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AKG K452 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£70
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

AKG K452 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.9

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%

4.9

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.9

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%

5.3

Sound

20.0%

3.8

Features

10.0%

8.5

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

5.3

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 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

  • 1.6
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    7.6

    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

  • 4.4
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    7.6

    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

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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £70

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 K452 is a lightweight (120g), supra-aural (on-ear) closed-back headphone designed for portable use, featuring 40mm drivers, a 11Hz - 29.5kHz frequency response, and 32 Ohms impedance. Key pros include excellent sound clarity with balanced mids and strong bass, the 3D-Axis2 folding mechanism for compact storage, a detachable cable, and a convenient one-button inline remote/microphone. It provides solid passive noise isolation suitable for travel, though some users may find the fit too tight, leading to comfort issues over extended periods, and the plastic build can feel somewhat flimsy.

Technical Specifications of AKG K452

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%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

4.9
AKG K452 has a technical score of 4.86 points, which is lower than that of 52.5% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
AKG K452 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% 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%

4.9

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.4
AKG K452 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.4 points, which is lower than 65.9% 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 K452 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

40 mm
AKG K452 uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% 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 K452 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

11 Hz
AKG K452 reaches a lowest frequency of 11 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.2% of headphones and equal to 0.1% 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

no
AKG K452 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 K452 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 K452 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 K452 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

?
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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 K452 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 K452 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

?
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

120 g
AKG K452 weighs 120 g, lighter than 75.7% of headphones and equal to 0.8% 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

?
Show more

AKG K452 vs the average headphone

  • 23 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    AKG K452 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (125 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 K452 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (125 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.125 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 45% lower weight
    AKG K452 is lighter than the average headphone (120 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 K452 is lighter than the average headphone (120 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.120 g vs 218 g
  • In-line controls
    AKG K452 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 K452 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 7 Hz lower bass extension
    AKG K452 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (11 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 K452 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (11 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.11 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 9,500 Hz higher treble extension
    AKG K452 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (29,500 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 K452 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (29,500 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.29500 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • Foldable design
    AKG K452 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 K452 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Quick mic mute
    AKG K452 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 K452 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • 22 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    AKG K452 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (125 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
    When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=108 dB SPL

    AKG K452 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (125 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.125 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 45% lower weight
    AKG K452 is lighter than the average headphone (120 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Foldable design
    AKG K452 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 23 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    AKG K452 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (125 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 7 Hz lower bass extension
    AKG K452 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (11 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 9,500 Hz higher treble extension
    AKG K452 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (29,500 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 22 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    AKG K452 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (125 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • 15 dB higher max SPL
    AKG K452 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (125 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • In-line controls
    AKG K452 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Quick mic mute
    AKG K452 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.

Total
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
  • 4 years older release date
    AKG K452 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    September 2013
  • 4.65x less popular
    AKG K452 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 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 K452 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 4 years older release date
    AKG K452 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    September 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 K452 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2013 vs 2017
  • 5.3% worse value for money
    AKG K452 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.40 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 K452 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.40 vs 6.736).6.4 vs 6.74
Total
Overall
Features

Graphic comparison of AKG K452 and

Attribute category
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about AKG K452?

  • Extremely portable with a compact, foldable 3D-Axis design
  • Lightweight and comfortable for shorter listening sessions
  • Clear sound quality with balanced mids and crystal clear trebles
  • Comes with a high-quality protective carrying case
  • Convenient one-button inline remote and microphone for smartphone use
  • Detachable cable allows for easy replacement if damaged
  • Good passive noise isolation for a non-canceling on-ear model

What customers dislike about AKG K452?

  • Can become uncomfortable or hot on the ears during extended use
  • Conflicting reports on bass; some find it muddy or slightly recessed
  • High-volume listening can lead to sound leakage despite closed-back design
  • Build materials can feel a bit flimsy to some users
  • High frequencies are sometimes described as rolled off or lacking 'sparkle'
  • The 3.5mm jack or cable connection points may wear out over several years

Expert reviews

H
head-fi.org
15/09/2013
AKG K452 | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org

The AKG K452 headphones, detailed in this Head-Fi community thread, are positioned as a portable, Android-compatible update to the K450/K451 models, featuring a compact, foldable design. Users frequently praise the improved, universal single-button remote functionality and the engaging, high-quality audio signature suited for on-the-go listening. Conversely, user feedback highlights...Read more

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