OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
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AKG K812 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£1,000Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

AKG K812 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

AKG K812
5.7/10

Overall score

Score
5.7/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components

80%

5.1

Technical score

20%

7.9

User score

â–¼Worse than 79% of headphones
5.6

Value for money

Value for money
5.6/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components

70%

5.7

Overall score

30%

5.2

Price

â–¼Worse than 97%
5.1

Technical score

Technical score
5.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components

52%

5.9

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.3

Design

8%

4.4

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.4

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 89%
7.9

User score

User score
7.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

5.8

Number of reviews

â–¼Worse than 61%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones AKG K812

Technical score
Technical score
5.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components:

52%

5.9

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.3

Design

8%

4.4

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.4

Calls & Controls

5.1
User score
User score
7.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

5.8

Number of reviews

7.9
Popularity
Popularity
5.8/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Popularity:
AKG K812 has a popularity score of 5.8 points, which is lower than that of 50.2% of products in this category.
5.8
Value for money
Value for money
5.6/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components:

70%

5.7

Overall score

30%

5.2

Price

5.6
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
53 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 53 mm, larger driver size than 94.8% of headphones and equal to 1.6% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
5 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 5 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 10.8% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
no
This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while 15.1% is. 84.9% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 1 microphones, more microphones than 26.9% of headphones and equal to 50.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
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Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
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Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
AKG
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
390 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 390 g, heavier than 94.8% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
5.6
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 5.6, higher clamp force than 81.3% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Show more

AKG K812 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 13 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (53 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    53 mm vs 40 mm
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 34,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (54,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    54,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 26 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (70 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    70 mm vs 44 mm
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 10 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (70 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    70 mm vs 60 mm
  • Sidetone support
    This pair of headphones supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
  • 26 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (70 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    70 mm vs 44 mm
  • 10 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (70 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    70 mm vs 60 mm
  • 1.8 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    3 m vs 1.2 m
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 13 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (53 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    53 mm vs 40 mm
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 34,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (54,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    54,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • Sidetone support
    This pair of headphones supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 78.9% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (390 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    390 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1.3 higher clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (5.6 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    5.6 vs 4.3
  • 11.11x more expensive
    AKG K812 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£1,000 vs £90).
    £1,000 vs £90
  • 30.8% worse value for money
    AKG K812 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (5.56 vs 7.3).
    5.56 vs 7.27
  • 11.11x more expensive
    AKG K812 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£1,000 vs £90).
    £1,000 vs £90
  • 30.8% worse value for money
    AKG K812 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (5.56 vs 7.3).
    5.56 vs 7.27
  • 78.9% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (390 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    390 g vs 218 g
  • 1.3 higher clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (5.6 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    5.6 vs 4.3
  • No travel bag
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Pauls Little Room Reviews
≈ estimated
28/05/2026
Hands-on review · sound tests and comparisons
Verdict
The AKG K812 is a recommended all-rounder, though it needs a good amp.
3.0
metal571
≈ estimated
30/08/2017
Hands-on review · sound tests and comparison with K712
Verdict
The AKG K812 is overpriced for its resolution and bright tuning; the reviewer advises skipping it for the K712.
5.0
InnerFidelity
≈ estimated
26/02/2014
Hands-on review · listening and impulse response tests
Verdict
The AKG K812 sounds musical and comfortable, but its ragged treble rules it out for professional use.
Not graded
Not graded
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Shop video
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

