ANC is widely rated top-tier for everyday noise and transit rumble, but several reviews stop short of calling it the absolute best in the category. Noise control is highly adjustable, with adaptive ANC plus granular sliders that let you tune intensity and reduce pressure effects.
The app is useful for firmware, library management, and Playlist+ tasks, but it is basic rather than feature rich and can feel awkward compared with more polished headphone apps.
The Technics Audio Connect app is feature-rich (ANC, EQ, multipoint, spatial settings), but some reviews call the interface clunky or menu-heavy.
Several reviews explicitly note aptX codecs are not supported.
Where tested, audio-video sync is reported as excellent with minimal to no noticeable lag.
Bass is inconsistent. Some reviewers hear solid or even punchier bass, especially underwater or with earplugs, but others call it hollow, woolly, or nearly absent on land.
Bass is repeatedly called deep and unusually controlled for true wireless, though one review found it can feel heavy or change with ANC settings.
Battery life is solid for the category, with most reviews landing around the claimed 9 hours over Bluetooth and 6 hours from memory mode, though some testing suggests real-world endurance can fall short of the marketing numbers.
Battery life is commonly reported around 10 hours with ANC on (AAC) plus substantial case recharges, with lower figures when using high-res modes.
Bluetooth is fine for some above-water use, but stability is not flawless. Multiple reviewers mention stutters, disconnects, or pairing friction, and underwater Bluetooth remains impractical as expected.
Bluetooth stability is generally reported as reliable with few dropouts across devices and environments.
Build quality comes across as sturdy, flexible, and ready for abuse in the pool or during training. The sealed construction and soft exterior inspire confidence.
The controls are the most common complaint. Physical buttons offer tactile feedback, but many reviewers found them too small, too close together, slow on secondary presses, or easy to trigger incorrectly while moving.
The magnetic proprietary cable supports the waterproof design, but it adds one more special accessory to keep track of, and one reviewer reported unreliable wired file transfers.
The included cases are generally well regarded. Reviewers call them protective and practical, though some found the standard case bulkier than necessary.
The case is generally pocketable and premium-feeling, but some reviews mention weak magnets, slight rattle, or scratch/scuff issues.
Charging is straightforward once aligned with the magnetic connector, and case-based charging options add convenience, but the waterproof-focused approach means living with a proprietary setup.
Charging is praised for USB-C plus Qi wireless and quick-charge support; full recharge times are typically a few hours.
Codec support is strong (SBC/AAC plus LDAC and LC3/LE Audio features noted), appealing to both iOS users and Android audiophiles.
Comfort is one of the strongest recurring positives. The open-ear design avoids ear-canal fatigue, vibrations are generally well controlled for the category, and several reviewers found them easy to wear for long swims or runs.
Comfort is widely rated high thanks to a smaller/lighter fit, though some users may still experience fatigue or fit variability over long sessions.
The design is sporty and practical rather than stylish. Reviewers like the soft-touch finish and purpose-built form, even if it looks more specialized than everyday headphones.
Design is viewed as premium and more compact than the prior model, though not everyone finds it the sleekest-looking option.
Multiple ear tip sizes are commonly included, helping most users achieve a seal, though tip choice remains key to fit.
EQ tuning is essentially missing, so you are mostly stuck with the default sound signature.
EQ customization is a strength, often cited as an 8-band EQ plus presets that can significantly change the sound.
Find My/location features are present, but feedback varies; some appreciate the feature, while others complain the locating beep or accuracy is limited.
Accessories are a plus. Earplugs and a protective case show up repeatedly as useful inclusions, and they materially improve the swim experience.
Instrument separation is frequently praised on busy tracks, helping the AZ100 stay clean and layered.
LDAC support is frequently highlighted for higher-quality Android streaming, with the usual battery-life tradeoff.
Pushing volume too high hurts sound quality. At max levels, reviewers noted distortion, harsher vibrations, and less pleasant listening.
Voice noise reduction is often effective at cutting wind and background noise, though aggressive processing can create artifacts.
Call quality is usable but not a strength. Voices tend to sound quiet, distant, or light on detail, which fits the swim-first design but limits all-purpose appeal.
Call quality is mixed: many find it usable or improved, while others report robotic processing or, in one case, serious call glitches.
Mids and vocals are serviceable rather than standout. They come through well enough for workouts and can sound more balanced underwater, but several reviews say voices lose body or detail above water.
Midrange is generally clear and natural for vocals, with occasional notes that bass-heavy mixes can push voices slightly back.
Multipoint support is absent, which limits convenience if you switch between devices often.
Three-device multipoint is a major differentiator and is often described as seamless; occasional switching lag is mentioned but not common.
The open-ear design provides almost no passive isolation on its own. The included earplugs make a noticeable difference in the pool by reducing splash noise and improving perceived clarity and bass.
The local-memory feature is the reason to buy these. Reviewers like the 8GB storage, drag-and-drop loading, and true phone-free swimming, but Playlist+ is often described as clunky, slow, or awkward, and 8GB trails some rivals.
Preset EQ options are generally useful, though some (like extra-bassy modes) may be too much for neutral listeners.
Case finish durability is mixed, with some noting scratches/scuffs and others calling it relatively scratch-resistant.
Setup is mostly straightforward, but the lack of a case pairing button and some app UX quirks can add friction.
Sound quality is the main compromise. Underwater playback is often described as good or at least satisfying for the category, while above-water listening ranges from merely okay to clearly weak compared with better open-ear or in-ear alternatives.
Reviews consistently praise the AZ100 for highly detailed, spacious sound with strong dynamics; a few note the default tuning can be bass-forward or benefit from EQ.
Soundstage is a standout: multiple outlets describe an immersive, wide presentation that feels larger than typical earbuds.
Dolby spatial audio/head tracking is supported and can add immersion, but some reviewers find it subtle or prefer it off for music.
Once the fit suits your head, stability is excellent. Reviewers regularly say the headset stays put through swimming, running, and vigorous movement, though smaller heads can end up with extra rear loop.
Fit stability varies: many report a secure hold, while some reviewers experienced looseness or buds falling out during vigorous movement.
Touch controls are responsive and highly configurable, with the main complaint being occasional over-sensitivity.
Transparency/ambient mode is strong and adjustable, but some reviewers note hiss at higher levels, an unnatural voice-focused mode, or not enough outside sound for awareness.
Treble is acceptable for exercise use, not refined listening. Highs are often described as rolled off, grainy, or slightly distorted when volume climbs.
Treble is described as airy and detailed without harshness, but a few critics wanted more sparkle or presence.
USB-C charging is consistently supported and frequently mentioned as a modern convenience.
There is enough output for workouts and spoken-word listening, but open-ear use in noisy settings often requires higher volume than ideal.
Water performance is the standout strength. The IPX8 rating and real underwater playback are consistently praised, making these far more convincing for swimmers than most open-ear alternatives.
The earbuds are commonly cited as IPX4-rated for sweat and light rain, but not for heavy water exposure.
These are repeatedly described as lightweight and unobtrusive, which helps during long sessions and makes the headset easy to forget once positioned.