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AKG N20 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£95
  • Avg. price in US: ~$120
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

AKG N20 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

6.1

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%

5.9

Technical Score

20.0%

6.8

User score

Good
5.9

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%

5.6

Sound

20.0%

5.6

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

6.0

Battery

4.0%

5.2

Calls & Controls

Good
6.8

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%

7.9

User reviews

30.0%

4.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(46)
amazon
3.9
(30)
amazon
3.8
(11)
amazon
4.1
(4)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(46)
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
(30)
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
(11)
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(4)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

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

  • 2.1
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    10

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 4.1
    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%

    10

    Companion app

  • 6.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    9.0

    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

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 N20 is a pair of reference-class in-ear headphones featuring a semi-closed back design, 12Hz–22kHz frequency response, 38-ohm impedance, and a sensitivity of 115dB SPL/V. Constructed with premium aluminum housing and a tangle-resistant fabric cable, its main characteristics include an universal three-button remote with a compatibility switch for seamless toggling between iOS and Android devices. Main pros include a balanced 'AKG Signature' sound with a surprisingly powerful sub-bass response and a high-quality build that remains lightweight and comfortable for long sessions. However, some cons include only fair noise isolation due to the large bass ports and a non-detachable cable that may impact long-term repairability.

Technical Specifications of AKG N20

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%

5.6

Sound

20.0%

5.6

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

6.0

Battery

4.0%

5.2

Calls & Controls

5.9
AKG N20 has a technical score of 5.92 points, which is higher than that of 71.7% 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%

7.9

User reviews

30.0%

4.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(46)
amazon
3.9
(30)
amazon
3.8
(11)
amazon
4.1
(4)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(46)
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
(30)
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
(11)
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(4)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

6.8
AKG N20 has a user score of 6.79 points, which is lower than that of 82.3% of products in this category.
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.
4.2
AKG N20 has a popularity of 4.2 points, which is lower than 52.4% 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%

6.1

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.3
AKG N20 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.3 points, which is higher than 70.6% 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 N20 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

7 mm
AKG N20 uses a driver size of 7 mm, smaller driver size than 97.9% of headphones and equal to 0.7% 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 N20 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

12 Hz
AKG N20 reaches a lowest frequency of 12 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 65.1% of headphones and equal to 2% 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 N20 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 N20 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 N20 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 N20 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

?
Show more
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 N20 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 N20 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

yes
AKG N20 works with a companion app. 55.7% of headphones support companion apps.
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

yes
AKG N20 supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
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

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

18 g
AKG N20 weighs 18 g, lighter than 86.5% of headphones and equal to 0.6% 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

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

N/A
Show more

AKG N20 vs the average headphone

  • Spatial audio support
    AKG N20 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
    What it is: Supports immersive surround sound playback
    When it matters: When movies, games, and immersive mixes are part of your listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    AKG N20 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 91.7% lower weight
    AKG N20 is lighter than the average headphone (18 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 N20 is lighter than the average headphone (18 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.18 g vs 218 g
  • 13 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    AKG N20 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (115 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 N20 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (115 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.115 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    AKG N20 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 N20 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 N20 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 N20 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 6 Hz lower bass extension
    AKG N20 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 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 N20 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.12 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Play while charging
    AKG N20 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
    What it is: Can be used while charging
    When it matters: When you need to keep listening during long work or gaming sessions.

    Importance: LOW

    AKG N20 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • 12 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    AKG N20 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (115 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 N20 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 91.7% lower weight
    AKG N20 is lighter than the average headphone (18 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Spatial audio support
    AKG N20 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 13 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    AKG N20 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (115 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 6 Hz lower bass extension
    AKG N20 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 12 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    AKG N20 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • Play while charging
    AKG N20 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    AKG N20 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 N20 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Total
Design
Sound
Battery
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    AKG N20 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 33 mm smaller driver size
    AKG N20 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (7 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 33 mm smaller driver size
    AKG N20 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (7 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 N20 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (7 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.7 mm vs 40 mm
  • Fixed cable
    AKG N20 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 N20 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 17.9% lower user score
    AKG N20 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.79 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 N20 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.79 vs 8.000).6.79 vs 8
Total
Overall
Design
Sound

Graphic comparison of AKG N20 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
46 Reviews
amazon
3.9
30 Reviews
amazon
3.8
11 Reviews
amazon
4.1
4 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
46 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
30 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
11 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
4 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about AKG N20?

