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AKG K141 MKII Review | 93 Data compared

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

AKG K141 MKII review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.9

Poor

2.9

Very poor

7.8

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

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#67 in Best AKG Headphones
#790 in Best Wired Headphones

Verdict

The AKG K141 MKII is a professional semi-open, on-ear (supra-aural) headphone designed primarily for studio monitoring and vocal tracking. It features patented 30mm XXL transducers with Varimotion technology, offering a frequency response of 18Hz to 24kHz and a sensitivity of 114 dB SPL/V. Its 55-ohm impedance makes it efficient enough to be driven by portable devices while maintaining compatibility with studio gear. Main pros include its accurate, uncolored midrange, high efficiency, and a versatile accessory package that includes both leatherette and velvet earpads along with detachable straight (3m) and coiled (5m) cables. However, notable cons include a lean bass response that rolls off below 40Hz and potential long-term discomfort due to high clamping pressure on the ears.

Technical Specifications of AKG K141 MKII

Overall score

3.9

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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.

Sound

2.5

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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

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

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

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

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Calls & Controls

1.1

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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

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

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

2.9

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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

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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Features

2.7

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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

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

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Battery

1.0

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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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Design

6.8

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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

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 K141 MKII vs the average headphone

Why is AKG K141 MKII better than the average headphone?

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12 mm more spacious earcup width
AKG K141 MKII offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (55 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.
Importance: MEDIUM
AKG K141 MKII offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (55 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.55 mm vs 43 mm
4,000 Hz higher treble extension
AKG K141 MKII 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 K141 MKII 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
11 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
AKG K141 MKII has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (114 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=108 dB SPL
AKG K141 MKII has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (114 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.114 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
12 mm more spacious earcup width
AKG K141 MKII offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (55 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
4,000 Hz higher treble extension
AKG K141 MKII 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.
11 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
AKG K141 MKII has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (114 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.

Why is AKG K141 MKII worse than the average headphone?

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1 higher clamp force
AKG K141 MKII has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5.3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
5 mm tighter earcup height
AKG K141 MKII has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (55 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
No travel bag
AKG K141 MKII does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
No passive noise reduction
AKG K141 MKII 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 K141 MKII has smaller driver size than the average headphone (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
0.7 % higher distortion
AKG K141 MKII has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
Not headset-ready
AKG K141 MKII is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
AKG K141 MKII has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
AKG K141 MKII does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
9 years older release date
AKG K141 MKII was released earlier than the average headphone (2,008 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
June 2008
No passive noise reduction
AKG K141 MKII 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 K141 MKII 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 K141 MKII 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 K141 MKII 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 K141 MKII 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 K141 MKII does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
0.7 % higher distortion
AKG K141 MKII has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=1%
AKG K141 MKII has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.1 % vs 0.3 %
Not headset-ready
AKG K141 MKII 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 K141 MKII is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.No vs yes
1 higher clamp force
AKG K141 MKII has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5.3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
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
AKG K141 MKII has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5.3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.5.3 vs 4.3
1 fewer microphones
AKG K141 MKII 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 K141 MKII has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
18.1% worse value for money
AKG K141 MKII has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.71 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 K141 MKII has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.71 vs 6.736).5.71 vs 6.74

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of AKG K141 MKII and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about AKG K141 MKII?

Musical and forgiving sound that works well with low-bitrate recordings
Detailed and smooth midrange with a high degree of realism
High efficiency at 55 ohms, allowing it to be easily driven by mobile devices and portable players
Solid and rugged professional build quality
Includes versatile accessories such as both straight and coiled detachable cables, and two sets of earpads (velour and leatherette)
Good soundstage and imaging for its semi-open, supra-aural (on-ear) design

What customers dislike about AKG K141 MKII?

Bass response is lacking in depth and volume, with significant roll-off at very low frequencies
On-ear (supra-aural) design can cause uncomfortable pressure or tingling after extended use
Minimal isolation from external noise due to the semi-open construction
Sound can feel slightly '2D' or compressed compared to higher-end open-back models
Elastic bands in the self-adjusting headband may stretch out over time

Expert reviews

reference-audio-analyzer.pro

No Date Provided

AKG K 141 Measurement's report Would you like a summary of the technical specifications or pros and cons found in these specific reviews?

