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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 it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.1

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%

5.1

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
5.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

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

Score components:

52.0%

4.7

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

7.0

Connectivity

6.0%

4.0

Battery

4.0%

4.9

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

  • 2.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 2.1
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    10

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 2.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 7.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    9.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    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 Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

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

5.1
Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has a technical score of 5.07 points, which is higher than that of 55.3% 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 72.7% 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%

5.1

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

6.5
Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.5 points, which is lower than 60.6% 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. 27.4% 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: MEDIUM

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: MEDIUM

13 mm
Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i uses a driver size of 13 mm, smaller driver size than 85.7% of headphones and equal to 0.4% 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, 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.
Show more
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: MEDIUM

no
Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% 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: MEDIUM

yes
Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% 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 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% 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. 15.6% 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

?
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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: HIGH

wired
Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% 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: MEDIUM

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: HIGH

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: MEDIUM

N/A
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

N/A
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. 23.3% 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

N/A
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: LOW

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: HIGH

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: HIGH

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: MEDIUM

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: MEDIUM

N/A
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: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
Show more
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: MEDIUM

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: HIGH

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

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

6 g
Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i weighs 6 g, lighter than 98.3% 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: HIGH

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: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more

Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i vs the average headphone

  • 97.2% lower weight
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i is lighter than the average headphone (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: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i is lighter than the average headphone (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 headphone (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 headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% 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: MEDIUM

    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% 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 headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (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 headphone (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 headphone (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: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (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 headphone cannot. 55.9% 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 headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • 16 dB higher max SPL
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (126 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    What it is: Maximum safe sound pressure level
    When it matters: When high-volume headroom is part of your use case.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=116 dB

    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (126 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.126 dB vs 110 dB
  • 97.2% lower weight
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i is lighter than the average headphone (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 headphone (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 headphone (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 headphone (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 headphone (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 headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Total
Design
Sound
Battery
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has a fixed cable, while the average headphone 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 headphone (13 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 27 mm smaller driver size
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has smaller driver size than the average headphone (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: MEDIUM

    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has smaller driver size than the average headphone (13 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.13 mm vs 40 mm
  • Fixed cable
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has a fixed cable, while the average headphone 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: MEDIUM

    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 4.65x less popular
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
    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 headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 3.3% worse value for money
    Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.52 vs 6.736).
    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 headphone (6.52 vs 6.736).6.52 vs 6.74
Total
Overall
Design
Sound

Graphic comparison of Audio-Technica ATH CKS99i and

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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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