  • Superior sound quality with reference-class clarity and detail
  • Premium aluminum build with high-quality craftsmanship
  • Comfortable, lightweight design suitable for long listening sessions
  • Universal three-button remote with an integrated compatibility switch for Android and iOS
  • Durable fabric-braided cable that helps prevent tangling
  • Rich accessory package including a carrying case, flight adapter, and cleaning tool

What customers dislike about AKG N20?

  • Soundstage can feel delicate and overwhelmed by strong sub-bass on certain tracks
  • Mid-range has a dry tone that can make vocals sound flat
  • Inconsistent fit for some users, leading to poor isolation or the buds falling out
  • Isolation is only fair and may struggle in noisy environments
  • Some reports of reliability issues, such as the microphone failing over time

Expert reviews

T
trustedreviews.com
20/02/2017
AKG N20U Review | Trusted Reviews

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the AKG N20U (£80) highlights a unique universal remote for toggling between iOS and Android, offering high-fidelity sound with detailed mids and precise treble, alongside an unusually powerful 20-60Hz sub-bass response. While the sound is impressive, the review notes a lack of cohesion where the intense, "bolted on" sub-bass can overpower delicate...Read more

W
whathifi.com
03/03/2017
AKG N20 review

The AKG N20 is a pair of normal, non-wireless, and non-noise-cancelling wired earphones that features 7mm drivers housed in small aluminum earpieces. It stands out with a robust, non-removable cable wrapped in a tight fabric weave to prevent tangling, and a unique 3-button remote containing a switch that toggles compatibility between iOS and Android smartphones. However, a major...Read more

L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
04/06/2017
AKG N20 review – simply great

The AKG N20 wired in-ear headphones feature a premium, single-piece aluminum body that provides excellent build quality and a comfortable, stable fit inside the ear. Packaged in a well-padded box, they come with multiple accessories including three sizes of silicone earplugs, a rubberized semi-hard carrying case, a specialized cleaning tool, and a dual-airplane adapter. The...Read more

H
head-fi.org
01/05/2015
AKG N20 IEM | Page 6 | Headphone Reviews and Discussion

The AKG N20 in-ear monitors offer a treble-forward, analytical sound profile featuring pristine midrange clarity, deep sub-bass extension, and a comfortable, robust design with functional 3-button controls. These earphones are highly regarded for portable, detailed listening or light mixing, presenting a sound signature often compared to the Beyerdynamic DT880. However, the N20's...Read more

K
kopfhoerer.de
31/10/2017
AKG N20 NC review on kopfhoerer.de

The AKG N20 NC is a wired, noise-canceling in-ear headphone based on the original universal N20 model, earning a solid 4 out of 5 rating for its overall performance. A major pro highlighted in the review is its outstanding active noise cancellation (ANC), which effectively eliminates low-frequency ambient sounds, reducing surrounding noise by an estimated 40 decibels even in...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
04/06/2017
AKG N20 Review - Simply Brilliant", "AKG N20 Review - Simply Great

This review from Letem svetem Applem highly praises the AKG N20 wired in-ear headphones as reference-class, premium earbuds priced around 3,700 CZK (140 €). The reviewer highlights several major pros, including its top-tier aluminum unibody craftsmanship, comfortable ergonomic fit that locks securely in the ear, and an expansive unboxing experience packed with rich accessories like...Read more

(Translated)Show original
A
afdigitale.it
09/03/2017
AKG N20: For that extra bass

The AKG N20 are minimalist wired in-ear headphones priced at €129 that attempt to blend high-fidelity precision with a prominent bass presence. Visually, they feature elegant metal housings wrapped in a glossy strip, though the outer plastic components feel less premium. A standout feature is the unique inline remote control, which includes an integrated microphone and a dedicated...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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