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AKG K271 MKII Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£110
Avg. price in US: ~$120
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

AKG K271 MKII review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.4

Good

4.4

Poor

9.2

Exceptional

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%
4.7
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
3.5
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
4.7
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

Best prices in UK

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Best rankings

Verdict

The AKG K271 MKII is a professional closed-back, over-ear studio headphone featuring 30mm Varimotion transducers, a frequency bandwidth of 16Hz to 28kHz, 55-ohm impedance, and a sensitivity of 104 dB SPL/V. Designed for tracking and monitoring, it offers a self-adjusting headband, a patented auto-mute switch that silences audio when the headset is removed, and extensive accessories including both pleather and velour earpads alongside straight and coiled detachable cables. Its primary pros include exceptional isolation with minimal signal bleed, a lightweight 240g build for long-term comfort, and a neutral, detailed midrange ideal for vocal work; however, notable cons include a rolled-off low-end that may lack bass impact for some users, a 'plasticky' build feel, and headband elastics that can lose tension over time.

Technical Specifications of AKG K271 MKII

Overall score

5.4

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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

2.8

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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

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

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

3.7

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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

6.7

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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

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 K271 MKII vs the average headphone

Why is AKG K271 MKII better than the average headphone?

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Direct 3.5 mm plug
AKG K271 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 K271 MKII includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
8,000 Hz higher treble extension
AKG K271 MKII 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 K271 MKII 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
3.8 m more useful cable length
AKG K271 MKII offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (5 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 K271 MKII offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.5 m vs 1.2 m
14.5% higher user score
AKG K271 MKII has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.16 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 K271 MKII has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.16 vs 8.000).9.16 vs 8
2.15x more popular
AKG K271 MKII is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).
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.
AKG K271 MKII is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).10 vs 4.65
3.8 m more useful cable length
AKG K271 MKII offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
8,000 Hz higher treble extension
AKG K271 MKII 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.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
AKG K271 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 K271 MKII worse than the average headphone?

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5 mm tighter earcup height
AKG K271 MKII has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (55 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
10.1% higher weight
AKG K271 MKII is heavier than the average headphone (240 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
No travel bag
AKG K271 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 K271 MKII has smaller driver size than the average headphone (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
11 dB/mW lower sensitivity
AKG K271 MKII has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (91 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
0.7 % higher distortion
AKG K271 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 fewer microphones
AKG K271 MKII has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
AKG K271 MKII does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
9 years older release date
AKG K271 MKII was released earlier than the average headphone (2,008 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
March 2008
10 mm smaller driver size
AKG K271 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 K271 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 K271 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 K271 MKII does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
11 dB/mW lower sensitivity
AKG K271 MKII has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (91 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 K271 MKII has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (91 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.91 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
0.7 % higher distortion
AKG K271 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 K271 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 %
1 fewer microphones
AKG K271 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 K271 MKII has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
5 mm tighter earcup height
AKG K271 MKII has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (55 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.
Importance: MEDIUM
AKG K271 MKII has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (55 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.55 mm vs 60 mm
No travel bag
AKG K271 MKII does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.
Importance: LOW
AKG K271 MKII does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
10.1% higher weight
AKG K271 MKII is heavier than the average headphone (240 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 K271 MKII is heavier than the average headphone (240 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.240 g vs 218 g

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of AKG K271 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 K271 MKII?

Excellent midrange detail and clear, sharp high-end frequencies suitable for vocal mixing and acoustic instruments.
Highly comfortable for long sessions due to lightweight design and self-adjusting headband.
Exceptional noise isolation makes them ideal for tracking, preventing bleed into microphones.
Integrated auto-mute feature automatically stops audio when the headphones are removed.
Generous accessory package includes two detachable cables (coiled and straight) and two sets of ear pads (velour and pleather).

What customers dislike about AKG K271 MKII?

Noticeable lack of low-end power or sub-bass response, which can feel anemic for bass-heavy genres.
Build quality feels somewhat plasticky or flimsy to some users, lacking a premium feel.
Not portable or travel-friendly as they do not fold and have a bulky design.
May require a dedicated amplifier to reach full potential or better bass response.
Some users report the headband elastic losing tension or the pleather ear pads cracking over several years of use.

Expert reviews

makethatlouder.com

Undated

AKG K271 MKII Heaphone Review MusicRadar

The AKG K271 MKII is a lightweight, closed-back studio headphone under $300 designed for versatile tracking, mixing, and engineering work. A major strength of this model is its exceptional acoustic isolation, which prevents audio bleed into microphones during vocal tracking and blocks out loud external environments like live drums. It is also highly praised for its superior comfort,...Read more

audiosciencereview.com

05/07/2021

AKG K271 Review (Closed Back Headphone) | Audio Science Review

The AKG K271 MKII is an ultra-lightweight, closed-back headphone that retails for around $118 and features a self-adjusting headband mechanism alongside shallow, 16 mm "leather" ear pads. Out of the box, the headphones deliver a compliance curve that aligns well with target responses in the critical 200 Hz to 3 kHz midrange, meaning core vocal and reference instrument tracks sound...Read more

david-hahn.wixsite.com

19/05/2021

QUICK VIEW: AKG K271 MKII - CLOSED BACK

The AKG K271 MKII is a closed-back headphone priced at 75 € that the reviewer labels as "Average" because it lacks a natural sound reproduction. On the positive side, the headphones feature a highly robust build that can survive rough handling, a self-adjusting headband that offers good comfort, and a detachable mini-XLR cable system that includes both a 3-meter straight jack and a...Read more

audiosciencereview.com

03/02/2022

AKG K271 MK II Chinese Review (Headphone)

