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
- Excellent value for the affordable price
- Good sound quality with clear vocals and decent bass
- Solid design, often described as clean and premium, with a mix of metal and plastic
- Long battery life, with claims of up to 33 hours
- Features like auto-pause when headphones are removed and an 'Ambient Aware' mode are seen as positives
- Compact and foldable design, making them good for travel
Product Considerations
- Micro-USB charging instead of USB-C is a compromise
- Some reviewers find the on-ear design uncomfortable for long listening sessions, over 2-3 hours
- The auto-pause feature can be finicky with a noticeable delay
- Some find the clamping force to be a bit tight, especially for those who wear glasses
- One review says the headphones are heavy and fall off easily with head movement
- The 'Ambient Aware' feature notification sound is loud and annoying according to one review
- Build quality is average and feels lightweight and plasticky with slightly loose joints
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the AKG Y50BT, the AKG Y500 Wireless has a smarter design and more listenable sound
Takeaway: The AKG Y500 Wireless headphones are a stylish and portable option that offers good sound quality and long battery life for the price. These headphones, with their solid build and unique features, are a great choice for everyday listening.
All
Y500 Wireless
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Images
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Manufacturer's details
Features
Specifications
- Driver Size: 40 mm
- Frequency Response: 16 Hz – 22 kHz
- Sensitivity: 117 dB SPL/V @ 1 kHz
- Maximum SPL: 92 dB
- Microphone Sensitivity: –42 dB V/Pa @ 1 kHz
- Impedance: 32 Ω
- Bluetooth Transmit Power: 0 – 4 dBm
- Battery: 900 mAh Rechargeable
- Battery Life: Up to 33 Hours
- Charging Method: USB (Micro-USB)
- Charging Time: ~2.5 h (Full Charge)
- Quick Charge: 5 min = 1 h Playtime
- Weight: 223 g
- Foldable: Yes (Fold-Flat Earcups)
- Controls: On-Ear Controls for Volume/Playback, 1-Button Remote/Mic, Voice Assistant Support (Siri, Google Assistant)
- Noise Reduction: Passive Noise-Isolating; Ambient Aware (Not Active Noise Cancelling)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2 with Multipoint (2 Devices); Detachable 3.5 mm Cable
Manufacturer product description (from their site)
Wireless on-ear headphones offering AKG signature sound, comfort with memory-foam ear cups and soft-touch headband, durability with aluminum highlights, Bluetooth 4.2 (AAC), Ambient Aware, auto play/pause, multipoint connectivity, up to 33 h battery life with 5-min quick charge, and a detachable cable with 1-button mic/remote.
Overall product release timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
We analyzed reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—and 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
Product lineup breakdown
AKG's studio headphones sound close to neutral with a wide soundstage, so you hear the recording as it is. The K361 is the entry, a closed-back over-ear with 50 mm drivers that folds up to travel with you. The K712 PRO is open-back, giving long mixing sessions an airy, spacious sound. The K812 tops the range with a 53 mm driver, the largest AKG has built, which adds headroom for loud peaks.
- Start here. If you want neutral monitoring on a tight budget and need something to carry, the K361 is the pick because it is closed-back and folds up.
- Sweet spot. The K702 gives a quiet-room listener open-back spaciousness and an accurate response from flat-wire voice coils that the closed K361 does not offer, at a price well under the K812.
- All in. The K812 is an extension of the K872 below it, priced only a little above it and sharing its 53 mm driver, so you get the same large-driver headroom with an open back for precise placement of instruments.
All products from this brand
Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
0
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
809
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
23
Founding Year
1947
Our take on the brand
AKG is an Austrian headphone maker, founded in 1947, whose range spans studio reference models and wireless headphones. Reviewers hear its studio headphones as close to neutral, with a wide soundstage and precise placement, and many use a self-adjusting hammock-style headband that spreads the weight for comfort. The open-back K812 and closed-back K872 both use a 53mm transducer, the largest AKG has built, with a 1.5 Tesla magnet and a two-layer voice coil. The K371-BT folds up and works over Bluetooth or a cable, and the N9 Hybrid adds adaptive noise canceling for noisy places.
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Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
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AKG
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What if you spend more?
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Bang & Olufsen
Beoplay HX
749
749
/
10
Reviews
Bang & Olufsen designs its products around form as much as sound, with sculptural shapes and high-grade materials that reviewers single out across the range. The Danish company, founded in 1925, makes speakers, headphones and televisions, and some of its speakers use Acoustic Lens Technology to spread sound 180 degrees horizontally. Its headphones run from the Beoplay EX earbuds to over-ear models. The Beoplay HX has an app-based equalizer for tuning the sound, the Beoplay H95 adds stronger noise cancellation, and the Beoplay H100 flagship adds a detachable cable and aptX support.
