Whether you’re looking for headphones for casual listening or professional use, AKG has a model that will suit your needs. In this article, Rezence will look at some of the best AKG headphones on the market.
What are AKG Headphones?
AKG headphones are a type of headphones that audio professionals typically use. These headphones are designed to provide the user with a clear and accurate sound. AKG headphones are often used in studios and live settings, as they can reproduce the sound of an instrument or voice very accurately.
For example, a singer can hear their voice very clearly when wearing these headphones, which helps them to stay in tune with their performance.
Top 12 Best AKG Headphones And Earbuds For You
[amazon bestseller=”AKG Headphones” items=”10″ template=”table”]AKG K240 Studio Headphones
Best Overall
- Semi-open, over-the-ear headphones
- The sound character is analytical and expansive.
- We appreciated the soundstage and the reduced distortion.
The AKG K240 Studio Headphones are semi-open professional studio headphones that produce crisp, precise sound. Their XXL transducers employ AKG’s proprietary Varimotion diaphragm to produce a broad, three-dimensional sound field at any listening level.
When used with portable studios, keyboards, and drum machines, their low 55-ohm impedance gives a high volume level, yet they are efficient enough to be utilized with lower-level output sources. Their high-quality components ensure that high-resolution signals from all digital audio sources are sent and reproduced without loss.
The AKG K240 offers a very analytical and expansive sound characteristic in terms of sound quality – the headphones have a fair degree of soundstage, which is ideal for symphonic and instrumental performances. Listening to the K240 headphones is nearly like sitting in a real-life music hall, complete with spatial separation and sound positioning.
For open sound quality, they have an integrated semi-open air design with a highly accurate dynamic transducer and an acoustically calibrated venting structure behind the element. They have a frequency range of 15 Hz to 25,000 Hz and use a single wire with stereo (1/8-inch minijack and 1/4-inch) connectors.
Their circumaural (around-the-ear) padding and the steel-cable, self-adjusting headband structure make them extremely pleasant to use for extended periods. They have a tough design that assures endurance; you may wear them on one ear exclusively or in any other way you like.
The OFC screw-type cable is also included in the bundle. Overall, they are among the great AKG headphones we’ve encountered, offering a semi-open, expansive sound quality that comes highly recommended.
AKG Y400
Pros
- The presentation is extensive.
- Perfect time
- Elegant construction and finishing
Cons
- At this price, nothing.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive, portable pair of active wireless on-ears, the AKG Y400 is currently unsurpassed. These What Hi-Fi Award winners for 2021 don’t feature noise-canceling or app compatibility, but they produce a sound that raises the bar at this price point; a sound that’s spacious, detailed, and has exquisite timing.
They’re also quite comfortable, portable, and well-built, and while being smaller in size than the company’s prior on-ears (the Y500, see below), the Y400 doesn’t constitute a drop-down in terms of sound at all. If you can live with their 20-hour battery life, these tremendously gifted and highly recommendable on-ears are the greatest AKG headphones right now.
AKG N60NC Headphones
Best Noise Cancellation
The N60s were named the finest on-ear noise-canceling headphones by CNET in 2016. These travel-friendly headphones use active noise-canceling technology to keep you engaged in your music and unaffected by the world around you—ideal for aircraft and trains.
Active noise-canceling has a battery life of 30 hours; even if it runs out, you can listen in passive mode. The N60s also fold up nicely for easy storage in carry-on luggage.
[amazon box=”B07HJGG1SY” template=”horizontal”]AKG K702 Headphones
Best Reference Headphones
- Open-back, over-the-ear headphones
- Sound Characteristics: Analytical, expansive sound with sharp highs
- What we liked: The ear foams were comfortable and had excellent sound quality.
The AKG K702 open studio headphones are designed for precise listening, mixing, and mastering. They have a frequency range of 10 to 39800 Hz, a sensitivity of 105 dB SPL/V, and an impedance of 62 Ohms. Their maximum input power is 200 W, providing precise, clean sound with a broad sound field.
