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
- The K240 MKII is comfortable to wear due to its lightweight design
- Delivers an immersive audio reproduction
- The ear pads are large enough to fit over the ear, and the self-adjusting headband prevents the headphones from falling off without putting pressure on the ears or head
- It is a great headphone for long editing or quality control sessions
- At $149 USD, is an affordable option for audio professionals looking for a comfortable editing headphone
Product Considerations
- The semi-open back design doesn't offer enough isolation to be useful as a tracking headphone for louder instruments
- The K240 MKII is very sensitive to ambient noise, by design
- High leakage, by design
- The K240 MKII is not portable headphones
- The semi-open back design makes them not suitable for commuting
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Superlux HD 681 and the K240 MKII are similarly designed headphones with similar levels of comfort
- The Samson SR850 are a bit better for neutral sound
- The K240 MKII and the Beats Solo Pro are designed for different uses
Takeaway: The AKG K240 MKII are comfortable and affordable headphones with above-average audio reproduction. They are especially good for editing and quality control sessions due to their comfortable design.
All
K240 MKII
reviews

Manufacturer details
- Type: Semi-Open, Over-Ear
- Frequency Response: 15 Hz – 25 kHz
- Sensitivity: 104 dB SPL/V
- Impedance: 55 Ω
- Maximum Input Power: 200 mW
- Cable: 3 m Straight (Detachable) + 5 m Coiled (Detachable)
- Connector: Mini-XLR to 3.5 mm (⅛″) with 6.3 mm (¼″) Adapter
- Weight: 240 g (8.5 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.
Our take on the brand
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Used
AKG
What if you spend more?
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent wireless sound quality with clarity, detail, and balanced, refined sound.
- Good technical performance, particularly soundstage width.
- Multiple hifi audio codecs are supported, including LDAC, aptX HD, and aptX Lossless.
- The Edifier ConneX app provides a customizable EQ.
- Long battery life is quoted at 80 hours.
Product Considerations
- Active noise cancellation is lacking.
- Some reviewers find the fit awkward, with inadequate clamping force.
- Treble can sound a little metallic or plasticky.
- The use of animal hide might deter some buyers.
- The volume on wireless mode isn't always loud enough.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Sennheiser Momentum 4, the Spirit S5 offers a more audiophile-like presentation with better soundstage and clarity.
- The Spirit S5 destroys the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Sennheiser Momentum 4s in terms of sound quality.
- The S5 sounds better than the Stax Spirit S3, with improvements across the board and new features.
Takeaway: The Stax Spirit S5 is a great-sounding wireless headphone that is comfortable and offers modern convenience. It is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to enjoy music with detail and clarity.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Uses premium materials like carbon fiber, metal, sheep lambskin earpads, and zebra wood faceplates for a luxurious feel, with excellent build quality
- Has a mostly neutral sound signature, with lambskin pads bass response is very good with a tasteful emphasis placed on the sub-bass region, and a decent midrange
- Provides good detail retrieval, resolution, and transparency of sound, the drivers can show plenty of information and micro detail
- A pad swapping system allows changes to sound characteristics, with lambskin pads and breathable fabric pads included
- Comes with a quarter-inch adapter and a 4-pin XLR adapter for use with portable or desktop devices
Product Considerations
- The stock cable is 3 meters long, which is too long for desktop use
- Headband adjustment can be a little stiff to move
- With leather pads, the highs can get slightly sharp
- There is a slight sharpness in the upper treble that might pose a problem for some listeners, using fabric pads can mitigate this
- Weight distribution could be better, there's not enough padding on the headband, and the clamp force is low, this distributes all the weight across the top of the head, which can be bothersome after 40-50 minutes
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HiFiMan Susvara: Has a similar driver structure
- Vs HiFiMan HE1000 Unveiled: Is close in terms of technical performance like resolution, transient response, soundstage, depth, and openness
- Vs HiFiMan Arya Stealth: Has a better build quality and bass response
Takeaway: The FiiO FT7 is a well-built, comfortable headphone that offers a neutral-leaning-warm sound that can be tailored with different earpads. The FT7 competes with other headphones that cost significantly more, making it a great pick at its price point.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Excellent stereo separation for mixing and monitoring
- Built with aluminum, it has a durable feel
- Designed for reference listening
- Clean, linear, and very detailed mids
Product Considerations
- Sound can be considered somewhat restrained, lacking upper midrange and low to HF 'hype'
- Cloth ear pads may not feel as soft or luxurious as velour pads on some other headphones
- Lacks impact and bite
- Headband padding is uncomfortable
- Single-entry cable is on the right side, which is an unusual placement
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sennheiser HD650: Differences come down to something similar to a full-range studio monitor versus a full-range hifi speaker of equal build quality and similar design, Sennheisers are geared more towards enjoying the brain-pleasing sounds of music, while you probably want to mix with the Neumanns
- Vs Sennheiser HD600/650: The HD600 and HD650 are more comfortable, with a better industrial design than the NDH-30
Takeaway: The Neumann NDH 30 is a tool that can be very helpful for mixing sessions, especially for identifying details in the mid-range of a mix. Its design and build quality also make it a lasting product.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- The Wraith features an all-metal alloy body that feels sturdy and durable
- The earcups feature a rotating mechanism, making it convenient to rest the headphones around the neck
- The design is considered stylish, industrial, and unique
- The suspension headband design distributes weight evenly, making it comfortable to wear for long listening sessions
Product Considerations
- The Wraith's headband adjustment system is not very practical and requires a screwdriver to adjust
- Stock pads may not create the best seal, impacting sound isolation
- The soundstage is intimate, and the resolution is average
- The 2.5mm connectors on the earcups might limit replacement cable options
- Sub-bass can roll off with stock pads
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HiFiMan Edition XS: The Edition XS has better resolution, clarity, and sub-bass response out of the box, but the Wraith has superior build quality, materials, robustness, and comfort
- Vs Sendy Audio Aiva: The Wraith and Aiva share a similar bass roll-off
- Vs Moondrop Venus: The Moondrop Venus costs slightly more and provides a wider soundstage and more refined sound
Takeaway: The ThieAudio Wraith has excellent build quality and a unique design, making them durable and comfortable for many users. The sound is warm and laid-back, making them suitable for casual listening.
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
Our take on the brand
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.
Video review
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