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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
Bang & Olufsen designs its products around form as much as sound, with sculptural shapes and high-grade materials that reviewers single out across the range. The Danish company, founded in 1925, makes speakers, headphones and televisions, and some of its speakers use Acoustic Lens Technology to spread sound 180 degrees horizontally. Its headphones run from the Beoplay EX earbuds to over-ear models. The Beoplay HX has an app-based equalizer for tuning the sound, the Beoplay H95 adds stronger noise cancellation, and the Beoplay H100 flagship adds a detachable cable and aptX support.
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Master & Dynamic
MW75
599
599
/
7
Reviews
Master & Dynamic is an American headphone maker, started by Jonathan Levine after a pair of WWII aviator headphones in a museum set him on building headphones that would still look right in 50 years. Its headphones use materials such as metal, leather and tempered glass where most headphones use plastic. Reviewers describe a rich, warm sound with punchy bass, often from custom beryllium drivers. The MW75 headphones and MW09 earphones add active noise canceling, and the MG20 is a wireless gaming headset with 7.1 surround sound. The MH40 Wireless updates the original MH40.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Premium build quality with materials like lambskin leather, aluminum, and tempered glass, gives it a solid and luxurious feel
- Comfortable for extended wear, due to soft memory foam padding on earcups and headband, and a balanced headband
- Balanced sound signature with warm bass, clean mids, and well-defined treble, making it suitable for various music genres
- Effective active noise cancellation (ANC) significantly reduces low-frequency sounds
- Comprehensive package includes various adapters for different connections, and a hard-shell carrying case for protection
Product Considerations
- The earcup size might be too small for some users, potentially affecting comfort and seal
- Some reviewers found the clamping force to be loose, which could be an issue for active use
- Audible hiss can be noticeable when ANC is activated
- The app lacks a customizable graphic EQ
- Ambient mode is subtle and might not let in as much surrounding sound as competing models
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Sony WH-1000XM5, the Master & Dynamic MW75 delivers above-average ANC performance, but it is not class-leading
- Compared to the Bose QuietComfort 45, the Master & Dynamic MW75 has an audible ANC hiss
Takeaway: The Master & Dynamic MW75 are stylish and comfortable headphones that deliver excellent audio quality and decent noise cancellation. They are a great choice for those looking for a premium listening experience and appreciate high-quality materials.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Master & Dynamic is an American headphone maker, started by Jonathan Levine after a pair of WWII aviator headphones in a museum set him on building headphones that would still look right in 50 years. Its headphones use materials such as metal, leather and tempered glass where most headphones use plastic. Reviewers describe a rich, warm sound with punchy bass, often from custom beryllium drivers. The MW75 headphones and MW09 earphones add active noise canceling, and the MG20 is a wireless gaming headset with 7.1 surround sound. The MH40 Wireless updates the original MH40.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
AKG
K371-BT
224
/
Released
2020
Closed-back, over-ear professional studio headphones with Bluetooth and wired connectivity, featuring 50 mm drivers, AKG Reference Response tuning, and 40-hour wireless playback.
AKG is an Austrian headphone maker, founded in 1947, whose range spans studio reference models and wireless headphones. Reviewers hear its studio headphones as close to neutral, with a wide soundstage and precise placement, and many use a self-adjusting hammock-style headband that spreads the weight for comfort. The open-back K812 and closed-back K872 both use a 53mm transducer, the largest AKG has built, with a 1.5 Tesla magnet and a two-layer voice coil. The K371-BT folds up and works over Bluetooth or a cable, and the N9 Hybrid adds adaptive noise canceling for noisy places.
Expand Details
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
AKG is an Austrian headphone maker, founded in 1947, whose range spans studio reference models and wireless headphones. Reviewers hear its studio headphones as close to neutral, with a wide soundstage and precise placement, and many use a self-adjusting hammock-style headband that spreads the weight for comfort. The open-back K812 and closed-back K872 both use a 53mm transducer, the largest AKG has built, with a 1.5 Tesla magnet and a two-layer voice coil. The K371-BT folds up and works over Bluetooth or a cable, and the N9 Hybrid adds adaptive noise canceling for noisy places.
Product Page
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AKG
N9 Hybrid
439
/
Released
2024
The AKG N9 Hybrid are wireless over-ear headphones delivering high-resolution AKG sound, immersive spatial audio and adaptive noise cancelling. They support seamless multi-mode connectivity (Bluetooth 5.3, 2.4 GHz dongle, AUX), customizable call settings via the AKG app, Smart Talk auto pause feature, ultra-lightweight comfort, and extremely long battery life—up to 100 h in Bluetooth mode with ANC off.
AKG is an Austrian headphone maker, founded in 1947, whose range spans studio reference models and wireless headphones. Reviewers hear its studio headphones as close to neutral, with a wide soundstage and precise placement, and many use a self-adjusting hammock-style headband that spreads the weight for comfort. The open-back K812 and closed-back K872 both use a 53mm transducer, the largest AKG has built, with a 1.5 Tesla magnet and a two-layer voice coil. The K371-BT folds up and works over Bluetooth or a cable, and the N9 Hybrid adds adaptive noise canceling for noisy places.
