The ATH-AL5NC open-back headphones have just been announced by Audio-Technica, and they mark an unusual combination for the company: an open-back driver design paired with full Bluetooth wireless connectivity. Open-back headphones have traditionally been the domain of wired desktop listening, so bringing that airy soundstage to a cable-free design is a notable step for the brand.
Weighing just 240 grams, the ATH-AL5NC uses 53mm dynamic drivers to push high-resolution 24-bit/96kHz audio over LDAC, along with support for AAC and SBC codecs. That trio of codec options means the headphones can adapt to whatever device they are paired with, from an Android phone that supports Sony’s LDAC codec to an iPhone or laptop that leans on AAC instead.
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What the ATH-AL5NC open-back headphones offer
Open-back housings are designed to let air pass through the ear cups rather than sealing them shut. That reduces heat build-up during long listening sessions and typically produces a wider, more natural soundstage, though it also means outside noise leaks in and audio leaks out. Audio-Technica has leant into this trade-off by keeping the headset light, at 240 grams, to minimise clamping pressure on the head during extended use.
Battery life is where the ATH-AL5NC really stands out. Audio-Technica rates the headphones for up to 75 hours of continuous playback, a figure that comfortably outlasts most wireless headphones on the market. A 15-minute quick charge is enough to add roughly eight hours of listening time, which should cover most people who forget to charge overnight.
Multipoint Bluetooth pairing lets the ATH-AL5NC stay connected to two devices simultaneously, so switching between a laptop call and a phone notification does not require manually reconnecting. A built-in microphone rounds out the calling and gaming communication features, though it is worth noting there is no dedicated 2.4GHz wireless mode for low-latency gaming, unlike some gaming-focused headsets that prioritise that connection type.
Software features through the Audio-Technica Connect app
Audio-Technica pairs the ATH-AL5NC with its Connect companion app, which handles EQ adjustment, codec switching, and a headphone locator function for anyone who misplaces them around the house. The app also unlocks a low-latency gaming mode, useful for anyone pairing the headphones with a PC or console over Bluetooth despite the lack of a dedicated wireless dongle.
An integrated Soundscape feature adds ambient nature sounds and masking noise, which can help with focus or relaxation rather than active music listening. Two additional modes, labelled Noise Reduction and Sound Leakage Reduction, attempt to soften the inherent downsides of an open-back design without turning it into a sealed, noise-cancelling headphone. These modes will not match dedicated ANC headphones for blocking outside sound, but they should take the edge off in quieter environments like a home office.
Wired option and how it fits the market
For listeners who prefer a cable, Audio-Technica includes a 1.2m wired cable with a 3.5mm stereo mini-plug and inline microphone controls, along with a carrying pouch for storage or travel. That wired mode also serves as a practical workaround for gaming setups that need consistent low-latency audio, since the Bluetooth connection alone will not satisfy competitive gamers the way Beyerdynamic’s MMX 150 Wireless or similar gaming-oriented headsets do with dedicated 2.4GHz dongles.
Open-back wireless headphones remain a fairly small category, and the ATH-AL5NC’s closest rivals are arguably HIFIMAN’s own open-back Ananda headphones, though that model leans more toward audiophile wired listening than everyday wireless convenience. Audio-Technica’s approach instead targets people who want the sound signature of an open-back design without being tethered to a source device, backed by the sort of recent advances in Bluetooth audio codecs that make wireless high-resolution playback increasingly viable.
What it means for buyers
For anyone comparing this release against other wireless headphones on the market, the ATH-AL5NC’s appeal comes down to its specific niche. It suits people who spend long stretches at a desk, value a natural, spacious sound over isolation, and want the flexibility to switch between two paired devices without fuss.
It is less suited to commuters or anyone needing noise isolation on public transport, given the open-back design leaks sound both ways by nature. Gamers chasing the lowest possible latency will also want to stick with the wired cable rather than relying purely on Bluetooth. Still, a 75-hour battery and genuine hi-res audio support via LDAC make the ATH-AL5NC a compelling option for anyone after comfortable, long-lasting wireless listening at a desk or in a quiet room. The Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC open-back headphones are available now.
