Audio-Technica ATH-CKS30TW+ True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds Review

The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS30TW+ True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds are aimed at listeners who want more than basic wireless earbuds without moving into the expensive flagship category. They combine a bass-focused sound signature with active noise cancellation (ANC), Hear-Through and Talk-Through modes, multipoint Bluetooth, low-latency mode, an IP55 rating, and support for Audio-Technica’s companion app.

The headline feature is arguably the sound. The ATH-CKS30TW+ uses 9mm dynamic drivers and is designed around strong low-frequency reproduction, while its app provides several sound presets and other controls. At the same time, its ANC is more modest than the best premium noise-canceling earbuds, so buyers should not expect complete silence on an airplane or a busy street. Independent testing also points to good Hear-Through performance and generally clear voice reproduction, although strong wind can challenge the microphones.

This review looks at what the ATH-CKS30TW+ actually offers, how its features translate into everyday use, and which listeners are most likely to get their money’s worth.

Quick Answer: Is the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS30TW+ worth it?

Yes, the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS30TW+ is worth considering if you want bass-heavy sound, ANC, multipoint Bluetooth, IP55 protection, and useful app controls at a budget-to-midrange price. Its biggest weakness is that the ANC isn’t as powerful as premium competitors. If strong bass and everyday features matter more to you than class-leading noise cancellation, the ATH-CKS30TW+ is a solid choice.

Audio-Technica ATH-CKS30TW+ at a Glance

Specification	Details
Product type	True wireless in-ear headphones
Drivers	9mm dynamic
Frequency response	5–20,000 Hz
Bluetooth	Version 5.1
Bluetooth codecs	AAC, SBC
ANC	Yes
Hear-Through / Talk-Through	Yes
Battery with ANC	Up to 6.5 hours earbuds; up to 17.5 hours with case
Battery without ANC	Up to 7.5 hours earbuds; up to 20 hours with case
Charging time	Approx. 2.5 hours earbuds; approx. 3 hours case
Water/dust resistance	IP55, earbuds only
Earbud weight	Approx. 4.5g each for standard colors
Charging case weight	Approx. 28g for standard colors
App	Audio-Technica Connect
Multipoint	Yes
Low-latency mode	Yes
Google Fast Pair	Yes
Included ear tips	XS, S, M, L

Specifications above are based primarily on Audio-Technica’s official product documentation.

What Is the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS30TW+?

The ATH-CKS30TW+ is a pair of compact true wireless earbuds from Audio-Technica’s SOLID BASS-oriented range. Unlike the simpler ATH-CKS30TW, the “+” version adds active noise cancellation and expands the feature set through the company’s app.

The basic idea is simple: give listeners a small pair of earbuds with a strong bass presentation, useful everyday features, and enough customization to adapt the listening experience.

That makes these earbuds particularly interesting for people who enjoy modern pop, hip-hop, electronic music, movies and games. But the sound is not locked into one character. Independent testing found that the available EQ presets can shift the presentation considerably, with the Clear setting producing a more balanced and spacious result than the heavier bass-oriented modes.

Key Features

9mm Dynamic Drivers

The ATH-CKS30TW+ uses 9mm dynamic drivers and a specified frequency response of 5–20,000 Hz. On paper, that tells you the earbuds are built around conventional full-range dynamic drivers rather than a more complicated multi-driver design.

In practice, the important point is the tuning. The earbuds emphasize bass, giving music and action-heavy content a fuller low end. Independent testing found the bass noticeably powerful, while the mids and treble remain sufficiently present to keep vocals intelligible.

Active Noise Cancellation

ANC is one of the biggest differences between the ATH-CKS30TW+ and its simpler sibling.

The system uses feed-forward ANC and is particularly effective at reducing lower-frequency environmental noise. That makes it useful against sounds such as air-conditioning, distant traffic and other continuous background rumble.

The limitation is just as important: higher-frequency sounds and voices are more difficult for this type of ANC to eliminate. Independent testing describes the ANC as useful but not class-leading.

So, think of the ANC as a way to make your surroundings less distracting rather than a switch that creates silence.

Hear-Through and Talk-Through

The ATH-CKS30TW+ also includes Hear-Through and Talk-Through functions.

Hear-Through uses the earbuds’ external microphones to bring environmental sound into your ears, which is useful when you need awareness without removing the earbuds. Talk-Through goes a step further by reducing playback volume so conversations and announcements are easier to follow.

Independent testing was particularly positive about these ambient features, describing the external-sound reproduction as responsive and effective.

For commuting, walking around an office, or listening for announcements, this may be more practically useful than ANC alone.