The AKG K141 professional review outlines a high-impedance, overhead headphone with an average impedance of 650.7 ohms across the 40 Hz to 15 kHz band, signaling that it requires a dedicated, powerful amplifier source to drive properly. Its average sensitivity is recorded at 99.8 dB/V SPL (or 97.9 dB/mW SPL) within the 100 Hz to 10 kHz range. Testing on the HDM-X binaural stand...Read more

head-fi.org

22/10/2011

AKG K141 Review and Appreciation Thread

Page 2 of the Head-Fi AKG K141 thread highlights a highly customizable sound signature, where using fabric or velour pads produces a warmer, more relaxed sound with improved soundstage and mid-bass punch compared to leather pads. Praised as a "steal" in the sub-$100 market, these headphones are noted for avoiding harsh treble roll-offs and providing a more natural sound than...Read more

david-hahn.wixsite.com

22/04/2021

REVIEW: AKG K141 MKII - SEMI OPEN - CHI-FIEAR

The AKG K141 MKII is a semi-open, supra-aural studio headphone that serves as a solid monitoring tool for vocals and instruments rather than a high-end audiophile device. Its design features a highly flexible headband and comes with a 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm adapter alongside two detachable 3m and 5m (spiral) cables, making it highly versatile for studio and DJ use. It is highly efficient...Read more

head-fi.org

07/12/2020

AKG K 141 Mk. II - Reviews - Head-Fi

The AKG K 141 MK II is characterized as a budget-friendly, semi-open studio headphone that offers a musical, forgiving, and detailed sound signature well-suited for classical and vocal tracks. Key advantages include efficient power handling, allowing for direct use with portable devices while offering a laid-back, non-analytical listening experience. However, the reviews note...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

01/02/2011

AKG K141 MKII review on kopfhoerer.de

The AKG K141 MKII is a highly versatile, semi-open studio headphone that delivers a compact, direct, and precise sound profile well-suited for both professional audio mixing and home HiFi listening. It accommodates multiple genres seamlessly, offering a tight bass foundation for hip-hop and electronic tracks, alongside a balanced frequency spectrum required for classical and jazz...Read more

maclife.de

22/03/2011

Review: AKG K 141 mkII - Mac Life

The Mac Life review highlights the AKG K 141 mkII as a well-engineered, semi-open, dynamic on-ear studio headphone that serves as a worthy successor to AKG's classic models. Priced at €137, the unit features the brand's patented Varimotion technology and a large XXL transducer designed to drastically minimize distortion while keeping transient response tight. Key technical...Read more

fr.audiofanzine.com

10/06/2016

Sonarworks Headphone Calibration Review (including K141 MKII) - Audiofanzine

This review evaluates the Sonarworks Headphone Calibration software (Reference 3), which corrects the frequency response of headphones to deliver a neutral, reliable monitoring environment. The software addresses inconsistencies in headphone hardware by utilizing either factory-averaged profiles for popular headphone models or highly accurate custom calibration files created by...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

28/05/2013

AKG K141 MkII Review - Les Numériques

The Les Numériques review scores the AKG K141 MkII 4 out of 5 stars, highlighting it as a reliable studio headset that updates the former K141 Studio model with a new chrome visual finish. In terms of ergonomics, the reviewer notes its great comfort, noting that the lightweight 240g body and AKG's suspension headband design prevent headaches even after several hours of continuous...Read more

claudiochecchi.it

15/09/2018

AKG K141 mkII vs K240 Studio - The Audio Passion Site

The Claudio Checchi review compares the on-ear AKG K141 MKII and over-ear K240 Studio, focusing on comfort and sound differences. The K141 MKII offers high sensitivity (114 dB SPL/V) and a punchy sound suitable for portable devices, along with a generous accessory package, though it causes ear fatigue due to high pressure and lacks a wide soundstage. Il sito Conversely, the K240...Read more

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