Technics True Wireless EAH-AZ70W-S

The sound quality is a knockout, landing in the 95th percentile and making these some of the best-sounding true wireless earbuds we've tested. The ANC is also a standout, but a 9th percentile social proof score points to serious quality control issues, including a report of a dead-on-arrival unit. Buy these for the incredible audio, but make sure you have a good return policy.

Let's talk about what these earbuds do best: sound. The 10mm dynamic drivers with a graphene-coated diaphragm aren't just marketing fluff. They produce a sound signature that's both expansive and precise. In our testing, the clarity and separation put them in the 95th percentile, meaning they trade blows with the absolute best on the market. The bass is articulate and punchy without bleeding into the mids, and the treble is smooth and detailed. If you're an audiophile looking for a true wireless set, this is where the EAH-AZ70W-S shines.

The ANC system is another high point. Technics uses a Dual Hybrid setup combining feedforward and feedback mics with both analog and digital processing. The result is a noise-cancelling performance that sits in the 92nd percentile. It's not quite at the very top of the charts, but it's a standout that effortlessly hushes the low rumble of a train or the drone of an AC unit. The transparency mode is also there when you need it, and it works well. Connectivity via Bluetooth 5.0 is solid, landing in the 87th percentile, so dropouts weren't a problem in our testing.

Stacked against the heavy hitters, the Technics make a fascinating case. The Sony WF-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra are the ANC kings, but the EAH-AZ70W-S's 92nd percentile ANC score means it's nipping at their heels for likely less money. Where the Technics truly differentiate is sound. They're tuned for a more audiophile, reference-like experience compared to the bass-forward Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro or the balanced Apple AirPods Pro. The trade-off is in the smart features and ecosystem integration you get from Apple and Samsung, and the rock-solid reliability you'd expect from Sony or Bose. The EarFun Air Pro 4+ is a budget champion, but it can't touch the Technics' soundstage and detail.

At a current price of $119, the value proposition is tricky. On one hand, you're getting sound and ANC performance that competes with earbuds costing twice as much. That's an incredible price-to-performance ratio for the audio alone. On the other hand, the budget score is the weakest area at 60/100, and that's largely dragged down by the reliability concerns. You're essentially paying for a premium audio experience and accepting a gamble on quality control. If you get a working pair, it's a steal. If you don't, you're dealing with a return.

The Technics EAH-AZ70W-S is a bit of a hidden gem if you care about one thing above all else: pure sound quality. These earbuds land in the 95th percentile for sound in our database, which puts them in the absolute best-in-class territory. The 10mm graphene-coated drivers deliver a rich, detailed soundstage with tight bass and crisp highs that genuinely make you want to re-listen to your entire library. They're also incredibly comfortable, sitting in the 93rd percentile, so you can enjoy that top-tier audio for hours without fatigue.

But there's a catch, and it's a big one. The social proof score is a brutal 9th percentile, one of the worst we've seen. This is backed up by the single customer review we found, which mentions a dead-on-arrival unit and charging issues right out of the box. So while the audio and comfort are phenomenal, you're rolling the dice on reliability. The active noise cancelling is also a standout, ranking in the 92nd percentile, making these a fantastic choice for drowning out a commute, as long as they work.

Anyone who values reliability and peace of mind should look elsewhere. The 9th percentile social proof score is a massive red flag, and the single customer review we found confirms a DOA unit. If you rely on your earbuds for daily calls, the mediocre 65th percentile mic quality will also be a letdown. And if you need the absolute longest battery life, the average 6.5-hour runtime might leave you wanting more. These are for sound purists, not for people who just need a dependable, all-around workhorse.

The Technics EAH-AZ70W-S is a phenomenal-sounding pair of earbuds with top-tier ANC, held back by a serious question mark over reliability. If you're a sound-first listener willing to take a chance and buy from a retailer with a no-hassle return policy, the audio performance at this price is hard to beat. But if you need a dependable daily driver for calls and commutes without any potential headaches, the risk is real. We recommend these only for patient audiophiles who prioritize sound above all else and are prepared for a possible exchange.