Design and Comfort

At around 4.5 grams per earbud in the standard colors, the ATH-CKS30TW+ is lightweight. The charging case is also compact at approximately 28 grams for the standard versions.

The earbuds come with four ear-tip sizes—XS, S, M and L—which is important because fit affects much more than comfort. A proper seal can improve passive isolation and also help the bass reach the intended level. Audio-Technica specifically positions the fit as secure enough for active use.

Independent testing found the relatively small housing easy to wear and noted that the earbuds sit close enough to the ear to remain fairly unobtrusive.

Still, in-ear comfort is highly personal. Some users may find a particular ear-tip size or insertion depth more comfortable than others. The sensible approach is to try the supplied tips rather than assuming the pre-fitted pair is the best option.

The IP55 rating is another useful advantage. Audio-Technica specifies dust protection and resistance to water jets for the earbuds themselves. The rating does not make the product completely waterproof, and Audio-Technica specifically warns that it is not intended for hot, humid environments such as baths or showers.

Sound Quality

Bass

Bass is where the ATH-CKS30TW+ makes its strongest statement.

Independent testing found the low end powerful and prominent, particularly in action-heavy music, films and games. In some bass-heavy modes, however, the low frequencies can become less controlled with demanding music.

That means these earbuds make more sense for listeners who enjoy impact than for people specifically looking for a strictly neutral reference-style tuning.

Midrange and Vocals

The strong bass does not completely overwhelm the mids. Independent testing found that vocals remain intelligible and that the overall presentation can maintain decent separation even with a large low-frequency emphasis.

This is important for podcasts and dialogue-heavy video because excessive bass can make speech sound recessed or muddy. The ATH-CKS30TW+ generally avoids that problem.

Treble and Detail

The upper frequencies provide enough presence to prevent the sound from becoming completely bass-dominated. The Clear preset can also make the presentation feel noticeably more balanced and spacious.

The trade-off is that listeners who prefer a very warm, soft presentation may find some of the upper-frequency energy more noticeable.

Music, Movies and Podcasts

For modern pop, hip-hop, electronic music and other bass-oriented genres, the tuning is an obvious fit.

For movies and games, the added low-end weight can make effects feel more dramatic. Independent testing also found the earbuds capable of maintaining clear detail in games while their low-latency mode helped reduce perceived delay.

Podcasts are a better test of whether the bass has gone too far. Here, the ATH-CKS30TW+ performs reasonably well because the midrange remains clear enough for speech.

How Good Is the ATH-CKS30TW+ ANC?

The ATH-CKS30TW+ does have active noise cancellation, but its ANC is best viewed as moderate rather than flagship-level.

Testing indicates that it works especially well against lower-frequency environmental sounds, such as steady mechanical or traffic noise. It is less effective against higher-frequency sounds, including parts of the human voice and sharper environmental noise.

This distinction matters.

On a train or in an office with HVAC noise, ANC can make listening more comfortable. On a busy airplane, where engine noise dominates much of the background, it should still help. But buyers who prioritize maximum isolation may want to consider more advanced ANC products.

One independent reviewer went much further, finding the ANC disappointing in particularly noisy environments such as buses and planes.

That difference between reviews is worth highlighting: ANC performance is affected by fit, ear-tip seal, the type of noise, and personal expectations.

Battery Life and Charging

Audio-Technica rates the earbuds for up to 6.5 hours with ANC enabled, or up to 7.5 hours with ANC disabled. Combined with the charging case, the official figures rise to 17.5 hours with ANC on and 20 hours with ANC off.

Those are maximum manufacturer figures, not guaranteed everyday results.

Battery performance can vary with volume, calls, wireless conditions, ANC use and other settings. Independent testing has produced somewhat different results under its own test conditions, reinforcing why manufacturer figures should be treated as a benchmark rather than a promise.

Audio-Technica lists charging times of approximately 2.5 hours for the earbuds and three hours for the case.

There is also an LED indicator on the case to help check battery status without opening the app.

Connectivity and Bluetooth

The ATH-CKS30TW+ uses Bluetooth 5.1 and supports the AAC and SBC codecs. It also supports A2DP, AVRCP and HFP profiles. Audio-Technica specifies a line-of-sight communication range of about 10 meters.

The important everyday advantage is multipoint pairing. The earbuds can remain connected to two Bluetooth devices at once, which is useful for people who move between a phone and laptop or tablet.

Google Fast Pair is available for Android devices, while low-latency mode is designed to reduce delay for video and gaming.

Independent testing found the wireless connection generally stable, although performance can vary with walls, floors and other obstacles.

