Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Performs well for monitoring applications and delivers a loud beat, especially for bass-driven material
- Robust construction ensures durability in recording sessions
- Plenty of flexibility when it comes to sound reserves, operating well on quiet settings and low-quality outputs while providing significant loudness
- Solid fit and seal are achieved through a firm clamp, with the earpads maintaining a decent seal
- Primarily a studio monitoring headphone, particularly suitable for those mixing with e-drums and keyboards
Product Considerations
- Velour pads can become a little hot after one or two hours of use
- Suffers from a compressed soundstage
- Lacking some character and substance in the sub-bass spectrum
- Mids may be too sober and flat for crisp and clean mixing
- Can get uncomfortable on the top of the head, underneath the headband, after about 30 minutes to an hour of use
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Pioneer headphones, the AKGs have more bass, while the Pioneers are lighter
Takeaway: The K182 is a robust headphone suitable for studio monitoring. It has an emphasis on the bass and treble frequencies, making it a fun musical headphone.
All
K182
reviews

Manufacturer details
- Type: Closed-Back, Over-Ear
- Driver Size: 50 mm
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 28 kHz
- Sensitivity: 112 dB SPL/V
- Impedance: 32 Ω
- Maximum Input Power: 500 mW
- Cable: 3 m Straight, Detachable
- Connector: Mini-XLR to 3.5 mm (⅛″) with 6.3 mm (¼″) Adapter
- Weight: 250 g (8.8 oz, without cable)
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- AKG studio headphones are frequently recognized for their wide and immersive soundstage, creating a great sense of depth and accurate placement .
- The brand delivers a near-neutral sound profiles in its headphones, catering to the needs of audio professionals and critical listeners.
- They often utilize a distinctive "hammock-style" self-adjusting headband that equally distributes weight, enhancing comfort for extended listening sessions.
Select products
AKG N5 HYBRID
- Positioning: The entry-level true wireless earbuds designed for everyday portability and effective noise cancellation.
- Description: Features 10mm dynamic drivers with DLC-coated diaphragms, True Adaptive Noise Cancelling controlled by the AKG Headphones app, and immersive spatial audio that delivers clear call quality. Compared to higher-end models like the N9 Hybrid, these earbuds focus on affordability and ease of use while still offering Hi-Res sound for casual listening and light communication.
AKG K371-BT
- Positioning: The mid-range wireless headphone that combines Bluetooth and wired connectivity for studio-style performance on the go.
- Description: Offers a closed-back, foldable design with a built-in microphone and dual connectivity options that cater to both mobile and desktop use. Compared to the N5 Hybrid earbuds, they provide a traditional headphone form factor with enhanced durability and sound isolation, though they deliver fewer advanced audio features than the immersive N9 Hybrid.
AKG N9 HYBRID
- Positioning: The mid-tier over-ear headphone that integrates advanced noise cancelling and Hi-Res audio for extended listening.
- Description: With 40mm dynamic drivers using Liquid Crystal Polymer diaphragms and customizable True Adaptive Noise Cancelling, these headphones offer detailed spatial audio and superior call quality. In contrast to the more compact N5 Hybrid earbuds, the N9 Hybrid is suited for longer sessions in noisy environments while still being more portable than the high-end reference models.
AKG K872
- Positioning: The high-end reference closed-back headphone engineered for critical studio monitoring and mastering.
- Description: Uses 53mm transducers with a 1.5 Tesla magnet system and a two-layer voice coil within an optimized closed-back design to deliver authoritative low frequencies and accurate imaging. Compared to the N9 Hybrid, the K872 prioritizes maximum isolation and reference-grade fidelity for professional monitoring, while offering a robust, durable build for prolonged studio use.
AKG K812
- Positioning: The flagship open-back reference headphone crafted for detailed mixing and high-end audio production.
- Description: Features the largest 53mm transducer ever built by AKG, a powerful 1.5 Tesla magnet system, and an ultra-lightweight two-layer voice coil, delivering pure, natural sound with exceptional spatial imaging. In contrast to the closed-back K872, the K812's open design provides an expansive soundstage and enhanced comfort.
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AKG
What if you spend more?