whathifi.com
12/09/2014
Listening review · Hi-fi headphones
Verdict
The AKG K812 is a transparent, detailed reference headphone that needs about 100 hours of break-in and a top-class amp and source to sound its best.
soundonsound.com
15/03/2015
Hands-on review · Studio headphones
Verdict
The AKG K812 is a light, comfortable open-back with detailed, deep sound for mixing, though it needs days of break-in and a proper headphone amp.
S
stereophile.com
25/02/2014
Summary of the review
The AKG K812 Professional Reference Headphone
headfonics.com
16/02/2014
Hands-on review · Source pairing
Verdict
The AKG K812 is an efficient, airy headphone with a wide stage and strong classical imaging, but its lean bass and harsh upper mids on rough recordings limit it.
headfonia.com
25/09/2014
Owner review · Phone and amp use
Verdict
The AKG K812 is a bright, treble-heavy open-back that needs a good amp, ideally tube, to tame harshness and reach full dynamics.
musictech.com
30/09/2016
Hands-on review · Mixing headphones
Verdict
The AKG K812 is a natural-sounding reference pair that opens up mixes, but its price will be a hard sell for many buyers.
hdphonic.com
26/05/2014
Hands-on test · Amp pairing
Verdict
The AKG K812 is a light, wide-soundstage reference headphone that suits analytical listening, though its bass needs a powerful amp and balanced cable to sound its best.
headphone.guru
11/01/2016
Listening test · Open-back reference
Verdict
The AKG K812 is a wide, detailed reference headphone for classical and vocal music, though its pads and fixed cable let it down a little.
cnet.com
04/02/2017
Comparison test · Open vs closed
Verdict
The AKG K812 is the airier, more transparent sibling of the K872, but it is leaner in the bass and can sound harsh on compressed recordings.
cnet.com
19/02/2014
Hands-on review · Open-back
Verdict
The AKG K812 is an open, very comfortable headphone with wide, lively stereo imaging that sounds best on a proper headphone amplifier.
stereophile.com
25/02/2014
Lab measurements · Reference headphone
Verdict
The AKG K812 measures smooth and nearly flat in the bass and midrange, but its noisy, peaky response above 2 kHz is its main limit.
kenrockwell.com
Not Dated
Personal review · Open-back
Verdict
The AKG K812 is a smooth, natural open headphone whose low impedance suits Apple devices, but it leaks sound and is not for commuting.
musicradar.com
23/06/2014
Studio review · Monitoring headphones
Verdict
The AKG K812 is an airy, detailed monitoring headphone with a real sense of space, though its high price will put off most buyers.
headphonecheck.com
13/04/2016
Studio review · Sound and comfort
Verdict
The AKG K812 is a comfortable studio headphone with a strong midrange and dynamics, held back by a slightly grainy lower treble and a front stage that could be bigger.
bonedo.de
25/06/2014
Hands-on test · Open-back studio
Verdict
The AKG K812 is a comfortable, precisely balanced open-back for mixing and mastering, though its high weight and lack of a carry case are drawbacks.
fairaudio.de
18/02/2014
Hands-on test · Listening impressions
Verdict
The AKG K812 is a direct reference headphone with natural voices and clear detail, though its soundstage is not especially large.
kopfhoerer.de
13/04/2016
Hands-on test · High-end studio
Verdict
The AKG K812 is a well-built, very comfortable studio headphone with balanced mids and tight bass, though its upper highs sound slightly grainy.
hifitest.de
13/12/2016
System test · Amp pairing
Verdict
The AKG K812 is a precise, neutral reference headphone that suits most music, but it needs a high-end amplifier to sound its best.
I
i-fidelity.net
Keine Angabe im Artikel
Summary of the review
AKG K812: Review - i-fidelity.net
(Translated)Show original
lindwurm.wordpress.com
13/04/2019
Personal review · Long-term listening
Verdict
The AKG K812 is a detailed, bass-rich open-back that's easy to drive from a home amp, though its LEMO plug and gentle grip are not for everyone.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about AKG K812

  • Exceptional soundstage width and deep, holographic imaging that rivals the Sennheiser HD800
  • Highly detailed and analytical sound, revealing subtle nuances and production errors in recordings
  • Superb comfort for long sessions due to excellent weight distribution and unique ear pad design
  • Easy to drive (36 ohms), performing well even with portable players and DAPs
  • Premium build quality featuring solid metal construction and high-quality materials
  • Included high-quality real wood 'Omega' style headphone stand

What customers don't like about AKG K812

  • Treble peaks (notably around 6kHz) can be harsh, 'tizzy', or fatiguing for some listeners
  • Bass can be perceived as lean or lacking impact compared to planar magnetic flagships
  • Thin and flimsy stock cable that uses a non-standard 3-pin LEMO connector
  • Extremely honest nature makes poorly recorded or compressed tracks sound unpleasant
  • Open-back design provides almost zero isolation, leaking sound significantly into the room
  • Price-to-performance ratio is often questioned when compared to newer or cheaper models like the K712

Verdict

The AKG K812 is a professional open-back flagship headphone featuring massive 53mm transducers with a 1.5 Tesla magnet system and ultra-lightweight copper-clad aluminum voice coils. Engineered for extreme detail, it offers a wide 5 Hz – 54 kHz frequency response, 36-ohm impedance, and 110 dB SPL sensitivity, making it easy to drive across various sources. It is widely praised for its expansive soundstage, clinical imaging, and exceptional transparency; however, some users find the treble peaks occasionally fatiguing and note that the proprietary LEMO connector cable can be costly to replace.

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