Technics EAH-AZ100 Review

The Technics EAH-AZ100 are Panasonic's flagship true wireless earbuds, and they arrive with a strong pedigree: Technics is a serious hi-fi name, and these are the successor to the widely praised EAH-AZ80 of 2023. Priced at around £229, they refine that formula with a smaller body, longer battery life and up-to-date connectivity, taking aim at the very best from Sony and Bose. Independent laboratory testing rates them an excellent all-rounder that is especially strong for travel.

The test frames the AZ100 as a thorough update rather than a reinvention. The hardware has been shrunk, cutting the physical footprint for a more comfortable, less bulky fit, while battery life has grown. Connectivity moves forward too, adding LC3 codec support over Bluetooth LE Audio alongside the multipoint pairing that lets the earbuds hold two devices at once. If you liked the AZ80's approach, this is the same idea done better — as our Technics EAH-AZ80 review shows, the bones were already good.

Sound is where Technics earns its reputation, and the test highlighted the AZ100's excellent frequency-response consistency — meaning that, with the right ear tips and a proper seal, they reliably deliver the same balanced sound every time you put them in. That consistency is the foundation of good in-ear audio, and it is something cheaper earbuds often struggle with. They also support Dolby Atmos for virtual surround, a more widely available spatial format than some rivals use, adding a sense of space to films and compatible music.

For frequent travellers, the AZ100 make a compelling case. The test found their active noise cancelling top-tier, strongly attenuating the low-frequency drone of aircraft and bus engines and holding up well against the clatter of a busy street. Battery life is rated at 12.2 hours from the earbuds alone, enough to cover most long-haul flights without a top-up, and the compact case is easy to slip out for a quick recharge or to stow while going through airport security. The one comfort caveat the test flagged is the deeper in-ear fit, which seals well and aids isolation but will not suit everyone — trying the supplied tips is worthwhile.

Beyond the fundamentals, the AZ100 are generously equipped. The test praised their highly customisable controls, letting you map gestures to suit how you actually use them, and multipoint keeps a phone and laptop connected simultaneously. They come in four finishes — Black, Silver, Champagne and Blue — giving them a slightly more grown-up, less overtly sporty look than many rivals. It is a feature set that matches the premium positioning.

The Technics EAH-AZ100 sit near the top of our best wireless earbuds guide. They undercut the very priciest flagships while going toe-to-toe with the Sony WF-1000XM5 on sound and noise cancelling, and they rival the class-leading isolation of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. Buyers who want the same Technics sound signature for less should look at the outgoing EAH-AZ80, while those on a tight budget should read our Nothing Ear (3a) review. Check the price on Amazon

The Technics EAH-AZ100 are a superb pair of premium earbuds that get the important things right: a consistent, well-judged sound, top-tier noise cancelling, a genuinely long 12.2-hour battery and a polished, feature-rich package with LE Audio and Dolby Atmos on board. The deeper in-ear fit is the only real caveat, and an easy one to check before you commit. For anyone who wants flagship performance without paying the absolute top price, they are one of the best true wireless earbuds you can buy.

This review is based on independent laboratory testing rather than our own hands-on trial.