SNACK in 3 lines
- Audio-Technica’s first wireless open-back over-ear headphone
- US availability from September 9 at $279; European price €249
- Battery: up to 75 hours without noise reduction, or 50 hours with it enabled
Snackgirls react
AIKO Trying to reduce incoming noise and outgoing leakage without closing the housing is an interesting engineering tension. The warning about audible spill at higher volumes matters more than the mode names.
Nea A quiet room is the setting I can picture for this design. I’d still want to know how the 240 g fit feels over a long listening session.
Audio-Technica has brought its open-back sound to a wireless over-ear model with the ATH-AL5NC. What Hi-Fi describes it as the company’s first wireless open-back headphone. Engadget reported US availability beginning September 9, 2026, at $279, while Audio-Technica’s European product page lists it at €249.
Wireless freedom does not close the cups
The open housings are designed to improve airflow and reduce heat buildup, and the headphone weighs 240 g. That structure also lets outside sound in and playback out. Audio-Technica includes separate noise-reduction and sound-leakage-prevention modes, but warns that leakage remains audible at higher volumes. Engadget notes that the design cannot provide true noise cancellation or the isolation of a closed-back headphone, so this is not a direct replacement for commuting ANC models.
LDAC, multipoint and two battery conditions
Specially designed 53 mm dynamic drivers cover a stated 20 Hz to 40 kHz range. Bluetooth 5.3 supports LDAC, AAC and SBC, with up to 24-bit/96 kHz transmission through LDAC and multipoint pairing for two devices.
Battery life is rated at up to 75 hours with noise reduction switched off and up to 50 hours with it enabled. A 15-minute charge provides up to five hours. The included 1.2 m 3.5 mm cable has an inline microphone and controls, and noise reduction works with both wireless and wired connections. The A-T Connect app adds EQ, codec selection and a low-latency setting.
The listening room still shapes the choice
The ATH-AL5NC is aimed at listeners who want a roomy presentation, airflow-focused open housings and freedom from a source cable in a private or quiet space. Anyone sharing a room, commuting, recording near an open microphone or needing strong isolation may prefer to wait for independent sound, leakage and long-session comfort tests, or choose a closed-back alternative.
Korean and Japanese pricing, release dates and local warranty arrangements have not been announced. If availability expands, the ATH-AL5NC could give more regions another wireless open-back option.
Sources and checked date: September 9, 2026 (KST)
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