✨ Detailed Introduction

The ATH-AL5NC is Audio-Technica’s first globally launched open-back wireless over-ear headphones with active noise cancellation. They retain the natural soundstage of an open-back design while reducing low- and mid-frequency noise from air conditioners, fans and traffic.

The headphones feature newly designed 53mm dynamic drivers with a frequency response of 20–40,000Hz, supporting LDAC (up to 24bit/96kHz), AAC and SBC codecs. The open-back earcups allow air to circulate, reducing heat buildup around the ears. The lightweight approx. 240g body and low clamping force make them comfortable for extended wear.

Noise cancellation intensity can be switched between the “Home” and “Airplane” levels. There is also an “Independent Mode” that enables noise cancellation without connecting to Bluetooth, with up to approximately 100 hours of battery life in Home mode. Wireless playback lasts up to approximately 75 hours, or approximately 50 hours with noise cancellation enabled. A 15-minute charge provides approximately 8 hours of playback.

The ATH-AL5NC inherits its design from the ATH-HL7BT open-back Bluetooth headphones previously released only in Japan and Taiwan. This model adds noise cancellation, a parametric equalizer in the Connect App and a sound leakage suppression mode, and is being officially launched in Hong Kong for the first time.

Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC in black with bronze trim and open-back mesh earcup housings (official product image)

🏠 Usage Scenarios

The ATH-AL5NC is best suited for working from home, extended video conferences, watching movies, gaming and listening in quiet environments. Its open-back design allows some sound leakage, so it is not suitable for prolonged loud playback in noisy train or bus cabins.

🌟 Why Choose This Model

If you want the natural soundstage of open-back headphones while also enjoying wireless use and reduced background noise from air conditioners and similar sources, the ATH-AL5NC is one of the few models currently offering all three features, while weighing only approximately 240g.

🔍 Product Details

The ATH-AL5NC’s controls and functions are mainly centred around the noise cancellation button on the right earcup and the Connect App. Below are the settings and practical usage limitations most frequently asked about before purchase, helping you decide whether this model is right for you.

• Customisable Noise Cancellation Button:The NC button on the right earcup can be reassigned in the app to switch ambient sound control or low-latency mode.
• LDAC and Low Latency Cannot Be Used Simultaneously:When the LDAC codec is selected, low-latency mode is automatically disabled. For gaming, AAC with low-latency mode enabled is recommended.
• Sound Leakage Suppression Mode:Suppresses higher-frequency sounds that are more likely to leak out, making it suitable for short-term use in places such as libraries and cafés. The manufacturer notes that it cannot completely prevent sound leakage, and the sound profile will change.
• Volume Steps:The default setting is 16 levels. The app allows you to switch to 32 or 64 levels for finer adjustment.
• Find Your Headphones:The app map displays the last connected location and provides an out-of-range alert.
• Real-World Testing Reference:Foreign review site Major HiFi found that when connected to a laptop via Bluetooth, around 73% volume already reached a comfortable listening level; users seeking high volume should take note.

Package contents: ATH-AL5NC headphones, 50cm USB-A to USB-C charging cable, 1.2m inline mic 3.5mm cable, carrying pouch.

📋 Specifications

The ATH-AL5NC is an open-back dynamic wireless headphone featuring 53mm drivers, 52Ω impedance, 103dB/mW sensitivity and Bluetooth 5.3. Full official specifications are as follows (source: Audio-Technica official specifications).

⚖️ Model comparison

Compared with the same-brand open-back Bluetooth predecessor ATH-HL7BT and closed-back ATH-M50xBT2, the ATH-AL5NC is the only model among the three with active noise cancelling. It also offers the longest battery life, while its weight falls between the other two.

❓ FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a summary of the most frequently asked questions about purchasing the ATH-AL5NC, including Hong Kong authorized-dealer warranty coverage, repair locations, the repair submission process, as well as practical questions about noise-cancellation performance, sound leakage, iPhone compatibility, and wired use.

Q: How long is the warranty period for the Hong Kong authorized ATH-AL5NC?
A: The Hong Kong authorized version comes with a 12-month warranty provided by the authorized distributor, starting from the date on the purchase receipt. Parallel-imported or grey-market products may not be covered by the local distributor's warranty. Please retain the receipt and warranty card after purchase.

Q: Where can I have the ATH-AL5NC repaired in Hong Kong?
A: The Audio-Technica Customer Service Centre (Hong Kong) is located at Room K, 9/F, Block 2, Kairun Industrial Centre, 51 Man Yue Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon. Telephone: 2356 9268. Service hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Q: What is the repair submission process? What do I need to bring?
A: Please bring the headphones, the original warranty card, and the purchase receipt to the Customer Service Centre for inspection and assessment by the technicians. Products damaged by user negligence, exposed to liquid, or previously repaired by an unauthorized party are not covered by the free warranty. Delivery charges and on-site services are also not included.

Q: Can the noise-cancellation performance of open-back headphones match that of closed-back noise-cancelling headphones?
A: No. The ATH-AL5NC's noise cancellation mainly reduces low- and mid-frequency sounds such as air conditioners, fans, and traffic, while retaining some ambient sound. If you need to significantly block out noise on an airplane or the MTR, closed-back noise-cancelling headphones would be more suitable.

Q: Does the ATH-AL5NC leak sound? Is it suitable for use on the MTR or in the office?
A: The open-back design will cause sound leakage. The sound-leakage suppression mode in the app can reduce high-frequency sound leakage, making it suitable for short periods of use in quiet places. However, the official specifications state that sound can still be heard at high volumes. Use mainly at home or in private spaces is recommended.

Q: Can iPhones use LDAC?
A: iPhones do not support LDAC and will connect using the AAC codec. Android phones can generally switch to LDAC via the Connect App, up to 24bit/96kHz.

Q: Can it be used with a wired connection? Does noise cancellation still work when wired?
A: Yes. A 1.2m in-line microphone and remote 3.5mm cable is included. Noise cancellation can still be enabled when connected by cable, and wired listening is also possible when the battery is depleted.

Q: How long is the battery life? Will there be latency when gaming?
A: Wireless playback lasts up to approximately 75 hours (approximately 50 hours with noise cancellation enabled). A 15-minute charge provides approximately 8 hours of playback. For gaming, low-latency mode can be enabled in the Connect App, but it will automatically turn off when LDAC is selected.