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AKG K171 MKII Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£95
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

AKG K171 MKII review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.6

Poor

4.2

Poor

6.3

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
1.3
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
5.6
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
2.7
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
5.6
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

#54 in Best AKG Headphones
#666 in Best Wired Headphones

Verdict

The AKG K171 MKII is a professional closed-back, on-ear studio headphone designed for broadcast, DJ use, and live sound mixing. Key technical specifications include a frequency range of 18 Hz to 26,000 Hz, a 55-ohm rated impedance, and a sensitivity of 107 dB SPL/V. These headphones feature patented Varimotion transducers and a 'smiley face' EQ curve that provides a subtle boost to bass and treble for enhanced clarity. Main pros include exceptional ambient noise insulation, a lightweight 200g design with a self-adjusting headband, and high-quality accessories like detachable straight and coiled cables and both leatherette and velvet earpads. However, some users have reported cons such as a tight clamping force that may cause discomfort during long sessions, potential distortion when driven at high volumes, and a lack of true reference-grade neutrality for critical mastering.

Technical Specifications of AKG K171 MKII

Overall score

4.6

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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

4.5

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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

6.2

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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

6.9

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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

closed-back

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 K171 MKII vs the average headphone

Why is AKG K171 MKII better than the average headphone?

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Direct 3.5 mm plug
AKG K171 MKII 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 K171 MKII includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
6,000 Hz higher treble extension
AKG K171 MKII has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (26,000 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 K171 MKII has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (26,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.26000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
1.8 m more useful cable length
AKG K171 MKII 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 K171 MKII 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
1.8 m more useful cable length
AKG K171 MKII 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.
6,000 Hz higher treble extension
AKG K171 MKII has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (26,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
AKG K171 MKII includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Why is AKG K171 MKII worse than the average headphone?

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1.5 higher clamp force
AKG K171 MKII has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5.8 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
Tangle-prone cable
AKG K171 MKII 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 K171 MKII does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
10 mm smaller driver size
AKG K171 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 K171 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%.
8 dB/mW lower sensitivity
AKG K171 MKII has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
Not headset-ready
AKG K171 MKII is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
AKG K171 MKII has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
AKG K171 MKII does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
9 years older release date
AKG K171 MKII was released earlier than the average headphone (2008 vs 2017). The average headphones were released in 2017.
January 2008
10 mm smaller driver size
AKG K171 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 K171 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 K171 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 K171 MKII does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
0.7 % higher distortion
AKG K171 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 K171 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 %
8 dB/mW lower sensitivity
AKG K171 MKII has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
AKG K171 MKII has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Not headset-ready
AKG K171 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 K171 MKII is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1.5 higher clamp force
AKG K171 MKII has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5.8 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 K171 MKII has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5.8 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.5.8 vs 4.3
1 fewer microphones
AKG K171 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 K171 MKII has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
27.9% lower user score
AKG K171 MKII has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.26 vs 8.000).
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.
AKG K171 MKII has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.26 vs 8.000).6.26 vs 8

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of AKG K171 MKII and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about AKG K171 MKII?

High ambient noise isolation suitable for noisy environments or recording
Accurate, neutral sound reproduction with crisp vocals and precise sonic detail
Excellent build quality with durable construction and a leather headband
Comes with multiple accessories, including detachable straight and coiled cables and both leatherette and velour ear pads
Lightweight and portable design for field monitoring and mobile use
User-serviceable with easily replaceable parts and no-tool cable swaps

What customers dislike about AKG K171 MKII?

Tight clamping force can cause physical discomfort or pressure during long use
On-ear design may make ears feel warm or lead to fatigue
Bass response is lean and may not satisfy 'bassheads' looking for a heavy punch
Relatively low maximum volume; may require an external amplifier for optimal levels on some devices
Sound clarity can degrade or become 'nasty' when driven at extremely high volumes

Expert reviews

av.technology

30/07/2011

Summary of the review

Review: AKG K99, K240 StudioGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. & K171 Headphones

The AKG K99 is identified as a durable, budget-friendly headphone with a rugged plastic design suited for heavy studio use, though it lacks a serviceable cable and uses a non-threaded 6.5mm adapter. Conversely, the higher-end K171 offers superior noise isolation, tight bass, and defined highs, making it ideal for live mixing, despite a large form factor. AV.technology The K240 Studio and K171 excel in audio precision, but both models suffer from distortion when driven at high volumes. While the K171 provides excellent isolation to prevent mic bleed, the K240 manages to handle high volumes slightly better than its counterpart. AV.technology

head-fi.org

05/05/2010

Summary of the review

AKG K171 MKII Headphones - Head-Fi

The AKG K171 MKII headphones are recognized for providing clean vocals, precise audio fidelity, and an surprisingly open soundstage for a closed-back model, accompanied by a lightweight design. These headphones excel in noise isolation for monitoring, making them suitable for tracking when properly amplified, allowing for distinct instrument separation. However, the, they require significant power to drive the low-end properly, which can result in a lack of punch for users without external amplification. Furthermore, the on-ear design features a high clamping force, which may feel excessively tight, while the cups can cause heat buildup during extended listening sessions.

