AKG K 142 HD Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£90
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

AKG K 142 HD review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.0

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

3.1

Technical Score

20.0%

7.8

User score

Poor
3.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

2.6

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

5.7

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

1.1

Calls & Controls

Poor
7.8

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

6.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(231)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(231)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Very good
  • 0.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 1.2
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    5.0

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 0.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 2.6
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.0

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

  • akg-k-142-hd
  • akg-k-142-hd
akg-k-142-hd
akg-k-142-hd

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The AKG K 142 HD is a pair of semi-open, on-ear high-definition headphones featuring 30mm drivers with patented Varimotion diaphragms, an 18Hz to 24kHz frequency response, and an impedance of 55 Ohms. Weighing approximately 225g, these headphones are characterized by their self-adjusting headband, gimbal-suspended earcups with velvet padding, and a 3-meter oxygen-free copper cable with gold-plated contacts. Main pros include a balanced soundstage with high sensitivity (101 dB/mW), detailed mid-to-high reproduction suitable for acoustic or instrumental music, and a lightweight, durable build that remains comfortable for long sessions. However, cons include a lack of deep sub-bass response, potential discomfort for users wearing glasses due to the on-ear pressure, and no passive noise isolation, which leads to sound leakage and susceptibility to background noise.

Technical Specifications of AKG K 142 HD

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

2.6

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

5.7

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

1.1

Calls & Controls

3.1
AKG K 142 HD has a technical score of 3.06 points, which is lower than that of 99% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

6.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(231)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(231)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

7.8
AKG K 142 HD has a user score of 7.78 points, which is lower than that of 65.2% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
6.3
AKG K 142 HD has a popularity of 6.3 points, which is higher than 59.3% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.0

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

5.8
AKG K 142 HD has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.8 points, which is lower than 88% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
AKG K 142 HD does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

30 mm
AKG K 142 HD uses a driver size of 30 mm, smaller driver size than 77.7% of headphones and equal to 4.1% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
AKG K 142 HD uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

18 Hz
AKG K 142 HD reaches a lowest frequency of 18 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 49.8% of headphones and equal to 3.5% of headphones.
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Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
AKG K 142 HD is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

0
AKG K 142 HD has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A
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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
AKG K 142 HD supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
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Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
AKG K 142 HD does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
AKG K 142 HD does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
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Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
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Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

AKG
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

on-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

225 g
AKG K 142 HD weighs 225 g, heavier than 52.2% of headphones and equal to 0.6% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

semi-open
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
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AKG K 142 HD vs the average headphone

  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    AKG K 142 HD includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
    When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    AKG K 142 HD includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 1.8 m more useful cable length
    AKG K 142 HD offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
    When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.

    Importance: LOW

    AKG K 142 HD offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.3 m vs 1.2 m
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    AKG K 142 HD has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    AKG K 142 HD has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.24000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 1.8 m more useful cable length
    AKG K 142 HD offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    AKG K 142 HD has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    AKG K 142 HD includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Fixed cable
    AKG K 142 HD has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    AKG K 142 HD uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No travel bag
    AKG K 142 HD does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • No passive noise reduction
    AKG K 142 HD does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 10 mm smaller driver size
    AKG K 142 HD has smaller driver size than the average headphone (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 9 dB lower max SPL
    AKG K 142 HD has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (101 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • Not headset-ready
    AKG K 142 HD is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    AKG K 142 HD has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    AKG K 142 HD does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 8 years older release date
    AKG K 142 HD was released earlier than the average headphone (2,009 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    March 2009
  • No passive noise reduction
    AKG K 142 HD does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
    When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    AKG K 142 HD does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 10 mm smaller driver size
    AKG K 142 HD has smaller driver size than the average headphone (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    AKG K 142 HD has smaller driver size than the average headphone (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.30 mm vs 40 mm
  • No voice assistant support
    AKG K 142 HD does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
    When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

    Importance: LOW

    AKG K 142 HD does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    AKG K 142 HD has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    AKG K 142 HD has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Not headset-ready
    AKG K 142 HD is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
    When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    AKG K 142 HD is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    AKG K 142 HD has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
    When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    AKG K 142 HD has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 16.1% worse value for money
    AKG K 142 HD has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.80 vs 6.736).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
    When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
    AKG K 142 HD has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.80 vs 6.736).5.8 vs 6.74
  • Tangle-prone cable
    AKG K 142 HD uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
    What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
    When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.

