The Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC is the brand’s first wireless open-back headphone, and it completes a lineup that already includes the R-Series for music production and the recently expanded ADX-Series for audiophile listening. The Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC combines the natural, spacious sound of an open-back design with the convenience of wireless connectivity, aimed at hi-fi enthusiasts, remote workers, gamers, and anyone who wants high-quality, open sound with the freedom of a cable-free setup.
Open-Back Design Meets Wireless Freedom
Specially designed 53 mm drivers give the Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC a detailed sound picture, further reinforced by the natural presentation typical of an open-back design. The open housings keep heat from building up around the ears, and at just 240 g the Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC is built for comfort over long listening sessions. Unlike Audio-Technica’s earlier open-back headphones, the ATH-AL5NC is designed from the ground up for wireless use, supporting hi-res audio at 24-bit/96kHz with LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs, and multipoint pairing to stay connected to two Bluetooth devices at once.
Battery Life, Wired Backup, and the A-T Connect App
The Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC is rated for up to 75 hours of continuous playback, and a 15-minute charge delivers up to 8 hours of listening time when the battery runs low. If charging is not an option, the included 1.2 m cable with a 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack and built-in microphone lets listeners switch to a wired connection without losing functionality. The bundled microphone also makes the Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC practical for spontaneous calls. Personalization runs through the A-T Connect app, accessible from mobile phones, which adds a low-latency mode to reduce audio delay during gaming and video, along with a soundscape feature offering calming nature and ambient sounds designed to support focus and relaxation.
Noise Control Without Losing the Open-Back Character
To give listeners more control, the Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC includes a noise reduction function, operated with a button on the right ear cup, that helps minimize everyday background sounds such as air conditioning and traffic. Unlike some competing noise reduction systems, this function remains available even when the headphones are used with the included cable. A complementary sound-leakage reduction mode, accessible through the A-T Connect app, helps reduce how much sound escapes the open-back design when listening in shared spaces, though sound leakage typical of open-back headphones cannot be fully eliminated, particularly at higher volumes.
Pricing and Availability
The Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC is available today for €249. The package includes a carrying pouch, a 1.2 m audio cable with a built-in microphone and control buttons, and a charging cable. More information on the Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC is available directly from Audio-Technica.
Key Specifications
- Design: open-back headphones with wireless connectivity
- Drivers: specially designed 53 mm dynamic drivers
- Weight: 240 g
- Audio quality: hi-res 24-bit/96kHz with LDAC, AAC, and SBC codec support
- Battery life: up to 75 hours of continuous playback; 15-minute charge for up to 8 hours
- Multipoint pairing: stays connected to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously
- Noise reduction: button-operated on the right ear cup, works with the wired cable too
- Sound-leakage reduction mode: accessible via the A-T Connect app
- A-T Connect app: adds low-latency mode, EQ, and the soundscape feature
- Included cable: 1.2 m with 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack, built-in microphone, and control buttons
- Price: €249, available today
For more on Audio-Technica’s open-back lineup, see our coverage of the Audio-Technica ATH-M20xSTS. Further information on the Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC is available at audio-technica.com.
