Is the Ath Anc70 Still Good in 2026? Long-Term Review

Introduction: Revisiting an Old Favourite

When I first bought the Ath Anc70 noise-cancelling headphones in late 2023, I didn’t expect them to become such a staple in my daily life. They were a step up from my old pair, promising comfort, long battery life, and reputable noise cancellation at a price point that wasn’t eye-watering. Fast forward to 2026—a few years of telecommuting, several long-haul flights, and many commutes later—I find myself reflecting on whether the Ath Anc70 still holds its ground against newer, flashier models. Here’s my honest, in-depth review, based on several months (and years) of genuine use and sometimes frustration, with this pair of headphones.

Design & Build: Has It Aged Well?

Unboxing the Ath Anc70 for the first time, I was struck by its understated, minimalistic design. The matte finish has done a decent job of resisting fingerprints, and the ear cups’ plush padding remains comfortable even after hours of wear. The headband, however, started feeling a bit loose after a year or so—probably from all the stretching and pulling during packed train rides and in-and-out-of-bag moments.

In 2026, they don’t look outdated, but compared to some newer competitors sporting sleek metal finishes and even more lightweight builds, the Anc70’s plastic shell shows minor scuffs and a subtle looseness in the adjusters. Still, the folding mechanism works reliably, and the ear pads—after regular cleaning—are still in good shape. One thing that bothered me: the buttons. The layout was always slightly confusing, and after heavy use, the volume rocker has become noticeably softer and sometimes unresponsive.

Sound Quality: Clarity Over Time

When I first put these on, the sound signature impressed me—a warm tilt, surprisingly expansive soundstage for closed-back headphones, and a bass response that was present but not overwhelming. Vocals were crisp, and there was a nice, sparkly treble without being harsh. Over almost three years, I’ve noticed only slight fatigue in the pads—not a dramatic reduction in sound quality, but the seal isn’t as perfect as it was new, which slightly reduces bass impact.

I was surprised by how well the Ath Anc70 performed with different genres. Jazz and classical always sounded detailed, and electronic tracks revealed punchy lower mids. Yet, when compared with 2026 releases from bigger brands that push high-definition codecs, the Anc70 can sound marginally compressed—especially over Bluetooth. Wired, it regains some richness, but the built-in DAC isn’t on par with recent models. No obvious distortion at normal to high volumes, but don’t expect audiophile-level analytical detail.

Active Noise Cancellation: Still Competitive?

Active noise cancellation on the Anc70 was one of its main selling points in 2023. Even now, I find it remarkably effective on persistent low ends like the train rumble or AC units. Where the ANC struggles is sudden, sharp noises—keyboard clacking, conversations, or babies crying remain faintly audible, much like on any ANC headphones below the top flagship tier.

After years of use, the ANC performance has held up better than I expected. However, I did notice a slight hiss when there is no music playing, and this has become more pronounced with age. Battery drain seems slightly more rapid now with ANC on, but it’s still respectable. What I found is that newer models manage to suppress high and mid frequencies better, so if you’re easily distracted by unpredictable office noise, the Anc70 might start to show its age.

Battery Life: Does It Still Last?

Out of the box, the Ath Anc70 promised up to 25 hours of continuous playback with ANC enabled—a claim that held up for the first year. These days, with the same listening habits, I get around 18 to 20 hours, which is acceptable for my needs but not nearly as impressive as what some 2026 models offer (I’ve seen up to 40 hours advertised now).

The quick charge feature remains useful—a 10-minute charge genuinely gives me several hours of playback. One thing that bothered me, though: the micro-USB port for charging in an era where USB-C has become universal. Having to keep my old backup micro-USB cable just for my headphones is a minor annoyance now.

Connectivity & Features: What Holds Up, What Doesn’t

The Anc70 pairs quickly and reliably via Bluetooth 5.0. Multipoint connectivity works, but I found switching between my laptop and phone occasionally requires manually disconnecting from one device—a process that feels more seamless on newer headphones. Range is average; I can walk around my apartment without dropouts, but walls are a challenge.

