OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
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AKG K171 MKII Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£95Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

AKG K171 MKII Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

AKG K171 MKII
5.6/10

Overall score

Score
5.6/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components

80%

5.3

Technical score

20%

6.8

User score

â–¼Worse than 84% of headphones
6.9

Value for money

Value for money
6.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components

70%

5.6

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 79%
5.3

Technical score

Technical score
5.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components

52%

5.8

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.0

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 85%
6.8

User score

User score
6.8/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components

70%

7.7

User ratings

30%

4.7

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 89%
  • akg-k171-mkii
  • akg-k171-mkii
  • akg-k171-mkii
akg-k171-mkii
akg-k171-mkii
akg-k171-mkii
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones AKG K171 MKII

Technical score
Technical score
5.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components:

52%

5.8

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.0

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

5.3
User score
User score
6.8/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components

70%

7.7

User ratings

30%

4.7

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
6.8
Popularity
Popularity
4.7/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
Popularity:
AKG K171 MKII has a popularity score of 4.7 points, which is lower than that of 61% of products in this category.
4.7
Value for money
Value for money
6.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components:

70%

5.6

Overall score

30%

10

Price

6.9
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
30 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 30 mm, smaller driver size than 77.4% of headphones and equal to 4.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
18 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 18 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 49.6% of headphones and equal to 3.6% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
no
This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while 15.1% is. 84.9% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
Show more
Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
AKG
Form factor
on-ear
Weight
200 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 200 g, lighter than 54.5% of headphones and equal to 1.7% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
5.8
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 5.8, higher clamp force than 82.3% of headphones and equal to 5.5% of headphones.
Show more

AKG K171 MKII vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 6,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (26,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    26,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 1.8 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    3 m vs 1.2 m
  • Dj-focused design
    This pair of headphones is designed for DJ use, the average pair of headphones is not. 2.9% of headphones are designed for DJ use.
    Marked yes because the product is explicitly described in the product summary as a DJ headphone, designed for DJ use, or intended for DJ monitoring.
  • 1.8 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    3 m vs 1.2 m
  • Dj-focused design
    This pair of headphones is designed for DJ use, the average pair of headphones is not. 2.9% of headphones are designed for DJ use.
    Marked yes because the product is explicitly described in the product summary as a DJ headphone, designed for DJ use, or intended for DJ monitoring.
  • 6,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (26,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    26,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 10 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    30 mm vs 40 mm
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 8 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    1 % vs 0.3 %
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1.5 higher clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (5.8 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    5.8 vs 4.3
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 17.6% lower user score
    User score
    6.8/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    AKG K171 MKII
    the average pair of headphones
    AKG K171 MKII has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.8 vs 8).
    6.8 vs 8
  • 5.3% worse value for money
    AKG K171 MKII has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.9 vs 7.3).
    6.9 vs 7.27
  • 1.5 higher clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (5.8 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    5.8 vs 4.3
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No travel bag
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 10 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    30 mm vs 40 mm
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 8 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 8 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2008 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    January 2008
    2008 vs 2016

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

kopfhoerer.de
07/11/2014
Hands-on test · Studio headphones
Verdict
The AKG K171 MKII is a light, bass-rich studio headphone for project and broadcast work, but it needs a strong amp and sounds less neutral with acoustic music.
L
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...
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
29/12/2008
Summary of the review
Review: AKG, Creative, and Denon Hi-Fi Headphones - Les Numériques
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

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 don't like 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

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.

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