Product Strengths
- Exquisite build quality with premium materials, like anodized aluminum, memory foam, lambskin leather, and high-quality polymer
- Very comfortable, generously padded with memory foam wrapped in lambskin, and the headband distributes pressure evenly
- Long battery life, up to 35 hours with ANC on and 40 hours with ANC off
- Sound quality is rich, refined, spacious, balanced, and impressively detailed
- Good voice pickup and decent noise suppression in moderately noisy environments
- Connectivity options are available
Product Considerations
- Round ear pads may pull down on ear cartilage and rest on ear lobes
- The HX can only be laid down flat, they are not fully collapsible
- ANC is good, but not quite at the level of industry leaders
- Touch panel is awkward to use, and touches are often not registered properly
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sony 1000XM4/XM5 and Bose 700, ANC on the HX is not quite at the level of these industry leaders
- Vs the H95, the HX are more sensible, and noticeably cheaper
- Vs the Sony XM3, the HX looks far more refined
- Vs the Apple AirPods Max, the HX has up to 15 hours of additional battery life, and are also 100g lighter
- Vs the Bowers & Wilkins PX7, the HX brings a slightly higher level of refinement, showcasing detail and nuances that are missed
Takeaway: The Beoplay HX are beautifully made headphones that deliver excellent sound quality and are highly comfortable. If the user values aesthetics as much as audio and is willing to pay a premium for quality, then the HX is worth consideration.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Flame maple housings are crafted with precision and look premium, adding both durability and aesthetic value
- Delivers exceptional clarity with detailed highs and a balanced mid-range
- Lightweight and comfortable, making them easy to wear for extended periods
- Offers a fast, tight, clean, and well-separated sound signature with a colorful and multidimensional soundstage
- Easy to drive, making them suitable for use with various portable sources
Product Considerations
- Bass response may feel a little too neutral for some listeners who prefer more emphasis on the low end
- The low midrange is somewhat recessed, which might rob male vocalists of presence and richness
- The included soft case may not be sufficient for protecting the headphones
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Focal Stelia or Sennheiser HD800S, the ATH-WP900 excels in build quality and high-frequency clarity, but those alternatives might be better for bass enthusiasts
- The WP900 has a natural sense of detail and energy, similar to Grado mids, but unlike a Grado, it delivers a fun, thumping bass line
- Compared to the Sennheiser HD-660S or the Beyerdynamic DT-1990 Pro, those alternatives offer a bit more warmth and bass presence, albeit with different designs
Takeaway: The ATH-WP900 headphones are a great choice for audiophiles who value clarity and a unique aesthetic design. The build quality and easy portability make them a set of headphones that is fun to use.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Comfortable for extended wear, with reviewers sometimes forgetting they are wearing headphones
- Sound reproduction is transparent and reliable, providing an accurate monitoring experience
- Good at isolation, making it easier to identify unwanted sounds in recordings
- Excellent build quality and handsome design using aluminum
- Midrange accuracy is a strong point, potentially comparable to the HD600
Product Considerations
- The bass can be a little bloated
- Some find the earpads stiff and uncomfortable initially
- Treble may be a bit too recessed
- Cable microphonics can be an issue
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Focal Allegias, the NDH 20 offers a more neutral tuning
- Compared to the Sennheiser HD 650, both models convey the midrange accuracy about the same, but the Sennheisers are lighter in the bass and a little brighter in the upper mid/treble area
Takeaway: The NDH 20 offers a combination of comfort, isolation, and accurate sound, making it a solid choice for studio use. It is a well-built and reliable tool for those needing a focused monitoring experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Good build quality and finish, with attention to detail and craftsmanship.
- Natural, organic, and well-balanced sound, with good detail.
- Spacious soundstage for a closed-back headphone.
- Very easy to drive and efficient, suitable for portable sources.
- Very good mid-range, with up-front vocals.
Product Considerations
- Treble can be a bit recessed or rolled-off.
- Burn-in time may be required before the sound settles.
- Can be critical of poor recording quality.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Tone balance is as good as HiFiMan Aria, but more dynamic and better with female vocals.
- Wider soundstage than Focal Celesti.
- Audeze LCD2 is darker.
- More high mid than beyerdynamic DT1770 Pro.
