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Review Verdict: Audio-Technica nails it right with the ATH-SQ1TW2 with a well-tuned set of drivers out of the box that rivals more premium TWS earbuds despite the lack of support for other codecs like aptX and the absence of ANC. They may be a bit on the pricey side, but you’re getting your money’s worth if audio quality is your priority.
Pros
- Companion app is one of the best we’ve tried
- Qi wireless charging
- Great sound quality out of the box
Cons
- Limited to SBC codecs
- No ANC
- A bit pricey
While Audio-Technica is no stranger when it comes to audio products, not many know that they also have TWS earbuds in their portfolio as well. The ATH-SQ1TW2 Is their latest offering, and aim to be another TWS contender at the under Php 6k segment to rival with the likes of the Galaxy Buds2. We have been using the ATH-SQ1TW2 for over a week, and here are our thoughts on Audio-Technica’s latest TWS earbuds:
Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW2 Review: Design
The ATH-SQ1TW2 comes in 6 different colors, and our review unit in Blue/Red gives it a Gundam-like vibe. The lid has windows for both earbuds, serving as a good reminder if you placed them back on the case, along with Audio-Technica branding. The case itself has a USB-C port in the back and an LED light in front.
Opening the case reveals the earbuds themselves, which have an unconventional arrangement. The case has neatly labeled where to put the left and right easrbuds, and we think that the Blue/Red colorway of the ATH-SQ1TW2 is the best among the 6 available colors.
The body of the ATH-SQ1TW2 Is in white, while the eartips and touch control panel (that has the Audio-Technica logo) are in matte blue and the fins (that hold LED lights like the Galaxy Buds3 Pro) are in metallic red. The color blocking gives Gundam vibes, which is appropriate since Audio-Technica is an established Japanese company.
Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW2 Review: User Interface and Fit
The ATH-SQ1TW2 work using Audio-Technica’s Connect app, which provides a lot of tweaking options. Aside from the usual equalizer and touch control configuration, you also have the option to adjust audio balance between the two earbuds, along with a more granular volume adjustment control—two features we don’t see even in more expensive TWS earbuds.
You also have dedicated music controls that work with any music streaming app, along with timer controls in case you tend to wear them while sleeping. With all the settings you can tweak, Audio-Technica’s Connect app is one of the best wireless audio companion apps we’ve tried, only to be rivaled by Sony’s Sound Connect app.
The ATH-SQ1TW2 are tiny and have a boxy shape, but they are comfortable to wear. The fins play a big role, as they serve as guides on wearing them properly on your ears. The touch controls are a pleasure to use, making us forget those instances when other brands think pinch controls on TWS earbuds are great (spoiler alert: they’re not). The seal with these TWS earbuds are great that you’d forget that they don’t have ANC, only ambient mode.
Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW2 Review: Audio Quality and Battery Life
What surprised us about the ATH-SQ1TW2 is that they simply sound great out of the box despite being limited to SBC codecs. Audio-Technica claims that they redesigned the 5.8mm drivers of the ATH-SQ1TW2 from their predcessor, and they live up to expectations. Being a company that has a vast knowledge in audio quality, the ATH-SQ1TW2 played our favorite tracks in Apple Music (in Hi-Res no less) with flying colors.
It also amazed us that the ATH-SQ1TW2 managed to bring out hidden tracks on some songs, making its drivers cover a range that’s broader than similarly-priced TWS earbuds. They definitely shine when you’re playing tracks that are heavy on vocals and tracks that have intricate audio details. They won’t over ground breaking bass without distortion, making the ATH-SQ1TW2 more for easy and relaxed listening.
While you don’t get ANC or support for other wireless audio codecs, the trade-off is decent battery life. Audio-Technica quotes around 6.5 hours on a single charge, and we can confirm that we’re hitting close to that figure when we used the ATH-SQ1TW2 as our daily driver. Charging them via USB-C takes around two hours, and you also have the option for wireless charging—also a feature you rarely find on a pair of TWS earbuds at the under Php 6k price point.
Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW2 Review: Wrap-up and Conclusions
If you don’t care about ANC and other Hi-Res wireless audio codecs and want the basics right, Audio-Technica did a solid job with the ATH-SQ1TW2. These TWS earbuds prove that proper driver tuning can make up for the lack of some features and its premium price tag to make it stand out of the competition.
Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW2 Review: Price
The Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW2 is priced at Php 4,999 and is available at authorized Audio-Technica stores and at the brand’s official Lazada and Shopee stores.