Expand Details
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
Our take on the brand
AKG is an Austrian headphone maker, founded in 1947, whose range spans studio reference models and wireless headphones. Reviewers hear its studio headphones as close to neutral, with a wide soundstage and precise placement, and many use a self-adjusting hammock-style headband that spreads the weight for comfort. The open-back K812 and closed-back K872 both use a 53mm transducer, the largest AKG has built, with a 1.5 Tesla magnet and a two-layer voice coil. The K371-BT folds up and works over Bluetooth or a cable, and the N9 Hybrid adds adaptive noise canceling for noisy places.
Product Page
Product Page
AKG
K361-BT
165
/
Released
2020
Closed-back, over-ear Bluetooth-enabled professional headphones with AKG Reference Response tuning, 50 mm drivers, and hybrid wired/wireless operation.
AKG is an Austrian headphone maker, founded in 1947, whose range spans studio reference models and wireless headphones. Reviewers hear its studio headphones as close to neutral, with a wide soundstage and precise placement, and many use a self-adjusting hammock-style headband that spreads the weight for comfort. The open-back K812 and closed-back K872 both use a 53mm transducer, the largest AKG has built, with a 1.5 Tesla magnet and a two-layer voice coil. The K371-BT folds up and works over Bluetooth or a cable, and the N9 Hybrid adds adaptive noise canceling for noisy places.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good value.
- Great transmission range and battery life.
- Touch controls work well.
- Comfortable for long listening sessions.
- Portable design.
Product Considerations:
- Doesn’t support aptX codec.
- Sounds better in cabled mode.
- Noticeable difference in sound quality compared to when using them with a wired connection.
- Latency makes Bluetooth unsuitable for monitoring when programming and recording in real-time with a DAW.
- Seemed a little harsh at times, with what seemed to be a pronounced bump around the 1-2kHz region, making these quite fatiguing to listen to for long periods at a moderate volume when cabled.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The cabled version is less costly and is a better bet for music production, versus the AKG K361.
- Mentioned as an alternative option, versus the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT.
Takeaway: The K361-BT is an intriguing wireless headphone, and the draw of wireless listening is a big plus if convenience is a concern.
Video review
Our take on the brand
AKG is an Austrian headphone maker, founded in 1947, whose range spans studio reference models and wireless headphones. Reviewers hear its studio headphones as close to neutral, with a wide soundstage and precise placement, and many use a self-adjusting hammock-style headband that spreads the weight for comfort. The open-back K812 and closed-back K872 both use a 53mm transducer, the largest AKG has built, with a 1.5 Tesla magnet and a two-layer voice coil. The K371-BT folds up and works over Bluetooth or a cable, and the N9 Hybrid adds adaptive noise canceling for noisy places.
Product Page
Product Page
Bang & Olufsen
Beoplay EX
399
/
Released
2022
As versatile as they are beautiful, these wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation bring deep sound and snug comfort in one sleek package.
Bang & Olufsen designs its products around form as much as sound, with sculptural shapes and high-grade materials that reviewers single out across the range. The Danish company, founded in 1925, makes speakers, headphones and televisions, and some of its speakers use Acoustic Lens Technology to spread sound 180 degrees horizontally. Its headphones run from the Beoplay EX earbuds to over-ear models. The Beoplay HX has an app-based equalizer for tuning the sound, the Beoplay H95 adds stronger noise cancellation, and the Beoplay H100 flagship adds a detachable cable and aptX support.
Expand Details
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
Bang & Olufsen designs its products around form as much as sound, with sculptural shapes and high-grade materials that reviewers single out across the range. The Danish company, founded in 1925, makes speakers, headphones and televisions, and some of its speakers use Acoustic Lens Technology to spread sound 180 degrees horizontally. Its headphones run from the Beoplay EX earbuds to over-ear models. The Beoplay HX has an app-based equalizer for tuning the sound, the Beoplay H95 adds stronger noise cancellation, and the Beoplay H100 flagship adds a detachable cable and aptX support.
Product Page
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HIFIMAN
Svanar Wireless
499
/
Released
2023
SVANAR Wireless — Ultimate Personal Audio in True Wireless Form.
HIFIMAN is the reason planar magnetic headphones are no longer exotic. Started by Dr. Fang Bian in 2005, the Chinese company builds planars with nanometer-thin diaphragms and open "Stealth Magnet" arrays shaped so sound passes through with less turbulence and distortion, and it also makes electrostatic headphones at lower prices than the category usually asks. The tuning varies from warm to neutral across the range, so it pays to choose a model by sound, and the Sundara and the Arya are both on our Best Open-Back Headphones list.
Expand Details
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
HIFIMAN is the reason planar magnetic headphones are no longer exotic. Started by Dr. Fang Bian in 2005, the Chinese company builds planars with nanometer-thin diaphragms and open "Stealth Magnet" arrays shaped so sound passes through with less turbulence and distortion, and it also makes electrostatic headphones at lower prices than the category usually asks. The tuning varies from warm to neutral across the range, so it pays to choose a model by sound, and the Sundara and the Arya are both on our Best Open-Back Headphones list.
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