One feature I appreciated was the inclusion of a 3.5mm aux input. It’s saved me a few times when battery was low, or for plugging into in-flight entertainment systems—something a few new “wireless only” models no longer offer.

But, there’s no app support for custom EQ, firmware updates, or detailed battery reporting. While I didn’t miss these things at the start, after using newer headphones with these features, I admit they’re nice touches. Voice assistant support is there, but the onboard mic is just average—fine for quick calls, but friends often say I sound “distant.”

Long-Term Durability: What Surprised Me

After this long, I fully expected the earpad foam to harden or the headband to crack, but neither has happened. Instead, the biggest wear is cosmetic: nicks and scratches, and the softening of the headband clamping force. I haven't babied these headphones—they’ve survived being thrown in a backpack, exposure to rain, and falling from desk height more times than I like to admit. The only actual failure I encountered was the left earcup cover coming loose after a drop, which I managed to snap back myself.

The internal battery’s slight decline is noticeable but not severe. The joints still rotate and fold properly, and the earcups’ adjustment sliders haven’t seized or come apart. For a sub-premium headphone, I’m genuinely impressed.

Pros & Cons (2026 Perspective)

• Pros:
  • Comfortable for long listening sessions
  • Reliable, physical button controls (despite some wear)
  • Lush, well-balanced sound signature
  • Surprisingly robust ANC for its age
  • Good value for the price
  • Still functional aux input for wired listening
  • Durable build despite all-plastic housing
  • Quick charge works well even after years
• Cons:
  • Aging battery life compared to latest models
  • Micro-USB charging feels dated in a USB-C world
  • Button responsiveness declines over time
  • Basic mic quality for calls
  • No app support or custom EQ features
  • Occasional connection hand-off issues
  • Noticeably less effective ANC with a looser fit
  • Plastic prone to visible wear and tear

Comparison Table: Ath Anc70 (2023) vs. Current Mid-Range Competitor (2026)

Buying Guide: Should You Still Buy the Ath Anc70 in 2026?

Having used—and occasionally abused—the Ath Anc70 for several years, I have a pretty clear idea of who would still be satisfied with this model in 2026. If you’re looking for stellar value and can find this headphone at a used or discounted price, it’s still a solid option for everyday commuting, long calls, or simply tuning out. Its comfort, balanced sound, and dependable ANC handily beat a lot of other options in the sub-premium class, even now.

However, if you’re set on owning the latest features—think custom EQ tuning, companion apps, USB-C charging, or flagship-level ANC—you’ll likely find the Anc70 just a bit behind. The lack of app-based customization and the gradual but noticeable decline in battery life and fit may frustrate folks chasing the most up-to-date tech.

Here’s who I’d recommend the Ath Anc70 to in 2026:

• You want a dependable set of ANC headphones primarily for music and podcasts, not frequent video calls
• You value comfort and don't mind a little extra weight compared to feather-light competitors
• You don't need maximum microphone clarity
• You don’t mind using micro-USB, or you’ll mostly use the aux cable
• You want to save money and are ok with buying used or “old but good” tech

If those points sound like you, the Ath Anc70 brings a lot to the table even several years after its debut.

Conclusion: Still Worthwhile for the Right Listener

After all this time, do I still find myself reaching for the Ath Anc70? Honestly, yes—if I just want to get work done without distraction or disappear into a playlist on a long flight. The key strengths (comfort, consistent sound, reliable noise cancellation) haven’t faded significantly for my needs. Yet, the slow march of tech progress means the Anc70 isn’t “the one” for everyone anymore. The little ergonomic quirks and lack of new features stand out more than they did a few years ago.

In 2026, the Ath Anc70 isn’t trying to be the hottest new thing—but as a dependable, well-tuned, and comfortable workhorse, it’s stood up admirably to the test of time. If you find one in good shape, especially at a reasonable price, it’s hard to regret. For me, it’s been worth every penny—quirks and all.