One limitation is codec selection. There is no listed aptX or LDAC support; official specifications list AAC and SBC only.

Microphone and Call Quality

Audio-Technica equips the earbuds with MEMS microphones and selectable sidetone functionality that can let users hear their own voice during calls.

Independent testing described voice reproduction as natural and clear for the category. Light wind was manageable, but stronger wind significantly reduced voice intelligibility.

Other testing has been less positive in very noisy outdoor environments, suggesting that microphone performance depends heavily on the surroundings.

The practical conclusion is straightforward: the ATH-CKS30TW+ is perfectly reasonable for everyday phone calls and meetings, especially indoors or in moderate conditions. It is less convincing as a dedicated headset for constant calls in windy, noisy streets.

Audio-Technica Connect App and Controls

The Audio-Technica Connect app is one of the strongest parts of the overall package.

The earbuds support customizable touch controls for playback, calls and volume, and the touch sensitivity itself can be adjusted. The official feature set also includes EQ presets, low-latency controls, ANC and ambient controls, product-location functions and firmware updates.

Independent testing identified five main EQ presets:

• Bass Boost – Deep
• Bass Boost – Beat
• Dynamic
• Vocal
• Clear

The intensity of those presets can also be adjusted. However, the reviewer noted that the app does not provide the same kind of fully custom parametric or user-created EQ found on some competing products.

The app also includes soundscapes such as nature and relaxation sounds, which may appeal to users who like background audio for focus or winding down.

Another unusual feature is the Out of Range Alert and Product Locator. The system can warn you when the Bluetooth connection is getting weak and can show the last disconnected location in the app.

Everyday Usability

For commuting, the ATH-CKS30TW+ makes a lot of sense. Its compact design, ANC, Hear-Through mode, IP55 rating and multipoint support all address common everyday needs.

For students and office workers, multipoint pairing can be particularly convenient because the earbuds can work with both a phone and another Bluetooth device.

For travelers, the biggest question is ANC performance. The feature works, but it should not be confused with the stronger isolation offered by some premium competitors.

For exercise, the IP55-rated earbuds are more reassuring than non-rated models, although the rating does not mean they are suitable for swimming or showering.

For gaming and video, low-latency mode is a useful inclusion, although wireless latency can never be assumed to disappear completely in every setup.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Strong, enjoyable bass response
• Useful ANC for low-frequency background noise
• Very good Hear-Through and Talk-Through functionality
• Lightweight earbuds
• IP55 dust and water resistance
• Multipoint Bluetooth
• Low-latency mode
• Google Fast Pair
• Useful Audio-Technica Connect app
• Customizable touch controls
• Product locator and Out of Range Alert
• Good selection of supplied ear tips

Cons

• ANC is not class-leading
• Only AAC and SBC codecs are officially supported
• No fully custom EQ according to independent testing
• Strong wind can hurt microphone performance
• Battery charging is not especially fast
• No manual on/off control according to independent testing

These are limitations rather than automatic deal-breakers. Their importance depends on what you expect from the earbuds.

Who Should Buy the ATH-CKS30TW+?

The ATH-CKS30TW+ is a good fit for listeners who put sound and useful everyday features ahead of having the most advanced ANC technology.

It particularly suits:

Bass-focused music listeners: The tuning is clearly built around an energetic low end.

Commuters: ANC and Hear-Through provide useful flexibility in changing environments.

Office workers and students: Multipoint and customizable controls can make switching between devices easier.

Travelers on a budget: The earbuds provide ANC, but they make more sense when priced significantly below premium flagship alternatives.

People who like customization: The Audio-Technica Connect app gives you meaningful control over sound and operation.

Who Should Skip It?

You may want a different model if your first priority is maximum ANC performance.

Similarly, listeners who want lossless-focused Bluetooth codecs such as LDAC or aptX should look elsewhere, because Audio-Technica officially lists AAC and SBC support for this model.

Buyers who make frequent calls outdoors in strong wind may also prefer earbuds with stronger microphone noise handling.

Finally, if you prefer a strictly neutral sound signature, the CKS30TW+’s bass-forward tuning may not be the best match without experimenting with its sound presets.

Audio-Technica ATH-CKS30TW+ vs Competitors

The exact competition changes with region and sale pricing, so comparisons should be made using current local prices rather than an old launch price.

