Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW: Stylish Earbuds with a Catch

Audio-Technica’s ATH-SQ1TW true wireless earbuds aim for a lifestyle focus, blending eye-catching design with solid audio performance at an accessible price. While they deliver on aesthetics and sound, certain limitations, such as outdated Bluetooth technology and a lack of app support, might leave some users wanting more. Despite these drawbacks, the ATH-SQ1TW offers a unique listening experience for everyday use.

Design and Comfort: A Stylish Statement

Audio-Technica has a knack for product design, ofen showcasing unique aesthetics and materials. The ATH-SQ1TW emphasizes a distinctive design language, utilizing square-cubic shapes and a mix of glossy and matte surfaces. This attention to detail extends to both the earbuds and the charging case, creating a cohesive and visually appealing package.The ATH-SQ1TW earbuds are available in six color variants, including classic black and white, shining blue, golden yellow, and a mix of pink and brown tones. The most colorful version, featuring red, blue, and white elements, stands out as a particularly stylish option.

Audio-technica ATH-SQ1TW

Comfort, however, presents a mixed bag. The ATH-SQ1TW includes an instruction note illustrating proper usage, which is unusual for earbuds. Despite initial confusion, the lightweight (5.2 grams) earbuds sit securely in the ear, and IPX4 certification makes them suitable for light exercise. However, the design requires them to be inserted deeply into the ear canal, which may cause discomfort over extended periods.

Did you Know? IPX4 certification means the earbuds are protected from splashing water, making them ideal for workouts and outdoor activities.

Changing the rubber attachments can also be frustrating, requiring critically important effort and fiddling. This process can be particularly challenging with smaller attachments, leaving users searching for a better method.

Features and Functionality: Basic but Functional

The ATH-SQ1TW package includes a 30-centimeter USB cable (USB-A to USB-C) and four sizes of earplugs. The earbuds pair easily once removed from the case.However, a significant drawback is the absence of an accompanying app for customization or additional features. This omission is notable, especially since Audio-Technica offers an app in the app store that is not compatible with this model.

Pro Tip: Experiment with different ear tip sizes to find the best fit for optimal sound quality and comfort.

The ATH-SQ1TW uses Bluetooth 5.0 and supports the SBC codec.While functional,these specifications are somewhat outdated compared to newer earbuds that offer Bluetooth 5.2 or 5.3 and support higher-quality codecs like aptX or AAC. According to a recent report by Bluetooth SIG, the latest Bluetooth 5.4 offers enhanced security features and improved connection reliability ^[1].

audio Quality and call Performance

Despite the basic specifications, the ATH-SQ1TW delivers good sound quality. The earbuds provide a balanced audio experience suitable for various music genres. The passive noise isolation is effective, helping to block out ambient noise in moderately loud environments. for calls, the ATH-SQ1TW includes a sidetone function that allows users to hear their own voice during conversations. While this can be helpful in quiet environments, it can also amplify ambient noise, potentially affecting call quality in louder settings.

The voice quality in quiet environments is generally acceptable. However, the lack of advanced noise cancellation features may impact clarity in noisy surroundings. According to a 2023 study by RTINGS.com,earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC) provide significantly better call quality in challenging environments ^[2].

Price and Value

The Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW has a suggested retail price of 89 euros, but can often be found for under 75 euros.At this price point, the earbuds offer a compelling combination of style and sound quality. However, potential buyers should consider the limitations, such as the lack of app support and older Bluetooth technology, when evaluating their overall value.

Conclusion: Style and Sound with Compromises

The Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW presents a mixed experience. While the stylish design and good sound quality are appealing, the initial setup can be frustrating, and the lack of modern features is a drawback. The absence of an accompanying app and the use of Bluetooth 5.0 and SBC codec are shortcomings compared to competitors offering more advanced technology.

However, if you prioritize aesthetics and sound quality for everyday use and can overlook the limitations, the ATH-SQ1TW is a viable option. The earbuds offer a unique combination of style and performance that sets them apart from many competitors in the sub-100 euro price range.

Woudl you prioritize style over advanced features in a pair of earbuds? What features are most vital to you when choosing true wireless earbuds?

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