There’s cheap and then there is $59 cheap. Are we wrong to raise an eyebrow at the $59 Audio-Technica ATH-S220BT wireless headphones? The Japanese manufacturer has experienced a strong degree of success with its affordable headphones over the years but $59 for a pair of wireless on-ear headphones is remarkably low.
They’ve proven that they know how to make an affordable phono cartridge that delivers performance far above its asking price — but the quality of affordable headphones has climbed significantly over the past 5 years and you can’t just unleash something this inexpensive and think it will sell.
It needs to be comparable to other headphones that are $50-$75 more expensive or one might as well just spend the extra money and call it a day.
We’re definitely going to review these because we’re curious what you get for $60.
From the press release we’re told the Audio-Technica ATH-S220BT wireless headphones are lightweight and comfortable with best in class battery life (up to 60 hours), low-latency wireless performance for video and gaming, and many additional performance and convenience features.
The ATH-S220BT weighs just 6.3 oz. (180 g.) and features cushioned, low-profile earpads for long-wearing comfort.
The headphones offer exceptional battery life – up to 60 hours of use on a full charge and up to 3.5 hours on a 10-minute rapid charge, via a USB-C connection and the supplied USB-C cable. The company claims ATH-S220BT delivers clear, powerful sound, thanks to its 40 mm drivers, and its low-latency wireless mode assures minimal delay between the audio and video for the best-possible streaming, gaming and video viewing.
The ATH-S220BT is Bluetooth® 5.0-compatible and also can be used as wired headphones with the included 3.9-foot (1.2 m) cable. The headphones’ multipoint pairing function allows users to stay connected to two Bluetooth devices at once, making it easier to switch between tasks.
A built-in microphone enables clear, hands-free calling, without the need for an external mic. The ATH-S220BT’s Fast Pair feature allows pairing with compatible Android™ devices with just a single tap, and convenient ear cup controls provide easy operation of a connected device when playing music or making a call.
The controls are compatible with Siri® and Google Assistant™, for fast access to voice recognition, messages, map navigation and other features. In addition, the ATH-S220BT’s Voice Guidance function can be used to provide notifications about remaining battery level, pairing status and more.
Price & Availability
The ATH-S220BT are available now for $59 in three colors: black with dark-gray accents, navy with beige earpads and headband, and white with contrasting black trim.
