Technics has a special place in my audio journey. My very first pair of true wireless earbuds was the original Technics AZ60, and I still remember being floored by how good they sounded for the price. That experience hooked me on the brand, and since then, I’ve tried almost every model they’ve released.
Fast forward a few years: we’ve seen the second-gen AZ40 and AZ60, and then the flagship AZ80, which impressed me so much that I ranked it among the very best TWS headphones of 2024. But Technics didn’t stop there. Their newest flagship, the Technics EAH-AZ100 (or simply AZ100), aims to push the brand’s signature warm, rich sound even further—without inflating the price tag into “luxury” territory.
So how does it stack up? Let’s take a closer look.
First Impressions and Packaging
Technics has steadily been shrinking its packaging over the years, and the AZ100 arrives in the most compact box yet. It’s a neat, square package with a clean white sleeve showcasing the logo and a small image of the earbuds inside. Slide it off, and you’ll find the case wrapped in black parchment, a tidy tray of accessories, and a mountain of documentation.
The top cover is metal, with a textured coating and a gold inscription with the brand name. All other elements of the case are made of matte, slightly rough plastic that does not collect fingerprints.
Inside you get:
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The AZ100 earbuds (with ear tips pre-installed)
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Four additional pairs of ear tips
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A short USB-C to USB-C cable (about 20 cm)
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Manuals and warranty info
Compared to the older AZ60, Technics trimmed down the number of included tips. While some might miss the extra variety, the focus here is clearly on compactness and logistics.
Under the cover in the center is a charge level indicator, and the USB Type-C connector for charging is located on the back of the case.
Build and Design
If you’ve seen the AZ80 case, the AZ100 will feel familiar. It’s compact, pocket-friendly, and capped with a textured metal lid bearing the Technics logo. The rest is matte plastic—pleasant to the touch and resistant to fingerprints. A charging LED sits front and center, and the USB-C port lives on the back.
The case feels solid, with no creaks or loose hinges, and there’s even a soft insert inside the lid to absorb pressure when it closes. That’s a thoughtful touch, especially since earlier models (like my AZ60) developed small cracks from repeated hard closures.
The earbuds themselves carry the Technics DNA: concentric-circle touch panels with the logo up top, a smooth, rounded body that nestles comfortably in the ear, and a compact profile that’s even smaller than before. They’re light, stable, and come in black or silver. With the right tips, they sit securely without pressure, making them easy to wear for long sessions.
Features and Functionality
Controls
The AZ100 uses touch controls that are responsive and customizable in the Technics Audio Connect app. By default:
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Left earbud: play/pause, volume control, voice assistant
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Right earbud: play/pause, track skipping, noise control toggle
It doesn’t take long to get used to, and I rarely had any false triggers.
Noise Cancellation & Transparency
Technics’ adaptive noise cancellation works well here. Low and mid-range noises—like traffic or chatter—are effectively suppressed, while higher frequencies still come through a bit. Some may see this as a drawback, but it can also make the experience safer and more natural.
Transparency mode is excellent. Ambient sounds come through clearly and naturally, with only a slight smoothing effect compared to hearing them unaided.
Microphones
This is the one area that left me a little underwhelmed. Call quality is fine, but not stellar. Voices can sound slightly “boxed in,” with the midrange compressed. Still, they’re loud and clear enough for everyday use.
There are no complaints about the build quality
App and Extras
The Audio Connect app remains one of the better companion apps out there. You get:
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Adaptive and manual noise cancellation (with up to 100 levels of fine tuning)
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Multiple EQ presets + custom profiles
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Dolby Atmos with head tracking for an immersive effect in music and movies
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Multipoint pairing with up to 3 devices
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Voice Focus AI for clearer calls
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Ear tip fit test and sound leakage test
It’s a comprehensive toolkit that really lets you tailor the experience.
Battery Life
Battery performance is solid but not groundbreaking. With LDAC and ANC, you’ll get about 7–8 hours from the earbuds, plus another 18–19 from the case. Switch to AAC and you can stretch that to around 10–12 hours, with nearly 30 hours total including the case. Wireless charging takes about 4 hours, wired charging about 3.
For everyday use, it’s perfectly fine, though part of me still wishes Technics would push toward true all-day LDAC endurance.
This is currently the most expensive and flagship model from the Japanese, so it is natural that it arouses considerable curiosity about its sound and capabilities.
Sound Quality
Here’s where the AZ100 shines.
Technics has always gone for a warm, inviting sound signature, and the AZ100 doubles down on it while adding a touch more refinement.
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Bass: Deep, weighty, and textured. The sub-bass is full without being bloated, and the overall low end has both punch and elasticity. Bass lovers will be very happy here.
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Midrange: Smooth, slightly dark, and very musical. Vocals and instruments have body and warmth, but the AZ100 doesn’t chase hyper-detail. Instead, it presents a thick, cohesive sound that’s easy on the ears.
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Treble: Lightly emphasized, but tastefully so. There’s enough sparkle to add air and character, without ever crossing into harshness.
The result is a presentation that’s rich, large-scale, and immersive. These aren’t surgical monitoring tools—they’re headphones that make music feel alive and enjoyable across genres. From electronic beats to jazz, the AZ100 delivers a consistently engaging performance.
The Japanese remain true to their traditions in sound tuning: once they have chosen a direction, they are in no hurry to deviate from it, instead they improve the nuances and gradually make the product even better.
Conclusion
The Technics AZ100 doesn’t reinvent the wheel—it refines it. Compared to the AZ80, the changes are evolutionary rather than revolutionary: a smaller, more comfortable design, Dolby Atmos support, and adaptive ANC.
But the sound remains the star. Warm, bass-forward, and endlessly listenable, the AZ100 is a natural continuation of the Technics house sound. If you crave maximum detail and analytical precision, you might look elsewhere. But if you want earbuds that simply make you enjoy your music, these are an excellent choice.
Pros:
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Warm, powerful sound with excellent bass
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Comfortable, compact design
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Dolby Atmos with head tracking
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Feature-rich app and customization
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Solid ANC and transparency performance
Cons:
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Call quality could be better
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Battery life is good but not class-leading
Bottom line: Technics once again proves that refinement beats radical change. The AZ100 is a confident, premium true wireless earbud that feels worth its flagship status.
