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AKG K171 MKII Review | 93 Data compared

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  • 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

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%

4.2

Technical Score

20.0%

6.3

User score

Poor
4.2

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%

4.5

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

6.9

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

1.1

Calls & Controls

Poor
6.3

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%

7.7

User reviews

30.0%

2.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.7
(25)
amazon
4.2
(11)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.7
(25)
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(11)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

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

  • akg-k171-mkii
  • akg-k171-mkii
  • akg-k171-mkii
akg-k171-mkii
akg-k171-mkii
akg-k171-mkii

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

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

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

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%

4.5

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

6.9

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

1.1

Calls & Controls

4.2
AKG K171 MKII has a technical score of 4.16 points, which is lower than that of 84.1% 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%

7.7

User reviews

30.0%

2.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.7
(25)
amazon
4.2
(11)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.7
(25)
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(11)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

6.3
AKG K171 MKII has a user score of 6.26 points, which is lower than that of 90.3% 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.
2.9
AKG K171 MKII has a popularity of 2.9 points, which is lower than 61% 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%

4.6

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.2
AKG K171 MKII has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.2 points, which is lower than 74.9% 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 K171 MKII 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 K171 MKII 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 K171 MKII 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 K171 MKII reaches a lowest frequency of 18 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 49.8% of headphones and equal to 3.5% of headphones.
Show more
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 K171 MKII 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 K171 MKII 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
Show more
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 K171 MKII 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
Show more
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 K171 MKII 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 K171 MKII does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
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
Show more
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

200 g
AKG K171 MKII weighs 200 g, lighter than 54.5% of headphones and equal to 1.7% 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

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

5.8
AKG K171 MKII has a clamp force of 5.8, higher clamp force than 82.1% of headphones and equal to 5.7% of headphones.
Show more

AKG K171 MKII vs the average headphone

  • 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.

Total
Design
Sound
Connectivity
  • 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 (2,008 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    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
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of AKG K171 MKII and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.7
25 Reviews
amazon
4.2
11 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.7
25 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
11 Reviews

(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

A
av.technology
30/07/2011
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...Read more

H
head-fi.org
05/05/2010
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...Read more

S
soundhouse.co.jp
Not Dated
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,...Read more

K
kopfhoerer.de
07/11/2014
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,...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
29/12/2008
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...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
28/05/2013
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...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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