    Importance: LOW

    AKG K 142 HD uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.

Graphic comparison of AKG K 142 HD and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about AKG K 142 HD?

  • Detailed and clear sound quality, especially for jazz and classical music
  • Extremely lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions
  • Soft velvet earpads and self-adjusting headband design
  • Balanced, 'laidback' sound signature that is not fatiguing
  • Good soundstage due to the semi-open design
  • Affordable price point for entry-level studio quality

What customers dislike about AKG K 142 HD?

  • Bass may feel thin or lacking for 'bass junkies' or hip-hop fans
  • Pressure on the ears can be uncomfortable for users who wear glasses
  • Primarily plastic construction feels somewhat 'cheap'
  • Non-detachable 3-meter cable can be cumbersome for mobile use
  • Requires an amp or high-power source for the best performance (55 ohms)
  • Semi-open design provides minimal noise isolation in loud environments

Expert reviews

H
head-fi.org
05/05/2010

The AKG K 142 HD, as detailed in user reviews on Head-Fi, are lauded as durable, semi-open headphones offering a balanced, musical sound with engaging vocal reproduction and an open soundstage suitable for jazz. However, users note the treble is somewhat subdued and they lack the high-level instrument separation found in competitors like the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro. Regarding...Read more

C
crutchfield.com
26/05/2012

The AKG K 142 HD, featured on Crutchfield, are semi-open, on-ear studio headphones utilizing patented Varimotion technology to deliver a wide dynamic range, detailed highs, and tight bass. Comfort features include a self-adjusting headband, velvet earpads, and effective noise isolation, supported by a durable 9-foot, 99.99% oxygen-free copper cable. While ideal for studio...Read more

C
connect.de
16/12/2008

The connect.de test report for the AKG K 142 HD evaluates these dynamic, semi-open headphones, highlighting their strengths in daily comfort and tonal delivery. The reviewer praises the headphones for producing beautiful tone colors ("schöne Klangfarben") accompanied by a generous, rich bass presence. Structurally, the build quality, user handling, and included accessories (such as...Read more

K
kopfhoerer.de
20/08/2012

The AKG K 142 HD is a lightweight (210g) hi-fi adaptation of the classic K 141 studio headphones, featuring a semi-open, on-ear design constructed from plastic and aluminum. On the positive side, it offers high-quality workmanship, excellent long-term wearing comfort due to low clamping force, and exceptional, vivid vocal reproduction driven by a warm sound signature. Additionally,...Read more

C
connect.de
16/12/2008

The connect review describes the AKG K 142 HD as a semi-open headphone rooted in a rich studio tradition, earning an overall score of 70.0 points out of 100 at a retail price of 130.00 €. Structurally, the headphones utilize an on-ear (supra-aural) design where the softly padded earcups rest directly on the ears rather than enclosing them. The audio profile focuses less on wide...Read more

H
hifitest.de
02/09/2009

The hifitest.de review awards the AKG K 142 HD headphones a "very good" rating and crowns them a test winner in their category. Retailing around 130 Euros, this model builds on the legendary studio legacy of the AKG K 141, adapting it for modern high-definition hi-fi listening. Acoustically, the reviewer praises the headphones for delivering an honest, uncolored audio reproduction...Read more

L
lesnumeriques.com
11/12/2008

The AKG K142 HD is an open-back, supra-aural (on-ear) Hi-Fi headphone weighing 225 grams, which received a 4 out of 5-star rating from the editors at Les Numériques. The editorial review highlights its very high audio quality, strong build finish, and initial comfort as primary strengths. However, the review also notes a specific sonic drawback, pointing out a lack of detail in the...Read more

L
lesnumeriques.com
11/12/2008

The article from Les Numériques serves as an introductory overview for a batch of five AKG headphone reviews, rather than a single detailed product teardown. The reviewer humorously notes that they are usually strict with grading, but this particular lineup earned a rare, consecutive "avalanche of stars" with every single model receiving a perfect 5-star rating. The specific models...Read more

L
lesnumeriques.com
28/05/2013

The AKG K142 HD is a supra-aural, open-back hi-fi headphone that adapts the design and audio characteristics of the K141 Mk II studio headphones for home listeners. Weighing 225 grams, it features an excellent suspended headband adjustment system that provides a notably lightweight and comfortable fit. In terms of audio performance, it delivers a very high-quality and clean sound...Read more

Video reviews

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