Feature	ATH-CKS30TW+	Typical budget ANC competitor	Premium ANC earbuds
Sound character	Bass-focused	Varies	Usually more refined
ANC	Moderate/useful	Varies	Usually stronger
Ambient mode	Yes	Often yes	Yes
Multipoint	Yes	Depends on model	Common
Bluetooth codec	AAC, SBC	Varies	Varies
IP rating	IP55 earbuds	Varies	Varies
Companion app	Strong	Depends on brand	Usually strong
Best reason to buy	Bass + features	Price	Advanced overall performance

The ATH-CKS30TW+ is most competitive when its price is close to the budget-to-midrange market. Its combination of bass-heavy sound, app features, multipoint and IP55 protection gives it a broader feature set than a basic pair of wireless earbuds.

The case becomes less straightforward when the price approaches premium territory. At that point, buyers may reasonably expect stronger ANC, more advanced codecs, or improved microphone performance.

Is the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS30TW+ Worth It?

For the right buyer, yes.

The strongest argument for the ATH-CKS30TW+ is not any single specification. It is the combination of features: strong bass, ANC, useful ambient modes, multipoint, low-latency operation, IP55 protection, customizable touch controls and a well-equipped app.

Its main weakness is that the ANC does not compete with the very best premium models. The lack of advanced codec options may also matter to some enthusiasts, while microphone performance is less convincing in difficult outdoor conditions.

At Audio-Technica Australia’s current listed price of AUD $199, its value depends heavily on local street pricing and competing discounts. Prices differ by region and retailer, so the right question is not simply whether the CKS30TW+ is “cheap,” but whether its feature set is competitive at the price available to you.

For someone who prioritizes bass, everyday usability and app customization, it is a compelling option.

For someone who primarily wants the strongest possible ANC, it is harder to recommend.

FAQ

Does the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS30TW+ have noise cancellation?

Yes. The ATH-CKS30TW+ features active noise cancellation designed to reduce surrounding noise, particularly lower-frequency sounds. Its performance is useful but not at the level of the strongest premium ANC earbuds.

How long does the ATH-CKS30TW+ battery last?

Audio-Technica rates the earbuds for up to 6.5 hours with ANC enabled and up to 7.5 hours with ANC disabled. With the charging case, the official totals are up to 17.5 and 20 hours respectively.

Is the ATH-CKS30TW+ good for calls?

It can be good for everyday calls, particularly in quieter environments. Independent testing found clear and natural voice reproduction, but strong wind can significantly reduce microphone performance.

Is the ATH-CKS30TW+ comfortable for long listening sessions?

The earbuds are lightweight at roughly 4.5 grams each, and four ear-tip sizes are included. Comfort still depends on ear shape and finding the right seal.

Does the ATH-CKS30TW+ support an Audio-Technica app?

Yes. The Audio-Technica Connect app provides control customization, EQ presets, ANC and ambient settings, firmware updates, soundscapes and other functions.

Is the ATH-CKS30TW+ good for commuting?

Yes, especially if you want bass-heavy sound and useful environmental-awareness modes. ANC can reduce steady background noise, while Hear-Through and Talk-Through are useful when you need to hear announcements or speak to someone.

Is the ATH-CKS30TW+ waterproof?

The earbuds have an IP55 dust and water-resistance rating. Audio-Technica explains that this protects against dust and water jets, but the earbuds are not completely waterproof and should not be treated as suitable for showers or submersion.

Can the ATH-CKS30TW+ be used with Android and iPhone?

Yes. The earbuds use standard Bluetooth profiles and AAC/SBC codecs, and Audio-Technica supports Android Fast Pair. The companion app is also available for Android and iOS.

Is the ATH-CKS30TW+ good for music?

It is particularly well suited to listeners who like energetic, bass-forward music. The Clear preset offers a more balanced presentation for listeners who want less emphasis on the low end.

Should you buy the ATH-CKS30TW+?

Buy it if you value strong bass, useful app controls, multipoint connectivity, IP55 protection and reasonably capable ANC. Skip it if your top priority is class-leading noise cancellation or more advanced Bluetooth codec support.

Final Verdict

The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS30TW+ True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds are more interesting than their specifications sheet might initially suggest.

Their strongest qualities are the energetic bass-focused sound, lightweight design, useful Hear-Through and Talk-Through functions, solid app support, multipoint connectivity, low-latency mode and IP55-rated earbuds.

The biggest compromise is ANC performance. It works, especially with lower-frequency background noise, but it should not be treated as a premium noise-canceling system. Microphone performance is similarly competent rather than exceptional in difficult conditions.

Overall, the ATH-CKS30TW+ makes the most sense for a listener who wants fun, bass-rich sound and a strong everyday feature set without paying flagship prices. It is less compelling for someone whose buying decision begins and ends with maximum ANC performance .