This is made possible by features such as their Varimotion two-layer diaphragm, which improves high-frequency range and low-frequency performance. The flat-wire voice coil contributes to their great sensitivity, impulse, and treble response.
The K702’s sound quality is spacious, clear, and highly sharp. It has the elegance you’d expect from higher-end headphones, with an expansive and airy sound that brings out the best in audio recordings. If you enjoy listening to instrumental and orchestral music, the K702 headphones are a must-have.
The open-ear technology of the K702 offers the listener broad and airy sound, creating a wide and three-dimensional sound field. They have an over-ear design, 3D-foam ear cushions, and a cushioned genuine-leather headband for a snug fit and wearing comfort during long work periods.
They include wired connectivity technology, a high-performance 3 m cable, and a professional small XLR connector for fast cable change. The cord is removable, and the earpads are interchangeable, assuring the headphones’ endurance. The AKG K702 headphones are also individually tested and serial-numbered.
AKG Y50
Pros
- Rhythmic, precise, and detailed
- Time well spent
- Energizing and punchy
Cons
- Sources may require extra volume.
- Ears get heated
These very outstanding wired headphones have won six What Hi-Fi? Awards. They excel in quality and aesthetics, with aluminum ear cups, plush leather ear cushions, and dramatic sound on a big scale.
Thrilling levels of detail and near-perfect balance would be enough to distinguish them from the competition. But when you consider the Y50s’ sub-£100 price tag, not to mention their portable form, they are truly show stoppers.
AKG K72 Headphones
Best Budget Headphones
It doesn’t get much better than a pair of closed-back studio headphones for under $60 with the K72s. The spacious 40mm drivers provide enough low-end for bass-heavy music, while the nuanced highs show all the detail from guitars, singers, and acoustic instruments.
[amazon box=”B01AYSNHVQ” template=”horizontal”]AKG Pro Audio K92 Headphones
Best Frequency Range
- Closed-back, over-the AKG earphones
- V-shaped sound signature with sharp highs and profound lows
- We loved the wide frequency response (16 Hz – 20 kHz).
The AKG Pro Audio K92 are closed-back headphones ideal for professional monitoring, mixing, and mastering. Their finely balanced response across the frequency spectrum allows accurate reference monitoring. They have professional 40 mm speakers with an enhanced frequency response of 16Hz-20kHz.
Their closed-back design improves isolation and passive noise suppression. The 3 m long cable is thick enough not to tangle and terminates in a 3.5 mm connection, but it also includes a 6.3 mm adaptor, making it perfect for use with a hi-fi system.
The sound quality of the K92 headset is excellent. They boast professional-grade 40mm drivers and an extended frequency response that helps bring out the finest subtleties in the music.
The bass response is likewise excellent, and we thoroughly loved listening to the deep punching rhythms of rock and electronic dance music genres. The headphones function best with vocal and orchestral music performances since they allow you to hear particular intricacies in the song.
The AKG K92 headphones are lightweight and pleasant to wear due to their over-ear style. Furthermore, its self-adjusting headband guarantees a comfortable fit. They have a sleek and futuristic style and come in black with gorgeous gold embellishments.
Because they are primarily intended for household usage, they lack controls for music playback. Their materials offer a solid construction quality as well as durability. Overall, the AKG K92 is a great-sounding, comfy pair of headphones that would be recommended to audiophiles on a tight budget who enjoy listening to music at home.
AKG Y500 Wireless
Pros
- The sound is clear, detailed, and polished.
- The presentation is flawless.
- Excellent construction and design
Cons
- Delivery might be more animated.
These amazing wireless AKG reference headphones are sturdy and elegant, scoring well in every category. They’re tiny enough to fit in a pocket while sounding vast, rhythmic, and precise.
The Y500s automatically cease music when you remove them, thanks to a button on the ear cup that links you to your smartphone’s voice assistant. The Y500s have been succeeded by the company’s Y400 (above), but with numerous features, long battery life, and excellent controls, they remain excellent all-rounders.
AKG K52 Closed-Back Headphones
- Closed-back, over-the AKG earphone
- Quality bass, clear highs, and good voices define the sound signature.
