Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i Review | 93 Data compared
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Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£120
  • Avg. price in US: ~$170
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

5.6

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

5.6

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
5.6

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

6.0

Sound

20.0%

4.4

Features

10.0%

7.2

Design

8.0%

5.1

Connectivity

6.0%

4.6

Battery

4.0%

6.4

Calls & Controls

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 6.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    ?

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    4.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    4.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    ?

    Battery life

  • 5.7
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    ?

    Battery life

    18.0%

    ?

    Weight

    16.0%

    4.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    4.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 6.1
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    4.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    ?

    Battery life

    14.0%

    4.0

    Companion app

  • 7.3
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    ?

    Weight

    24.0%

    4.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    ?

    IP rating

    16.0%

    ?

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • audio-technica-ath-cks99i
  • audio-technica-ath-cks99i
  • audio-technica-ath-cks99i
audio-technica-ath-cks99i
audio-technica-ath-cks99i
audio-technica-ath-cks99i

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £120

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS99i is a wired in-ear headphone featuring 13 mm dynamic drivers and a Double Air Chamber System designed to deliver deep, authoritative bass without compromising overall clarity. Key specifications include an exceptionally wide frequency response of 5 – 25,000 Hz, a sensitivity of 106 dB/mW, and a low 16-ohm impedance that makes them easy to drive from mobile devices. Main characteristics include a 2-position post for a customized fit, passive noise isolation, and a 1.2-meter elastomer Y-type cable with an integrated microphone and remote for Apple devices. Pros highlight their durable build quality, secure stability during movement, and clear high-frequency detail. However, notable cons include a slightly recessed midrange that can affect vocal intimacy, a relatively narrow soundstage, and potential treble fatigue during long listening sessions, with full remote functionality often limited to iOS platforms.

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

5.6
Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has a technical score of 5.64 points, which is lower than that of 66.4% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
1.0
Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 73.4% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.6

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

6.9
Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.9 points, which is lower than 73.4% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: HIGH

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: HIGH

13 mm
Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i uses a driver size of 13 mm, smaller driver size than 85.7% of headphones and equal to 0.5% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

5 Hz
Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i reaches a lowest frequency of 5 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 10.8% of headphones.
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Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: LOW

no
Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: LOW

yes
Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

1
Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has 1 microphones, more microphones than 26.9% of headphones and equal to 50.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

no
Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

?
Show more
Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: LOW

wired
Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: LOW

no
Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

yes
Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: LOW

no
Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
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Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: LOW

Audio-Technica
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: LOW

in-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <150 g

6 g
Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i weighs 6 g, lighter than 98.4% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: LOW

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Show more

Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i vs the average pair of headphones

  • 97.2% lower weight
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i is lighter than the average pair of headphones (6 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <150 g

    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i is lighter than the average pair of headphones (6 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.6 g vs 218 g
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • AptX Adaptive support
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i supports aptX Adaptive, the average pair of headphones does not. 6.7% of headphones support aptX Adaptive.
    What it is: Supports Qualcomm aptX Adaptive codec for improved audio and latency
    When it matters: When you switch between music, video, and games and want Bluetooth audio to manage quality and latency more intelligently.

    Importance: LOW

    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i supports aptX Adaptive, the average pair of headphones does not. 6.7% of headphones support aptX Adaptive.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
    When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
    What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
    When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.

    Importance: LOW

    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 5,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.25000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • Play while charging
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
    What it is: Can be used while charging
    When it matters: When you need to keep listening during long work or gaming sessions.

    Importance: LOW

    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
  • 97.2% lower weight
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i is lighter than the average pair of headphones (6 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 5,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 16 dB higher max SPL
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (126 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • Play while charging
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
  • AptX Adaptive support
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i supports aptX Adaptive, the average pair of headphones does not. 6.7% of headphones support aptX Adaptive.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.

Total
Design
Sound
Battery
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • Fixed cable
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 27 mm smaller driver size
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (13 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • No battery indicator
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 27 mm smaller driver size
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (13 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: HIGH

    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (13 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.13 mm vs 40 mm
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
    What it is: Earpads can be replaced when worn out
    When it matters: When you care about long-term maintenance and extending product life.

    Importance: LOW

    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • Fixed cable
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: LOW

    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No battery indicator
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
    What it is: Shows remaining battery charge visually or audibly
    When it matters: When you dislike unexpected shutdowns and want clearer warning before leaving home, boarding a flight, or joining a call.

    Importance: LOW

    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 5.87x less popular
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1.00 vs 5.869).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1.00 vs 5.869).1 vs 5.87
  • 5.3% worse value for money
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.92 vs 7.279).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
    When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.92 vs 7.279).6.92 vs 7.28
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Battery

Graphic comparison of Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i and other products in the Headphones category

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i?

  • Punchy and well-controlled bass without overpowering other frequencies
  • Surprisingly good sound detail and instrument separation
  • Highly durable build quality capable of surviving heavy wear and tear
  • Secure and stable fit in the ear even while moving around
  • Clear high frequencies and minimal distortion at high volumes
  • In-line microphone and remote controls functional for call handling

What customers dislike about Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i?

  • Slightly recessed mid-range frequencies, which can push vocals back
  • Strong treble presence can cause ear fatigue over long listening periods
  • Limited and narrow soundstage
  • Not intended for analytical or neutral listening preferences
  • Volume adjustment buttons on the in-line control are fully compatible only with iOS devices, lacking full functionality on Android

Video reviews

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