When it comes to the best wireless earbuds, Technics may not be the first brand that comes to mind. However, the Panasonic-owned hi-fi brand has been making strides in recent years to change that perception, and their latest offering, the EAH-AZ80, is the culmination of their efforts. These earbuds offer a wide range of features, excellent noise-canceling capabilities, and exceptional sound quality. Not only that, but their design is both comfortable and stylish, with customizable fit options and a touch of premium flair. With features like three-device multipoint pairing, the AZ80 sets itself apart from competitors like the AirPods Pro, making it an ideal choice for multitasking in the work-from-home era.
Despite its price tag of $300, which may seem steep when compared to discounted options like Sony’s WF-1000XM4, the AZ80 proves that Technics deserves to be included in conversations alongside other leading brands such as Sony, Bose, and Apple.
In terms of style and design, the AZ80 may be a little bit larger than some other earbuds on the market, but they are undeniably the most aesthetically pleasing buds I have tried this year, especially in the silver/gray color variant. The metallic caps on the buds themselves add a touch of sparkle reminiscent of Technics’ iconic turntables and receivers. In the package, you’ll find a QR code for the Audio Connect app, setup instructions, and seven pairs of ear tips. Unfortunately, the AZ80 does not support Google Fast Pair, so both Android and iPhone users will need to manually connect via the Bluetooth menu, which is a minor inconvenience. However, the connection process is quick and seamless. The Audio Connect app allows you to choose between your phone’s voice assistant or Amazon Alexa, and provides several other setup options for customization.
One minor complaint I have is about Technics’ voice prompts, which loudly announce connection status. However, this, like many other features of the AZ80, is adjustable, so I simply turned it down to my preference. The earbuds offer a range of adjustable options, including a multiband EQ, noise canceling, transparency mode (with two versions, including one designed to target voices), and ambient sound suppression for phone calls.
In terms of comfort, the AZ80 excels thanks to the variety of ear tips provided. This allows you to find the perfect fit for your ears. Coupled with the ergonomic housing, these earbuds remain comfortable even after hours of wear. This is a significant improvement over the previous model, the AZ60, which was praised for its overall performance but was too bulky for smaller ears.
The touch controls on the AZ80 can also be customized to your liking, although the default layout seems to be the most intuitive. The controls may seem a bit confusing at first, with single taps for pause/play mirrored on both buds, and other controls spread between the buds through various multi-taps and long holds. However, once you get used to it, you have access to all major functions, including volume control, without having to reach for your phone. This is a feature that sets the AZ80 apart from many competitors, including Sony’s WF-1000XM4.
One standout feature of the AZ80 is its three-device multipoint pairing, which allows you to connect the earbuds to three devices simultaneously. This is a significant advantage over most other earbuds on the market. It enables you to seamlessly switch between your phone, tablet, and computer without any hassle. This functionality rivals the AirPods Pro’s Auto Switching feature, but with the freedom to mix and match devices across different ecosystems, rather than being restricted to Apple’s iCloud devices.
In conclusion, the Technics EAH-AZ80 wireless earbuds are a testament to Technics’ dedication to quality and innovation. These earbuds offer an impressive array of features, exceptional sound quality, and a stylish design that sets them apart from the competition. While they may be a bit pricier than some alternatives, the AZ80’s performance and versatility make them a worthy contender in the wireless earbuds market. Whether you’re an audiophile or someone who values comfort and convenience, the Technics EAH-AZ80 is definitely worth considering.