Takeaway: The Magni headphones are well-built and comfortable, offering a natural and enjoyable sound, with a surprising soundstage for closed-back headphones. It is a great choice for someone who wants a well-rounded headphone without needing a powerful amplifier.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Tuned to match the Harman target, which is generally considered a very enjoyable and versatile tonality
- Very easy to drive, meaning an amplifier is not required to sound good with various devices
- Compact and foldable build, making them easy to carry on the go
- Accessories such as three cables of varying lengths, and a carrying bag
Product Considerations
- The extension mechanism on the headband does not seem to lock tightly, and could get loose over time
- The inner headband is made of rubber and glued, which could peel off over time
- The durability of the hinge design is questioned, with concerns about it withstanding daily abuse in a professional environment
- The cable that connects to the driver may be under tension when fully extended
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs DT770 Pro: K371 bass performs better for detail, while DT770 Pro has a wacky and exaggerated bass tuning
- Vs Sennheiser HD660S and HD58X: Mids are very similar in their tonality and timbre to that of the Sennheiser's
- Vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50X: Sound better, have a soundstage, more cables, and fold
Takeaway: The AKG K371 is a portable and comfortable closed-back headphone that sounds great out of the box, especially due to the Harman tuning, and comes with multiple useful accessories. For those who want an easy-to-drive and versatile headphone for music listening, these could be a great choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Likely the best headphones that $140 can buy right now, granted the sound it offers.
- Light, which adds to user comfort for long periods of time.
- Build quality is very nice.
- Clarity is super good, soundstage is really good, mids and highs are all very good, and vocals are crystal clear.
- Comfortable, likely the comfiest headphones available because the pads are some sort of velvet material.
- Good soundstage.
- Great mids and highs.
- Lightweight and comfortable.
Product Considerations
- First impressions might be that it's cheaply made, but it's light for a reason.
- Bass is lacking.
- Bass response might feel a tad underwhelming for some.
- Because of the weight and plastic design, the AKG K271 MKIIs don't exactly feel like the best quality headphones.
- No carry case is supplied.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pros and Audio-Technica ATH-M50s, the AKG K271 MKII has a more neutral sound.
- The AKG K371 headphones sound far more balanced than the K271 MKII.
- Vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, the AKG K271 MKII has a more neutral mid-range.
- The DT 770 Pro headphones have a lot more bass, but a bit less separation when it comes to imaging.
Takeaway: The AKG K271 MKII headphones offer great clarity and good soundstage, especially for studio monitoring applications. They are also very comfortable to wear for extended periods, making them a solid choice for professionals or music lovers.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Well-defined mid-range
- Airy and spacious soundstage
- Creamy and smooth bass
- Good clarity for the price
- Strong audio isolation
Product Considerations
- Lackluster bass response
- Subpar and shallow ear padding
- Uncomfortable headband, especially for longer periods
- The cable is needlessly long and non-detachable
- Treble is the weak link
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Sennheiser HD 300 Pro has a better bass response
- The soundstage on the Audio-Technica ATH-M60x is cramped compared to the K553 MKII
Takeaway: The AKG K553 MKII offers a good soundstage and clarity for the price, which makes it a good option to consider. If one is on a budget and needs a capable imaging experience, the K553 MKII can be a good choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a quality listening experience with a warm and involving midrange.
- Offers a choice of wired (mini-XLR) or wireless (Bluetooth 5.0) connections.
- Provides up to 40 hours of wireless listening between charges.
- Bass is expansive and agile with good weight.
- Crisp, emotive vocals.
Product Considerations
- The mini-XLR connections can be challenging to disconnect and are not as fluid as other headphone connections.
- Touch controls are unreliable and success is erratic.
- Build quality has a weak point where the slider and headband meet, raising durability concerns.
- Design may be too big to fit into some carry-on luggage.
- Lacks extra features like auto-off functionality, Ambient Aware mode, USB-C charging, and aptX or aptX HD codec support.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. AKG Y400/Y500 Wireless: The K371-BT offers better sound, but lacks the extra features, such as auto-off, Ambient Aware mode, and USB-C charging, found in the Y400 and Y500.
Takeaway: The AKG K371-BT headphones provide high-quality sound with both wired and wireless options, making them a versatile choice for enjoying music or home recording. The long battery life and detailed sound reproduction can make these a satisfying purchase.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Amazing sound quality, delivering each layer of sound with complete clarity.
- Good quality and fully customizable noise cancellation.
- Comfortable for long periods of wear.
- Include a Wi-Fi dongle for Hi-Res streaming, transmitting higher quality tracks at a lower latency.
- Long battery life, up to 100 hours of playtime with ANC switched off.
Product Considerations
- Some users might want a little more robustness and density from the headband.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sony WH-1000XM5: AKG N9 Hybrid performs exceptionally in noise cancelation, long battery life, and sound.
Takeaway: The AKG N9 Hybrid are great headphones for detailed listening, with excellent noise cancellation and a comfortable design. They are a good option if you want high-quality wireless listening.
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