- We appreciated the well-balanced headphones and the high-quality design.
The AKG K52 are over-ear, closed-back headphones that offer both comfort and superior sound quality for studio and outdoor use. They have professional 40mm drivers with great sensitivity for strong output and extended frequency response (18-20000 Hz), a substantial bass, well-defined mids, and clear highs.
Their volume production is adequate in all situations. The K52s also have a low-impedance construction that makes them compatible with a wide range of playback devices, from professional studio equipment to portable music players.
The over-ear design and lightweight construction of the AKG K52s ensure comfort during long work periods, while the closed-back design reduces audio leaks and protects privacy. An acoustic chamber between the ear cup and the hinge attached to the headband provides passive noise cancellation.
These headphones also include a single-sided wire for convenience. The self-adjusting headband ensures a comfortable fit even during long listening sessions.
The K52 headphones promise sturdy build quality and longevity with a lightweight yet durable design, high-grade components, and replaceable earpads. Their design is clean and contemporary. Overall, the AKG K52 is an excellent choice for anybody searching for high-quality, comfy studio headphones on a budget.
AKG N700NC
Pros
- Strong design
- Rich, well-balanced sound
- Excellent detail and weight
Cons
- The sound lacks nuance.
- Not the final word on time
- Noise cancellation has been improved.
The premium, cordless, and noise-canceling headphones from AKG are excellent performers. They are hinged for portability and give smooth timing and a generous dose of melody, giving them an easy, beautiful listen. The battery life is 23 hours with Bluetooth and noise canceling turned on and 36 hours with a wired connection.
Noise cancellation is adequate but not as effective as a pair of Sony WH-1000XM3s or Bose QuietComfort 35 IIs. Do you need to listen in on the outer world? The useful Ambient Aware button from AKG reduces the volume and noise cancellation. While the NC700NCs aren’t class leaders, they provide respectable performance at a reasonable price.
AKG M220 Headphone
Large Diaphragm Headphones
- Semi-open, over-the-ear headphones
- Open, expansive, analytical sound signature
- We loved the large diaphragms and the clear tone.
The AKG M220 Pro are semi-open, over-ear DJ/studio headphones with a big diaphragm that offer exceptional sound quality. Because their frequency response is flat and balanced, they are suited for professional monitoring and mixing.
Their 30 mm dynamic drivers produce clear and precise sound over the entire frequency range, and their semi-open design produces a large, nearly three-dimensional sound field.
The AKG M220 has adequate volume output to be utilized everywhere. They offer lightweight, flexible construction and a self-adjusting suspension headband for comfort during long listening sessions.
Because of their low impedance they may be paired with a phone or a portable music player without needing an additional amplifier. The materials utilized to construct the headphones offer a solid build quality and longevity. The over-ear style improves comfort and allows them to be worn for extended periods.
A detachable cable, a 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm audio jack adaptor, and replacement earpads provide longevity. The adapter and the original jacks are gold plated for better sound quality. Overall, the AKG M220 Pros are a fantastic pair of headphones highly recommended for budget-conscious audiophiles.
AKG K701 Headphones
[amazon box=”B000EBBJ6Y” template=”horizontal”]Finally, the AKG K701 are premium, reference-class open-back headphones. What you get is superb imagery and accurate sound representation, which is ideal for either holistic mixers or those who get highly analytical.
AKG was the first to adopt flat-wire voice coil technology in its headphones, resulting in an extremely active transient response and unsurpassed precision. There isn’t much better in this price range.
What To Look For In Quality AKG Headphones
Strong audio with a wide frequency range
Above all, we want our headphones to deliver a good audio signal. While this characteristic may be expressed in various ways, AKG studio headphones are frequently promoted with a frequency range, which refers to which frequency bands can be successfully heard within an entire audio source.
A good pair of reference monitors or studio headphones will typically have a reasonably flat, wide frequency range, allowing users to hear each frequency independently at nearly the same loudness as the next.
