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | planar magnetic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | — | 10 mm★ |
| Drivers | — | 1★ |
| Freq Min | — | 20 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 40 kHz★ |
| Impedance | — | 16 Ω |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✓★ |
| Codecs | — | AAC, LC3, LDAC, SBC |
| Surround | — | Dolby Atmos |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✗ | ✓★ |
| ANC Type | — | adaptive |
| Transparency | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3★ |
| Profiles | — | AVRCP, A2DP, HSP, HFP, TMAP, PBP |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | — | Bluetooth |
| Range | — | 10 m★ |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 5 hrs | 8 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | — | 2.5 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 15 min. for 90 min. playback |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 10 hrs | 28 hrs★ |
| Case Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | ✓ | ✓ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 2 | 6★ |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | — | Google Assistant, Siri |
| Touch Controls | ✗ | ✓★ |
| App | — | Android & iOS |
| Volume Limiting | — | ✗ |
| Gaming Mode | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX4 |
Pros & Cons
Sony PULSE Explore 1000044170
- Strong mic (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Strong connectivity (74th percentile)
- Strong social proof (73rd percentile)
- Below average battery (10th percentile)10th %ile
- Below average comfort (29th percentile)
- Below average anc (31st percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (33rd percentile)
Technics EAH-AZ100
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong sound (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 15 of 39 specs.