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Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£70
Avg. price in US: ~$80
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.0

Good

5.0

Good

?

3.2
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%
10
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
6.3
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
10
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%
8.0
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

Best prices in UK

N/A~ £70

Best rankings

Verdict

The Audio-Technica ATH-CKX7iS SonicFuel is an in-ear headset designed for active use, featuring 8mm drivers, a broad frequency response of 10Hz to 24,000Hz, and a sound pressure level of 102 dB/mW. Key characteristics include a 360-degree rotating eartip and C-tip ear fins that provide an exceptionally secure and comfortable fit, alongside a 1.2m tangle-free flat cable with an integrated microphone and inline volume controls. Main pros include a powerful audio performance with boosted bass and crisp high-mids, no distortion at high volumes, and effective passive noise reduction due to its tight acoustic seal. However, the sculpted sound signature may not appeal to purists, and its relatively bulky design and microphonic cable noise can be drawbacks for some users.

Technical Specifications of Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is

Overall score

5.0

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?

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.

Sound

4.4

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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

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

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

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

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Calls & Controls

7.1

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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: MEDIUM

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

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

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

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

6.2

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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

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

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Features

5.1

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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

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

?

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

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Battery

1.0

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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

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Design

8.3

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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: 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

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

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Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is vs the average headphone

Why is Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is better than the average headphone?

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95.4% lower weight
Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is is lighter than the average headphone (10 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 CKX7is is lighter than the average headphone (10 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.10 g vs 218 g
Clear call microphone
Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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
Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is 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 CKX7is includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
8 Hz lower bass extension
Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 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 CKX7is has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.10 Hz vs 18 Hz
In-line controls
Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is 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 CKX7is includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
4,000 Hz higher treble extension
Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 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 CKX7is has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.24000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
95.4% lower weight
Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is is lighter than the average headphone (10 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
8 Hz lower bass extension
Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
4,000 Hz higher treble extension
Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
Clear call microphone
Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
In-line controls
Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Calls & Controls

Why is Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
32 mm smaller driver size
Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is has smaller driver size than the average headphone (8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
8 dB lower max SPL
Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (102 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
4 years older release date
Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
October 2013
32 mm smaller driver size
Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is has smaller driver size than the average headphone (8 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 CKX7is has smaller driver size than the average headphone (8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.8 mm vs 40 mm
Fixed cable
Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is 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 CKX7is 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 CKX7is 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 CKX7is is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
4 years older release date
Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
October 2013
What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2020
Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2013 vs 2017
8 dB lower max SPL
Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (102 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 CKX7is has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (102 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.102 dB vs 110 dB
4% worse value for money
Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.48 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 CKX7is has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.48 vs 6.736).6.48 vs 6.74

Graphic comparison of Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is?

Powerful audio performance with deep, boosted bass and crisp high-mids
Distortion-free sound reproduction even at maximum listening volumes
Extremely secure fit ideal for active tasks like running due to 'C-tips' and 360-degree rotating eartips
Highly effective passive noise isolation acting like earplugs
Tangle-free, flat rubberised cable design that feels durable
Low-profile, 90-degree angled 3.5mm plug that doesn't catch on clothing

What customers dislike about Audio-Technica ATH CKX7is?

Sculpted, heavily modified sound signature that is not suitable for audiophiles or purists
Chunky and bulky earpiece design that may not appeal to everyone
Prolonged listening sessions can cause physical ear fatigue or mild soreness
Inline controls use a single-button system which restricts complex on-device volume navigation
Cable material can feel slightly stiff or plasticky

Video reviews

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