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
- Comes with many accessories, including four types of cables, a balanced cable, a Bluetooth cable, a flight adapter, and different sizes of ear tips
- The sound quality is superb
- Offers customizable audio filters that can be interchanged to modify the sound, bass boost, reference sound, mid-high boost, and high boost
- Excellent treble is the IEM’s best trait, without a shadow of a doubt
Product Considerations
- The earphones are heavy
- Cable design is strange
- Fit may be an issue for some users, as the IEM tips refuse to stay in some people's ears no matter what tips they use
- Bluetooth is not lossless audio
- Bluetooth connection is not hifi level, sharing the same story as the midrange and bass, as everything dims, feels less engaging, and offers less purity overall
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs AKG K3003, the N5005 is a modern update to the older K3003, with some added bonuses and improvements
Takeaway: The AKG N5005 is a great set of in-ear monitors for anyone looking for a versatile and customizable listening experience. They have a tight fit and are a luxury item with excellent sound.
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Manufacturer details
- System: Hybrid (Dynamic + Balanced Armature)
- Driver Size: 9.2 mm Dynamic + Quad Balanced Armature
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 40 kHz
- Sensitivity: 116 dB SPL/V @ 1 kHz
- Impedance: 18 Ω
- Weight: 11.4 g (without cable)
- Version: 4.1
- Profiles: A2DP V1.2, AVRCP V1.4, HFP V1.6, HSP V1.2
- Transmit Power: 0 to 4 dBm
- Frequency Range: 2.402 – 2.480 GHz
- Modulation: GFSK, π/4 DQPSK, 8DPSK
- Battery: 120 mAh / 3.7 V Li-ion
- Charging Time: < 2 h
- Playback Time: Up to 8 h (Bluetooth)
- Talk Time: Up to 8 h (Bluetooth)
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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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent passive noise isolation, better than many headphones with ANC enabled, creating a quiet noise floor.
- Good build quality with quality materials like anodized aluminum, Alcantara headband, and protein leather pads.
- Supports a wide variety of Bluetooth codecs, including LDAC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, and SBC, offering versatility in device compatibility.
- Strong battery life, rated up to 80 hours without ANC and 60 hours with ANC, making it suitable for travel and extended use.
- Powerful, textured, and nuanced bass is a standout feature.
Product Considerations
- The included carrying case is bulky and may not be ideal for travel, taking up significant space in a bag.
- Comfort is not great for everyone, with some users experiencing hotspots on the headband during extended use.
- With ANC on, some users have noted the bass can become boomy with a reduction in sub bass.
- Treble transparency mode is not as good as other models.
- The headphone may clip the sound when ANC is on and the user hits bumpy roads or takes a harder step.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Audeze Maxwell: The Apollo has a latency issue.
- Vs Focal Bathys: The Apollo has a more engaging, punchy, and emotional sound, also it has more features and tech, but the Transparency mode of the Bathys is better.
- Vs Apple AirPods Max: The Apollo offers superior sound quality with better clarity, speed, separation, and refined dynamics compared to the AirPods Max.
Takeaway: The Noble FoKus Apollo is a well-built wireless headphone with a strong battery life and great bass performance, making it an enjoyable choice for those who prioritize powerful sound and noise isolation. It offers a versatile listening experience with a range of connectivity options and a comfortable design.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Luxury design and premium build quality with aluminum accents.
- Balanced and detailed sound with customizable EQ settings via the Bang & Olufsen app.
- Good active noise cancellation and transparency mode for immersive listening, and awareness.
- Bluetooth 5.2 ensures fast and stable pairing.
Product Considerations
- Expensive compared to other premium earbuds, like AirPods Pro.
- ANC is good, but not best-in-class compared to Sony or other brands.
- Fit might not be perfect for everyone, as the earbuds are slightly on the larger side.
- Touch controls can be sensitive, and may require getting used to.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs AirPods Pro: Beoplay 11 has a bigger case.
- Vs Sony WF-1000XM4/XM5: Holds its own in terms of sound quality and ANC, but the Sony models might be a slightly lower price.
Takeaway: The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay 11 earbuds are a stylish and luxurious option that provide great sound and noise cancelling. Those who value design and quality may find these earbuds to be a very good pick.
Video review
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What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Premium design and build quality, using materials like aluminum and glass for a luxurious feel
- Sound quality is generally praised as excellent, detailed, and balanced, especially after equalization
- Comfortable and secure fit, particularly for those with smaller ear canals
- App provides an intuitive EQ interface with customizable presets
Product Considerations
- Active noise cancellation (ANC), while solid, is not considered the best on the market compared to brands like Sony or Bose
- Some reviewers experienced connectivity issues, including problems with multipoint pairing and occasional signal dropouts
- Battery life is respectable but not outstanding, with some reviewers noting shorter-than-advertised playback times
- Responsiveness of the touch controls is sometimes too sensitive, leading to accidental pausing or track skipping
- Some users have found the default sound profile (Optimal) to be somewhat flat or boring, requiring EQ adjustments
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Apple AirPods Pro, the EX has more clarity, better soundstage and separation, but tonal balance may be preferable on the Airpods Pro
- Compared to the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3, the Beoplay EX offers a more balanced and detailed presentation with a more luxurious build
- Compared to the Devialet Gemini II, the Gemini II offers a more neutral sound signature with advanced ANC capabilities, but Beoplay EX offers a more balanced and detailed presentation with a more luxurious build
Takeaway: The Beoplay EX offers a luxurious experience with refined sound and a stylish design. It's a good choice for those who prioritize sound quality and aesthetics, and value a premium feel.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Upgraded 8K sound provides a crisper, cleaner, and more detailed sound, especially when enabling the 8K sound feature
- Improved ANC performance compared to the previous generation ZE8000, with a 32% improvement in noise reduction
- Enhanced comfort and a more secure fit due to the new 'Shield Fin' ear tips
- The design minimizes contact between the ear and the plastic parts of the earphones, supposedly improving overall comfort
- Wide soundstage with spatial imaging depth
Product Considerations
- Battery life is not the best, offering only about 5 hours of playtime on a single charge
- The case does not support wireless charging
- Touch controls aren't intuitive
- Some users may find the build quality of the case to be slightly lacking compared to the premium feel of the earphones themselves
- The microphones on these earbuds do a pretty good job at focusing on speech and rejecting some of the noise going on around you, but the ANC and transparency modes are not quite top tier
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bose QuietComfort Ultras: Dialogue and landscapers mowing lawns aren't eliminated as effectively
- Vs Sony WF-1000XM5: ANC does not reduce noise as drastically, but the characteristic ‘whoosh’ sound was much more subtle and effective in translating music
Takeaway: The ZE8000 MK2 offers a noticeable step up in sound quality with the upgraded 8K sound, making music feel very large, showcasing a level of scale rarely found on true wireless earbuds. If you want possibly the best sounding wireless earbuds on the market, these are worth at least giving a shot.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent sound quality, potentially challenging cabled IEMs, with a dynamic and holographic rendering and beautiful mids and airy treble.
