All products featured are independently chosen by us. However, SoundGuys may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links. See our ethics statement.
Audio-Technica's new wireless headphones break an old open-back rule
Sep 9, 2026 — 7:37 AM ET
- Audio-Technica has announced new ATH-AL5NC wireless headphones with LDAC support.
- Despite an open-back design, the headphones offer noise reduction.
- The headphones also support wired playback through an included 3.5mm cable.
Audio-Technica is one of the most highly regarded audio brands, especially for studio headphones. The Japanese audio giant has a big catalog of wired open-back reference headphones that professionals rely on for audio and video editing and mastering. Now it’s adding a new wireless pair, which it claims delivers good noise isolation despite its open-back design.
The ATH-AL5NC are Audio-Technica’s first pair of wireless open-back headphones. These headphones come equipped with large 53mm drivers and feature high-resolution 24-bit audio support via LDAC. In addition to wireless playback, the ATH-AL5NC also supports wired playback via the included 1.2-meter cable, which connects to the headphones through a 3.5mm jack on the left earcup. The cable also features an in-line condenser mic. For wireless recording or calling, the headphones integrate another microphone.
Quite unusual for open-back headphones, this new pair from Audio-Technica also supports noise suppression in both wired and wireless modes. It works in two modes: Noise-Reduction Mode and Sound-Leakage Reduction Mode. The former focuses on limiting background noise from reaching your ears, while the latter prevents sound from leaking out of the outer mesh. Additionally, a Low Latency Mode ensures minimal lag during activities such as gaming. Along with this, you also get EQ and soundstage customizations with the Audio-Technica Connect app, available on both Android and iOS.
Audio-Technica also claims a 75-hour battery life for the ATH-AL5NC, lowering to 50 hours with noise reduction. Fast charging delivers up to eight hours of playback with just 15 minutes tethered to power.
The Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC are listed on the official store for $279, offering strong competition to the newly relaunched Sony WH-1000XM4C. The option to purchase, however, does not seem to be enabled at the moment, as they’re listed as Out of Stock in Canada. Fortunately for those in the UK, the headphones are already on sale for £219.
Thank you for being part of our community. Read our Comment Policy before posting.