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AKG K514 MKII Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£55
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

AKG K514 MKII review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.2

Poor

3.7

Poor

6.3

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
2.7
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
5.9
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
10
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
3.9
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
5.9
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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Verdict

The AKG K514 MKII is a lightweight, semi-open over-ear headphone weighing just 190g and featuring a 16Hz–22kHz frequency range, 32-ohm impedance, and 107dB SPL/V sensitivity. It is characterised by a self-adjusting headband, a 3-metre single-sided cable, and a natural, airy sound signature that excels in the midrange. Main pros include its exceptional comfort for long listening sessions, stylish white-and-grey aesthetic, and high efficiency that allows it to be easily driven by mobile devices without an external amplifier. However, notable cons include a lacks of deep bass extension, a treble response that some users find overly sharp or sibilant, and potential seal issues due to firm ear pads and limited cup swivel.

Technical Specifications of AKG K514 MKII

Overall score

4.2

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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

2.9

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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

2.9

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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

N/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

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

4.7

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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

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

6.1

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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

semi-open

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 K514 MKII vs the average headphone

Why is AKG K514 MKII better than the average headphone?

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Direct 3.5 mm plug
AKG K514 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 K514 MKII includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
Open-back design
AKG K514 MKII uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
semi-open design.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.
Importance: MEDIUM
AKG K514 MKII uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
1.8 m more useful cable length
AKG K514 MKII offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.
Importance: LOW
AKG K514 MKII offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.3 m vs 1.2 m
12.8% lower weight
AKG K514 MKII is lighter than the average headphone (190 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 K514 MKII is lighter than the average headphone (190 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.190 g vs 218 g
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
AKG K514 MKII has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 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 K514 MKII has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.22000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
1.8 m more useful cable length
AKG K514 MKII offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
Open-back design
AKG K514 MKII uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
12.8% lower weight
AKG K514 MKII is lighter than the average headphone (190 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
AKG K514 MKII has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
AKG K514 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 K514 MKII worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
AKG K514 MKII has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
5 mm tighter earcup height
AKG K514 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.
Tangle-prone cable
AKG K514 MKII uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
0.7 higher clamp force
AKG K514 MKII has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
3 mm tighter earcup width
AKG K514 MKII has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (40 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
No passive noise reduction
AKG K514 MKII does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
0.2 % higher distortion
AKG K514 MKII has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
No voice assistant support
AKG K514 MKII does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
6 years older release date
AKG K514 MKII was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
September 2011
No passive noise reduction
AKG K514 MKII does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.
Importance: MEDIUM
AKG K514 MKII does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
No voice assistant support
AKG K514 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 K514 MKII does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
AKG K514 MKII 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 K514 MKII has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
5 mm tighter earcup height
AKG K514 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 K514 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
0.2 % higher distortion
AKG K514 MKII has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.5 % 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 K514 MKII has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.5 % vs 0.3 %
26.5% lower user score
AKG K514 MKII has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.33 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 K514 MKII has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.33 vs 8.000).6.33 vs 8
Tangle-prone cable
AKG K514 MKII 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 K514 MKII uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
13% worse value for money
AKG K514 MKII has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.96 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 K514 MKII has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.96 vs 6.736).5.96 vs 6.74

Graphic comparison of AKG K514 MKII and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about AKG K514 MKII?

Extremely lightweight (190g) and comfortable for long listening sessions
Stylish, modern 'retro' design in white and grey
Balanced and clear midrange, ideal for acoustic, jazz, and pop music
Airy and spacious soundstage characteristic of the AKG signature
High sensitivity and low impedance (32 ohms) make them easy to drive with mobile devices
Self-adjusting headband provides a good fit without manual adjustment

What customers dislike about AKG K514 MKII?

