AKG K182 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£130
  • Avg. price in US: ~$120
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

AKG K182 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.3

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%

4.8

Technical Score

20.0%

7.1

User score

Good
4.8

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%

6.2

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

6.5

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

3.1

Calls & Controls

Poor
7.1

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%

8.2

User reviews

30.0%

4.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(98)
amazon
3.6
(18)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(98)
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(18)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Very good
  • 2.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 1.1
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    4.3

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 2.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 3.4
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.3

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • akg-k182
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  • akg-k182
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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 K182 is a professional closed-back monitor headphone featuring high-sensitivity 50mm transducers that deliver a wide frequency range of 10 Hz to 28 kHz and a 32-ohm impedance, making them easy to drive even with mobile devices. Characterized by an over-ear design with replaceable pads and a 3D-axis folding mechanism for portability, these headphones offer significant pros including excellent sound isolation, deep low-end response, and a 9.8-foot detachable cable with a screw-on 1/4" adapter for versatile studio use. However, some users have noted cons such as a predominantly plastic build that can feel cheap or creaky, a somewhat compressed soundstage common to closed-back models, and a long cable that may be cumbersome for on-the-go monitoring without a shorter alternative.

Technical Specifications of AKG K182

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%

6.2

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

6.5

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

3.1

Calls & Controls

4.8
AKG K182 has a technical score of 4.84 points, which is lower than that of 52.9% 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%

8.2

User reviews

30.0%

4.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(98)
amazon
3.6
(18)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(98)
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(18)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

7.1
AKG K182 has a user score of 7.15 points, which is lower than that of 76.7% 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.
4.7
AKG K182 has a popularity of 4.7 points, which is higher than 50.1% 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%

5.3

Overall score

40.0%

9.8

Price

6.7
AKG K182 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.7 points, which is higher than 45.2% 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 K182 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

50 mm
AKG K182 uses a driver size of 50 mm, larger driver size than 86.1% of headphones and equal to 8.3% 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 K182 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

10 Hz
AKG K182 reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.3% of headphones and equal to 12.5% 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

no
AKG K182 does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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

yes
AKG K182 is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% 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

1
AKG K182 has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% 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

no
AKG K182 does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
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 K182 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 K182 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 K182 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
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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

over-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

255 g
AKG K182 weighs 255 g, heavier than 64.2% 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

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

6.7
AKG K182 has a clamp force of 6.7, higher clamp force than 93.4% of headphones and equal to 2.6% of headphones.
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AKG K182 vs the average headphone

  • 10 mm larger driver size
    AKG K182 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 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 K182 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.50 mm vs 40 mm
  • 10 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    AKG K182 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (112 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 K182 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (112 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.112 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    AKG K182 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    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

    AKG K182 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 8,000 Hz higher treble extension
    AKG K182 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 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 K182 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.28000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • Foldable design
    AKG K182 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
    What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
    When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.

    Importance: LOW

    AKG K182 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 1.8 m more useful cable length
    AKG K182 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 K182 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
  • Foldable design
    AKG K182 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 1.8 m more useful cable length
    AKG K182 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.
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    AKG K182 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 10 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    AKG K182 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (112 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    AKG K182 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 8,000 Hz higher treble extension
    AKG K182 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 2.4 higher clamp force
    AKG K182 has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (6.7 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
  • 17% higher weight
    AKG K182 is heavier than the average headphone (255 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    AKG K182 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No voice assistant support
    AKG K182 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • No voice assistant support
    AKG K182 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 K182 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 2.4 higher clamp force
    AKG K182 has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (6.7 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 K182 has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (6.7 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.6.7 vs 4.3
  • 17% higher weight
    AKG K182 is heavier than the average headphone (255 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    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

    AKG K182 is heavier than the average headphone (255 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.255 g vs 218 g
  • Tangle-prone cable
    AKG K182 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 K182 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 11.9% lower user score
    AKG K182 has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.15 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 K182 has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.15 vs 8.000).7.15 vs 8

Graphic comparison of AKG K182 and

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about AKG K182?

  • Excellent sound isolation that blocks most exterior noise with zero sound leakage.
  • Easy to drive, making them compatible with mobile devices and laptops without needing a powerful amp.
  • Portable design featuring a 3D-axis folding mechanism and detachable 3-meter cable.
  • Solid bass presence that is suitable for EDM, hip-hop, and rock.
  • Robust build quality for the price point, often described as durable for studio or road use.
  • Deep, soft earpads that many users find comfortable for long sessions.