Comfortable fit
One non-audio-related thing to consider when purchasing AKG headphones is the general fit of the headphones. Comfortable ear cups, headbands, and overall fit are preferred, allowing the user to wear the headphones for extended periods. While some users choose open-back headphones for maximum comfort, others prefer closed-back headphones with a lightweight headband, smaller ear cups, or an overall pleasant fit.
Preferred input type
Another item to consider is the sort of input you’ll need to utilize with your headphones. While many high-end studio headphones come with an 18-inch cord for hooking into a standard headphone jack, others may choose wireless Bluetooth headphones that can connect to phones and other devices. Furthermore, many Bluetooth headphones will have an 18-inch bypass cable, allowing consumers to choose either wired or wireless.
What To Know Before You Buy AKG Headphones?
Over-ear headphones vs. AKG earbuds
Many AKG headphone customers will wonder if they should choose over-ear headphones or earbuds as their first purchase. While most of the best AKG microphone are over-ear due to the larger size of the speaker allowed in a larger headphone cup, there are a few wired and wireless earbuds from AKG that still offer decent audio quality — ideal for users who plan to work out with headphones in or prefer the in-ear fit.
Wired vs. Bluetooth headphones
While most of AKG’s headphones are wired, with a built-in or plugin 18-inch cable like most studio headphones, the company also manufactures wireless Bluetooth headphones that do not require an auxiliary input to connect to an audio source.
Open-back vs. closed-back headphones
Buyers of studio headphones will have to choose between open-back and closed-back headphones and those with semi-open backs. While open-back headphones provide a more comfortable audio experience, they also allow more sound from the environment into the ear cup, making them best suited for studios or other quiet, non-public spaces.
On the other hand, closed-back headphones provide a better surrounding-muting experience at the expense of unwanted echoing sounds, extra discomfort on the wearer, or simply a less-clear audio quality.
FAQs
Which are the most AKG headphones to buy?
Depending on your needs and budget, there are various AKG headphones to choose from. If you’re looking for a high-end option, the AKG K702s are a great choice. For a more affordable option, the AKG K550s are a good option. If you’re looking for a mid-range option, the AKG K240s are a good choice.
Are AKG headphones worth it?
AKG headphones are a popular choice for many people but can be expensive. So, are they worth it? It depends on what you’re looking for in a pair of headphones. If you’re looking for great sound quality, AKG headphones are worth considering. They’re also very comfortable to wear, and they look good too.
However, if you’re looking for a cheap pair of headphones, then AKG headphones may not be the best option. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether or not AKG headphones are worth the price.
How do I know if my AKG headphones are authentic?
First, check the packaging. Authentic AKG headphones will come in high-quality packaging with the AKG logo prominently displayed. Second, take a close look at the headphones themselves.
Authentic AKG headphones will have a high level of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and quality materials. Finally, check the included accessories. Authentic AKG headphones will come with a carrying case, an adapter, and a user manual.
How do I clean my AKG headphones?
AKG headphones are high-quality materials that can last for years with proper care. To clean your AKG headphones, start by using a soft, dry cloth to remove any dirt or debris from the outside of the headphones.
Next, use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to clean the audio jack and the area around the ear cups. Finally, use mild soap and water to clean the ear cups. Be sure to dry the headphones thoroughly before using them again. With proper care, your AKG headphones will continue to provide years of enjoyment.
How can I extend the battery life of my AKG headphones?
You can do a few things to extend your AKG headphones’ battery life:
- Ensure you’re not using them for extended periods at high volumes, which can drain the battery more quickly.
- Avoid using them in direct sunlight, as this can also cause the battery to drain more quickly.
- Turn them off completely to conserve power if you’re not using them for a while.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your AKG headphones have long battery life.
What should I do if my AKG headphones are lost or stolen?
If you have lost or had your AKG headphones stolen, we recommend that you contact customer service as soon as possible. You will need to provide your order number and a description of the issue. Customer service will then help you file a claim and process a replacement.
Conclusion
After reading this article, it is clear that the best AKG headphones are the ones that fit your needs and preferences the most. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to which headphones are the best, so try out a few different models before making your decision. Thank you for reading!