OVERALL

SPECS

VS AVERAGE

REVIEWS

ALTERNATIVES

AKG K323xs A Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£35
Avg. price in US: ~$40
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

AKG K323xs A review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.4

Poor

3.8

Poor

6.6

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
0.8
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
2.6
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
3.0
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
2.6
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

Best rankings

Verdict

The AKG K323XS A is an ultra-small, wired in-ear headphone featuring high-performance 5.8 mm drivers and a wide frequency response of 10 Hz to 25,000 Hz. With a low impedance of 16 Ohms and 98 dB sensitivity, it is easily driven by mobile devices, while its closed-back design provides exceptional passive noise isolation and a balanced sound profile. Main pros include its extremely lightweight, discrete footprint, studio-quality audio fidelity, and a tangle-free 1-metre cable with an integrated one-button remote/microphone compatible with most Android devices. Notable cons include the non-detachable cable design, which limits durability if the wire fails, and the lack of advanced features like active noise cancellation or high-end spatial audio support.

Technical Specifications of AKG K323xs A

Overall score

4.4

Show more

Hide

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

4.4

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

Calls & Controls

5.1

Show more

Hide

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

?

Show more

Connectivity

6.2

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

Features

2.7

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

Battery

1.0

Show more

Hide

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

Design

2.3

Show more

Hide

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

in-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

N/A

Show more

AKG K323xs A vs the average headphone

Why is AKG K323xs A better than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

Direct 3.5 mm plug
AKG K323xs A 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 K323xs A includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
8 Hz lower bass extension
AKG K323xs A 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 K323xs A 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
In-line controls
AKG K323xs A includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.
Importance: LOW
AKG K323xs A includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
5,000 Hz higher treble extension
AKG K323xs A has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (25,000 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 K323xs A has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.25000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
Quick mic mute
AKG K323xs A includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
What it is: Ability to mute microphone during calls
When it matters: When you need to silence the mic quickly during meetings or multiplayer games.
Importance: LOW
AKG K323xs A includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
Boom microphone included
AKG K323xs A includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a 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
AKG K323xs A includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
2.57x cheaper
AKG K323xs A is cheaper than the average headphone (£35 vs £90).
AKG K323xs A is cheaper than the average headphone (£35 vs £90).£35 vs £90
8 Hz lower bass extension
AKG K323xs A has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
5,000 Hz higher treble extension
AKG K323xs A has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
AKG K323xs A includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
AKG K323xs A includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Quick mic mute
AKG K323xs A includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
Boom microphone included
AKG K323xs A includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Calls & Controls

Why is AKG K323xs A worse than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

48.2% higher weight
AKG K323xs A is heavier than the average headphone (323 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Fixed cable
AKG K323xs A has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
34.2 mm smaller driver size
AKG K323xs A has smaller driver size than the average headphone (5.8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
AKG K323xs A has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
5 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
AKG K323xs A has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
No voice assistant support
AKG K323xs A does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
4 years older release date
AKG K323xs A was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
October 2013
34.2 mm smaller driver size
AKG K323xs A has smaller driver size than the average headphone (5.8 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 K323xs A has smaller driver size than the average headphone (5.8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.5.8 mm vs 40 mm
48.2% higher weight
AKG K323xs A is heavier than the average headphone (323 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 K323xs A is heavier than the average headphone (323 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.323 g vs 218 g
No voice assistant support
AKG K323xs A 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 K323xs A does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
AKG K323xs A has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.
Importance: MEDIUM
AKG K323xs A has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
AKG K323xs A has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 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 K323xs A has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
20.3% lower user score
AKG K323xs A has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.65 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 K323xs A has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.65 vs 8.000).6.65 vs 8
11.3% worse value for money
AKG K323xs A has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.05 vs 6.736).
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.
AKG K323xs A has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.05 vs 6.736).6.05 vs 6.74
4 years older release date
AKG K323xs A was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
October 2013
What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2020
AKG K323xs A was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2013 vs 2017

Graphic comparison of AKG K323xs A and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about AKG K323xs A?

Extremely small and lightweight design, making them easy and comfortable to wear for long periods
Well-balanced and clear sound profile across multiple genres like classical, jazz, and rock
Impressive passive noise isolation that effectively blocks out environmental noise
High value for the price, performing similarly to more expensive in-ear monitors
Low distortion even at higher volumes
Includes a tangle-free cable and a travel pouch for safe transportation

What customers dislike about AKG K323xs A?

The 1-meter cable is considered short by many users, limiting movement
Bass response may be insufficient for fans of hip-hop or electronic music, as it lacks a heavy 'thump'
Minimal accessories included, often just the ear tips and a basic carry bag
Aggressive upper-midrange frequencies can occasionally sound unrounded or harsh to some listeners

Expert reviews

head-fi.org

12/07/2014

AKG X323XS | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi

The Head-Fi review of the AKG K323XS highlights these micro-driver IEMs as a top budget option providing a large, full sound signature. Pros include an exceptionally small, lightweight design for high comfort, along with a balanced, musical sound suitable for varied genres. Conversely, the review notes cons including a sparse accessory package lacking a carrying case and a...Read more

reviewed.com

17/04/2014

AKG K 323XS Headphones Review - Reviewed

The AKG K 323XS in-ear headphones offer an exceptionally compact, lightweight design that delivers a remarkably large and balanced soundstage for a budget-friendly MSRP of $59.95 (often found online for around $40). Testing revealed a flat, equal-loudness sound profile featuring firm, thumping bass support that does not overpower subtle midrange and high-frequency details....Read more

appgefahren.de

31/03/2014

AKG K323 XS: Mini in-ears with good sound for a small budget

The appgefahren.de review highlights the AKG K323 XSi as a highly compact, budget-friendly pair of wired in-ear headphones designed specifically for Apple devices. Priced at €59.95, they feature an ultra-small "XS" design that allows the ear tips to sit comfortably deep within the ear canal without protruding, making them exceptionally comfortable even when lying down on your side....Read more

hifitest.de

06/06/2014

AKG K323XS In-Ear Headphones Review: Excellent

The hifitest.de review by Dr. Martin Mertens awards the AKG K323XS in-ear headphones a 3.5 out of 5 stars rating, placing them in the budget entry-class category for around €40. The primary pros highlighted are their exceptionally small, lightweight, and visually attractive design, which allows them to fit deeply and securely into the ear canal without creating uncomfortable...Read more

Video reviews

Best alternatives

Sony WH 1000XM4

Headphones

JBL Tour One M3

Headphones

Sony WH 1000XM6

Headphones

Headphones

Headphones

Sony WH ULT900N

Headphones

Nothing Headphone 1

Headphones

Sony WH 1000XM5

Headphones

Headphones

Huawei Freebuds Studio

Headphones

Sennheiser Momentum

Headphones

JBL Tour One M2

Headphones

Compare AKG K323xs A with

Compare