What customers dislike about AKG K182?

  • Compressed or narrow soundstage, which may not be ideal for grand orchestral or classical pieces.
  • Noticeable creaking in the plastic frame when the headphones are adjusted or moved.
  • Uneven midrange and lacks treble extension, leading some to describe the sound as 'boxy' or 'thin'.
  • Earpads can feel shallow for some users, potentially causing discomfort as ears may touch the driver.
  • Pleather material on the ear cups and headband padding can feel cheap or cause heat buildup.
  • Included 3-meter straight cable is often considered too long for convenient mobile or portable use.

Expert reviews

H
head-fi.org
02/01/2016

The AKG K182 is characterized as a comfortable, closed-back headphone featuring deep ear pads, good passive isolation, and a foldable 3D-axis design suitable for mobile use. It features a robust mini-XLR connector and drives easily with portable devices, offering high volume without an external amplifier. However, the build quality is described as plasticky, with potential...Read more

P
performermag.com
30/06/2016

The AKG K182 is a set of closed-back, over-ear studio monitor headphones that retail for a street price of $99, serving as a noticeable upgrade from the brand's cheaper K92 model. Designed primarily for home recording, studio monitoring, keyboards, and electronic drums, they feature 50mm speakers per ear and deliver a broad 10Hz to 28kHz frequency response. The headphones offer...Read more

A
audiomediainternational.com
08/06/2016

The Audio Media International Review evaluates the AKG K182 as compact, closed-back monitoring headphones designed specifically for musicians and audio engineers. The build features a high-grade composite and metal construction, over-ear design with replaceable pads, and a 3D-axis professional folding mechanism for portability. They come with 50mm drivers and offer an extended...Read more

H
headfonics.com
24/04/2016

The Headfonics review describes the AKG K182 as a $100, full-sized dynamic driver headphone geared towards,, but not strictly for, studio monitoring. It features a mild U-shaped sound with a hard-hitting mid-bass, high portability due to 3D-axis folding, and a detachable mini-XLR cable, making it an energetic choice for electronic music. Conversely, the review notes a lack of deep...Read more

H
hardwarecanucks.com
08/12/2015

The AKG K182 is a lightweight, closed-back studio monitoring headphone designed to withstand the professional studio lifestyle while delivering highly revealing reference audio. Weighing 255 grams, it features a mostly plastic frame with metal joints and highly flexible ear cups that rotate nearly 360 degrees or fold inward for easier travel. Reviewer Dmitry from Hardware Canucks...Read more

K
kopfhoerer.de
09/11/2016

The AKG K182 is a budget-friendly, closed-back over-ear headphone tailored for studio tracking, monitoring, and educational settings. Its lightweight plastic architecture (250 grams) guarantees robust, drop-resistant durability for daily studio use, while providing a comfortable fit augmented by thick velour ear cushions. Designed with a 3D-Axis folding mechanism, the headphones...Read more

B
beat.de
26/08/2016

The AKG K182 is a budget-friendly, closed-back monitoring headphone designed specifically for live sound and studio applications, receiving a perfect 6 out of 6 rating from Beat Magazine. Weighing only 255 grams, it features 50mm drivers, a broad frequency range of 10 Hz to 28 kHz, and an easily replaceable audio cable. The review highlights its low impedance (32 Ohms) and high...Read more

B
bonedo.de
28/04/2016

The AKG K182 is a budget-friendly, closed-back monitor headphone designed for musicians, sound engineers, and DJs. This review highlights several pros, including its robust yet lightweight 255-gram plastic construction and highly effective passive noise isolation. It features a practical 3D-axis folding mechanism for easy travel and allows DJs to comfortably flip away one ear cup...Read more

S
son-video.com
05/02/2021

The AKG K182 is a closed-back, over-ear monitoring headphone featured on Son-Vidéo.com that is designed for studio work, live monitoring, and hi-fi listening. It is highly regarded for its physical design, featuring an adjustable headband, padded contact points, and large, interchangeable earpads built for long-lasting comfort. Key practical highlights include its swiveling and...Read more

M
musicmaker.nl
26/09/2016

The AKG K182 is highlighted as a highly versatile, closed-back headphone explicitly tailored for electronic drums, keyboards, studio monitoring, and home recording applications. Reviewers praise its excellent value, emphasizing pros such as a robust, lightweight construction that remains comfortable during extended sessions, high-sensitivity 50mm drivers that deliver powerful volume...Read more

Video reviews

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