Most wireless headphones have a closed-back design, which means the speakers in each earcup are contained in a sealed chamber where the sound can only escape in the direction of the listener’s ears. Wireless headphones are often used for listening in busy or noisy areas; they are popular because they prevent outside noises from spoiling the music and stop your fellow commuters or colleagues from hearing the music you’re playing.

Open-back headphones are a different design of headphones where the speakers or drivers are open and provide a more airy and less-closed-in soundstage. Their major drawback in they aren’t very useful for listening in noisy places and they can really irritate colleagues or fellow travellers because they leak sound.

Wireless open-back headphones are rare because they aren’t always the best choice for public listening but Japan-based brand Audio-Technica has come up with a pair of wireless open-back headphones. The ATH-AL5NC are the company’s first open-back wireless model and follow on from the success of the studio-focused R-Series and the audiophile-grade ADX Series. The new ATH-AL5NC completes Audio-Technica’s open-back lineup by bringing together a natural soundstage with the convenience of wireless connectivity.

The ATH-AL5NC headphones are designed to deliver the high sound quality that hi-fi enthusiasts demand while still catering for remote workers, gamers, and casual listeners who want open-back audio but without being tethered to a cable.

Equipped with specially designed 53mm dynamic drivers, the new headphones are tuned to produce a detailed soundstage that’s enhanced by their open-back architecture. The open housing also promotes better airflow, which reduces heat buildup, preventing the listener’s ears from getting hot and sweaty and leading to ear fatigue often associated with prolonged listening. Weighing just 240 grams, the ATH-AL5NC are built for all-day wear and comfort.

Unlike previous open-back headphones from Audio-Technica, the ATH-AL5NC are engineered for wireless convenience and have a battery life of up to 75 hours from a single charge. If the battery should run low, a quick 15-minute burst charge can provide up to 8 hours of playback time. The headphones can also be used in passive wired mode using the included 1.2-meter audio cable which has a 3.5mm stereo mini-plug.

An integrated microphone makes the ATH-AL5NC suitable for making phone calls and attending video meetings. Listeners can also customize their experience using the A-T Connect smartphone app, which offers a range of control features. These include a Low-Latency Mode to eliminate audio lag during gaming or movie streaming, as well as a Soundscape function with ambient and nature sounds to support focus or relaxation.

To give users more environmental control, the headphones feature a dedicated noise-reduction button on the right earcup. This helps minimize low-frequency background distractions, such as air conditioning unit hums or traffic noise and is active even when using the headphones in wired mode. Additionally, the A-T Connect app has a Sound Leakage Reduction Mode that helps to keep audio contained when listening to music around others in shared spaces.

Pricing and Availability:

The Audio-Technica AT-AL5NC wireless open-back headphones are available now and priced at $279 / €249 / £219 from www.audio-technica.com .

  • Design: Open-back wireless.
  • Drivers: 53mm dynamic.
  • Weight: 240g.
  • High-Res Audio Support: 24-bit/96kHz.
  • Audio Codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC.
  • Microphone: Integrated.
  • Multipoint Bluetooth Pairing: Yes.
  • Battery Life: 75 hours.
  • Special Features: Noise-Reduction Mode, Sound-Leakage Reduction Mode, Low-Latency Mode.
  • App Support: A-T Connect app.
  • Included Cable: 1.2m (3.9ft) with 3.5mm stereo mini-plug.