- Effective ANC, making it suitable for reducing ambient noise, even in noisy environments, with up to 35dB of noise attenuation.
- Good build quality, with the IEMs made of lightweight metal and Kevlar, and a sturdy charging case.
- Good bass performance, with texture and extension, punchy, without overpowering, and a powerful but tight impact.
- Wide soundstage, creating a spacious and immersive listening experience.
Product Considerations
- Connectivity issues with LDAC, especially outdoors or in areas with interference, leading to intermittent signal drops.
- Transparency mode might generate turbulence in windy conditions due to microphone placement.
- Limited codecs available, with no aptX support.
- Physical size of the charging case is large and might not be pocket-friendly.
- Included eartips may not be suitable for all ear sizes, with a shorter nozzle affecting fit for some users.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Final ZE8000: Svanar Wireless offers a more W-shaped and punchy signature, greater upper mids gain, more precise imaging, and a vaster sound layering capability, while the ZE8000 sound more neutral to L shape, warmer, and have more sub bass boost and warmth.
- Vs Noble FoKus Mystique: Svanar Wireless has some emphasis in the bass, but not as much, has stronger overall imaging performance—providing a wider soundstage and the best balance between the separation and cohesion in the imaging.
- Vs HIFIMAN Svanar (wired): Svanar Wireless soundstage is taller and wider but not as deep, since clarity isn’t as sharp and clean, silence being more ”noisy”.
- Vs Sony WF-1000XM4: The Svanar Wireless presents a much more detailed, natural and sophisticated kind of sound, while Sony has bloated bass, that overwhelms everything else.
- Vs Apple AirPods Pro: The Svanar Wireless generally outperforms the AirPods Pro in sound quality.
Takeaway: The Svanar Wireless is a solid choice for TWS lovers, with a top-tier sound quality, effective ANC, and its convenience and comfort. It is innovative, less bass-heavy tuning, and overall a solid proposal.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Extremely compact and small size makes them very comfortable, especially for people with small ears
- Good active noise cancellation (ANC) performance for the price and size
- The inclusion of Qi wireless charging is a premium feature
- IPX5 water resistance makes them suitable for workouts and outdoor use
- The 1MORE Music app provides customization options, including SoundID for personalized sound
Product Considerations
- Microphone quality is poor, not recommended for frequent phone calls
- ANC can alter the sound signature, sometimes creating a less desirable sound profile
- Limited touch controls, and inconvenient microphone placement
- Some reviewers experienced connection issues, such as random disconnects
- Passive isolation is poor
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The ComfoBuds Mini has better noise cancelling than the Nothing Ear 1, but the Nothing Ear 1 has a much better microphone
- The Mini has better noise cancelling than the 1More ComfoBuds Pro, while the Pro has better microphone quality
- The Anker Soundcore Space A40 has better sound and more reliable operation
- The Lypertek SoundFree S20 and the Moondrop Sparks may sound better and offer better passive isolation
Takeaway: The Comfobuds Mini are very small and comfortable earbuds with many good features, making them worth consideration for those seeking tiny earbuds with noise canceling and wireless charging. They are also suitable for people with small ears.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent sound quality with depth, great soundstage, and crisp, clean elements
- Active noise cancellation is a useful addition and blocks out rumbling and background chatter
- The earbuds themselves are smaller compared to the previous version
- Touch controls are responsive and easier to use than the old version, and customizable
Product Considerations
- Continuous battery life with ANC on is quite short at around 4 hours
- The case is not the smallest and can create a bulge in your pocket
- Microphone sounds muffled
- These do not support multi-connect, meaning that these cannot connect to a phone and a tablet simultaneously
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Momentum 2's do not support multi-connect like the Jabra Elite 75T
- AirPods Pro's transparent hearing quality is better than Momentum 2's
- Sony's noise-cancelling has an edge over the Momentum True Wireless 2
- Galaxy Buds Plus have great clarity, but the bass isn't as good as the Momentum 2's
- The Momentum 2's sound better than AirPods
- Momentum 2 is more comfortable and nicer to use, battery life is better, and noise-cancelling is included
Takeaway: The Momentum True Wireless 2 earbuds offer respectable noise cancelation, sound good, and are sweat-resistant. These could be worth buying if sound is the main priority.
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