In this detailed review of the Chinese-manufactured AKG K271 MK II closed-back headphones, Amir from Audio Science Review (ASR) finds the overall performance highly flawed and notes an objective degradation compared to earlier production versions. On the positive side (pros), the headphones feature large ear cups that remain reasonably comfortable for the user, and their...Read more

paranoyd.com

01/03/2024

AKG K271 Studio HeadphonesGo to product viewer dialogue for this item.; MK1 vs MK2 Review

The AKG K271 Mk2 headphones offer excellent fit, high-end packaging, and a balanced, clear sound profile well-suited for mixing sessions. Priced at around $250, they provide great value by including a spare curly cable and extra ear pads. However, in professional tracking environments, the Mk2 model falls short compared to the original Mk1. Multiple recording artists found the Mk2...Read more

musicradar.com

29/07/2024

AKG K271 MKII review | MusicRadar

The MusicRadar review positions the AKG K271 MKII as an affordable, lightweight (240g) set of over-ear, closed-back headphones designed for project studios and live monitoring engineers. Priced around £112 / $279, the review highlights several major pros, including excellent long-session comfort, an easy self-adjusting fit, and a surprisingly wide soundstage for a closed-back...Read more

postperspective.com

07/11/2024

Review: AKG K271 MK II Closed-Back Studio HeadphonesGo to product viewer dialogue for this item.

AKG K271 MK II The AKG K271 MK II closed-back studio headphones, priced at $279, offer video editors and audio professionals a neutral-sounding, highly impartial audio representation without artificial equalization. Weighing approximately 8.47 ounces, the headphones provide a premium, lightweight fit comfortable enough for eight-to-ten-hour work sessions. The package features...Read more

diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com

26/01/2026

K271 mkII | DIY-Audio-Heaven

The AKG K271 mkII is an inexpensive, closed-back, over-ear studio headphone priced at around €120, specifically tailored for vocal monitoring rather than music enjoyment. On the positive side, it features highly forward, clear mid-range frequencies that heavily isolate and emphasize human voices, making it exceptionally well-suited for studio tracking and singers who need to monitor...Read more

bonedo.de

25/11/2013

AKG K-271 MKII Review

In terms of performance, the review highlights several distinct pros and cons. On the positive side, the headphones offer a gentle and balanced frequency response, precise stereo imaging, good external isolation, and high comfort—especially when using the preferred velour pads. However, they are criticized for structural flaws, such as a bulky design and a noticeable structure-borne...Read more

sonntagmorgen.com

01/01/2024

AKG K271 MKII Review 2024: Testing a Studio Classic", "AKG K271 MKII 2024 Test: Checking Out a Studio Classic

Pros and Cons Pro: Brutally neutral, uncolored, and analytical sound reproduction that does not compromise on accuracy. Pro: Open, airy spatial presentation that entirely avoids the hollow, echoey "yogurt cup" sound effect typical of closed designs. Pro: High-quality, durable build with an auto-muting feature when taken off the head. Con: The automatic cutoff/mute feature can be...Read more

delamar.de

14/10/2015

AKG K 271 MK II Review - Delamar

The AKG K 271 MK II is a lightweight, closed-back, over-ear studio headphone designed for professional monitoring and mixing, featuring a 55-Ohm nominal impedance suitable for lower-volume output devices. The review highlights its exceptionally balanced, neutral, and detailed frequency response, making it highly effective for music production despite lacking the deep bass response...Read more

hifi.de

29/03/2022

AKG K271 MKII Review: The Best All-Rounder in Its Price Range?

The AKG K271 MKII is a closed-back, over-ear studio headphone praised as an exceptionally balanced all-rounder within its price range, striking an impressive middle ground between tracking and mixing needs. It delivers a highly neutral and analytical sound signature featuring excellent separation between the bass and bass drum, as well as highly detailed vocal layers. Weighing only...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

20/06/2018

AKG K271 MKII review on kopfhoerer.de

The AKG K271 MKII is reviewed as a highly reliable, mid-range studio workhorse that offers exceptional passive isolation, making it ideal for tracking vocalists without microphone bleed. Its acoustic signature features slim, unhyped, and precise bass alongside boosted treble, which delivers clinical clarity for unproduced raw audio but can sound overly sharp during casual music...Read more

viedegeek.fr

27/03/2013

Long-term review: AKG K271 MKII headphones - Geek Life

The Vie de Geek review provides a long-term evaluation of the AKG K271 MKII closed-back studio headphones, highlighting their design, build quality, and audio performance across various mobile and Hi-Fi sources. The reviewer notes that while the headphones are physically enormous, their flexible steel double-bar headband arch and self-adjusting mobile strap distribute weight...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

28/05/2013

Review: AKG K271 Mk II

The AKG K271 Mk II is a closed-back, over-ear studio headphone weighing 240 grams that features a detachable 3-meter cable with a mini-XLR connector. Designed strictly for home-studio and professional studio environments, its lightweight build is comfortable enough to blend into the background during long sessions, though its bulky size makes it less practical for outdoor use. The...Read more

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