soundhouse.co.jp

Not Dated

Summary of the review

AKG Small Studio Headphones thorough comparison of 3 types

The Sound House review highlights the AKG K171 MKII as a flat, high-resolution monitor providing exceptional low-end clarity and precise, detailed mids for critical listening. While the tight, accurate sound is ideal for monitoring, the K171 MKII features a modest bass response that may lack depth for casual listening. Alternatively, the K141 MKII is positioned as a more musical, semi-open option, offering richer bass, increased air, and a wider soundstage. A drawback of the K141 MKII is its softened high-frequency response, which reduces the clinical, pinpoint precision found in the K171 MKII.

kopfhoerer.de

07/11/2014

Summary of the review

AKG K171 MKII review on kopfhoerer.de

The kopfhoerer.de review highlights the AKG K171 MKII as a highly recommended, lightweight (188g without cable) on-ear, closed-back headphone tailored for project studios, monitoring, and broadcast post-production. Pros include its excellent bass-heavy performance that delivers a highly defined presence, making it incredibly fun and precise for mixing modern genres like hip-hop, pop, and electronic music. The updated MKII model provides improved comfort over its predecessor, utilizing soft velour ear pads that offer a secure, tight seal ideal for energetic tracking sessions like drumming. Additionally, the generous accessory package is a major selling point, bundling both a 3-meter standard cable and a 5-meter coiled cable, alongside an extra pair of ear pads. Conversely, several cons limit its appeal as a true high-end reference monitor. The sound signature lacks the clinical neutrality and mid-to-high frequency transparency needed to analyze acoustic or more traditional music genres, as the treble and bass are noticeably overemphasized. Its stereo resolution also leaves room for improvement. Ergonomically, the traditional headband architecture is not recommended for DJs because it tends to tightly constrict around the neck when taken...

lesnumeriques.com

29/12/2008

Summary of the review

Review: AKG, Creative, and Denon Hi-Fi Headphones - Les Numériques

This Les Numériques review analyzes five hi-fi headphone models from three prominent brands—AKG, Creative, and Denon—revealing that they are actually built upon just two underlying physical designs. The first group features the AKG K171 Mk II (aimed at professional studio monitoring) and the AKG K172 HD (tailored for home living rooms), both sharing an identical acoustic and structural architecture. The remaining three options consist of the Creative Aurvana Live!, the Denon AH-D1000, and the Denon AH-D1001. In reality, these three are fundamentally the exact same headphone manufactured by Foster, varying only through minor cosmetic touch-ups and bundled accessories. While the overview text focuses primarily on unmasking this shared engineering ancestry, the underlying pros and cons across these two core designs highlight a clear split in intended use. The pros of the AKG K17* design include rugged structural durability and a specialized acoustic profile split effectively between studio work and casual home listening; its cons stem from a rigid design that may feel less flexible for users looking for an all-rounder. Conversely, the pros of the Foster-built trio (Creative and Denon)...

lesnumeriques.com

28/05/2013

Summary of the review

Test AKG K171 MkII - Les Numériques(audiofanzine.com) | 14/05/2008 | Avis d'utilisateurs : AKG K 171 MKII - Audiofanzine(zikinf.com) | 12/03/2009 | Fi...

The Les Numériques review awards the AKG K171 MkII an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars, defining it as a highly reliable option for home studios or living room listening. The reviewer notes that this model is essentially a cosmetic update of the older K171 Studio, retaining the exact same audio performance and signature design. Built as a closed-back, on-ear (supra-aural) model weighing 200 grams, it comes packaged with a comprehensive bundle that includes a 3-meter detachable cable utilizing a mini-XLR connector, alongside two distinct pairs of ear cushions in both leatherette and velvet. The primary pros highlighted in the review include its excellent overall audio quality, highly efficient passive noise isolation for loud environments, robust finishing, and excellent customizability via the user-replaceable cable and ear pads. On the audio front, the Varimotion membranes deliver a lively dynamic response with a signature slight boost to the bass and lower-mids, as well as very clean, well-defined highs. Conversely, the core cons focus on perfectible comfort due to the firm clamping pressure inherent to its closed-back architecture, and a noticeable...

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