Lacks deep sub-bass; not suitable for 'bassheads' or genres like EDM/Rap
The 3-meter straight cable is excessively long for mobile use and can be cumbersome
High frequencies can be overly sibilant or 'sharp' during some tracks
Poor noise isolation due to the semi-open design; sound leaks to those nearby
Some users reported build quality concerns, such as the headband material splitting over time
Non-detachable cable makes repairs or replacements difficult

Expert reviews

yugatech.com

29/06/2012

AKG K514 MKII Headphone Review

The YugaTech review highlights the AKG K514 MKII as a comfortable, mid-range headphone priced at Php4,590. It features a redesigned, relaxed aesthetic compared to its rugged predecessor, utilizing two flexible plastic braces and a self-adjusting synthetic leather and cloth headband. Built as a semi-open, dynamic headphone with an impedance of 32Ω, a sensitivity of 107db SPL/V, and a...Read more

unbox.ph

19/07/2012

AKG K514 MKII Headphones Hands-on

The AKG K514 MKII headphones are highlighted for their stylish retro design, comfortable fit, and excellent value for under 5,000 PHP, featuring a self-adjusting headband and soft ear pads suitable for long listening sessions. The review praises the wide, airy soundstage and emphasizes clear, detailed mid-range audio performance. However, the headset is designed for stationary desk...Read more

diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com

26/02/2022

K514-mkII | DIY-Audio-Heaven

The AKG K514-mkII is a budget-friendly, semi-open over-ear headphone produced between 2011 and 2016. On the positive side, it features a lightweight 198-gram construction, highly efficient 32Ω drivers that play decently loud directly from smartphones, and a low-microphonic 3-meter cable that isolates physical cable movement noise well. Additionally, the upper-midrange frequency...Read more

unbox.ph

05/08/2012

AKG K514 MKII Headphone Review

The Unbox PH review highlights the AKG K514 MKII as a stylish, retro-designed headphone featuring a comfortable, lightweight build with a self-adjusting headband, making them ideal for long office listening sessions. Sound-wise, they deliver a natural, detailed, and balanced audio profile that excels in the midrange for genres like acoustic, pop, and rock, rather than providing a...Read more

gamezoom.net

17/05/2013

AKG K 514 MKII - Test/Review", "AKG K 514 MKII tested by trade magazines", "AKG K514 MKII, K512 MKII and K511: New headphones introduced

The review from Gamezoom evaluates the AKG K 514 MKII, an entry-level, multi-purpose stereo headphone released in early 2012. Featuring a semi-open, dynamic headband design, the model targets casual users looking for natural, studio-quality sound on a budget, with retail pricing starting at around 33 euros. The hardware test system utilized an Ultraforce WOW II Edition PC running...Read more

forum.tellementnomade.org

21/02/2012

AKG K514 MK2 - From the forum

The AKG K514 MK2 is a lightweight, semi-open, circum-aural headphone priced around 50 euros, designed primarily for stationary listening rather than portable use. In terms of physical build and comfort, the reviewer highlights several pros, including its exceptional comfort, lightweight design, and the inclusion of a convenient screw-on 3.5mm to 6.25mm jack adapter. However, a...Read more

iphoneitalia.com

19/07/2012

AKG by Harman K514 MKII, excellent quality overhead headphones at an unbeatable price - The iPhoneItalia review

The AKG by Harman K514 MKII is a pair of semi-open, overhead dynamic headphones designed to provide high-quality audio at an affordable price under 60 euros. Weighing only 190 grams, these lightweight white headphones feature a comfortable design with large ear cups that wrap completely around the ears, preventing pressure and overheating. A major highlight is the automatic headband...Read more

tweakers.net

19/06/2013

AKG K 514 MKII Grey, White, Black - Dynion - Product reviews - Tweakers

The Tweakers review by Dynion compares the AKG K 514 MKII against a rival Sennheiser model, highlighting the AKG's superior, lightweight design and aesthetic appeal. While offering similar comfort levels, the reviewer finds the AKG is more pleasant to wear for extended periods. Conversely, the Sennheiser model wins on sound quality, offering a superior acoustic performance and a...Read more

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