AKG N20u Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£90
  • Avg. price in US: ~$130
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

AKG N20u 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%

4.7

Technical Score

20.0%

5.7

User score

Poor
4.7

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%

4.5

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

4.5

Calls & Controls

Poor
5.7

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%

7.2

User reviews

30.0%

2.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.6
(21)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(21)

(Reviews last updated: June 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

  • 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

  • 5.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    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

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 N20U are reference-class in-ear headphones featuring 7mm dynamic drivers and a semi-closed back design with a dedicated bass port to deliver a frequency response of 12Hz–24kHz. Key characteristics include premium aluminium earpiece shells, a 1.2m tangle-free fabric cable, and a 24-ohm impedance that makes them easy to drive from mobile devices with a high sensitivity of 115dB SPL/V. A standout pro is the universal three-button inline remote featuring a unique mechanical switch for full compatibility with both iOS and Android platforms. However, notable cons include a non-detachable cable, the lack of active noise cancellation, and some reports of sub-bass occasionally overshadowing mid-range detail.

Technical Specifications of AKG N20u

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%

4.5

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

4.5

Calls & Controls

4.7
AKG N20u has a technical score of 4.73 points, which is lower than that of 58.6% 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%

7.2

User reviews

30.0%

2.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.6
(21)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(21)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

5.7
AKG N20u has a user score of 5.74 points, which is lower than that of 95.7% 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.
2.3
AKG N20u has a popularity of 2.3 points, which is lower than 64.9% 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

6.5
AKG N20u has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.5 points, which is lower than 60.6% 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 N20u 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 N20u 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 N20u 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 N20u 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 N20u 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 N20u 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 N20u 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 N20u 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 N20u 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 N20u 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

yes
AKG N20u 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
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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

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 N20u 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 N20u vs the average headphone

  • 91.7% lower weight
    AKG N20u 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 N20u 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 N20u 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 N20u 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 N20u 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 N20u 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 N20u 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 N20u includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 6 Hz lower bass extension
    AKG N20u 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 N20u 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
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    AKG N20u has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 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 N20u has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.24000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 12 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    AKG N20u 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 N20u 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
  • 14 dB higher max SPL
    AKG N20u has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (124 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    What it is: Maximum safe sound pressure level
    When it matters: When high-volume headroom is part of your use case.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=116 dB

    AKG N20u has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (124 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.124 dB vs 110 dB
  • 91.7% lower weight
    AKG N20u is lighter than the average headphone (18 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 13 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    AKG N20u 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 N20u has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    AKG N20u has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 12 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    AKG N20u 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.
  • 14 dB higher max SPL
    AKG N20u has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (124 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    AKG N20u 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 N20u includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Fixed cable
    AKG N20u 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 N20u 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 N20u 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 N20u 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 N20u 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 N20u has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 39.3% lower user score
    AKG N20u has a lower user score than the average headphone (5.74 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 N20u has a lower user score than the average headphone (5.74 vs 8.000).5.74 vs 8
  • 98.3% less popular
    AKG N20u is less popular than the average headphone (2.34 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 N20u is less popular than the average headphone (2.34 vs 4.646).2.34 vs 4.65
  • 4.4% worse value for money
    AKG N20u has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.45 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 N20u has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.45 vs 6.736).6.45 vs 6.74

Graphic comparison of AKG N20u and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about AKG N20u?

  • High-end sound quality with excellent detail and a wide soundstage
  • Premium build using aluminum and high-quality materials
  • Universal 3-button remote with a physical switch for iOS/Android compatibility
  • Lightweight and generally comfortable for long listening sessions
  • Fabric-covered tangle-free cable below the Y-split
  • Generous accessory package including a flight adapter, cleaning tool, and hard carrying case

What customers dislike about AKG N20u?

  • Powerful sub-bass can occasionally overwhelm the mid-range detail
  • Lack of active noise cancellation (ANC) and only fair passive isolation
  • Non-removable cable, which limits long-term repairability
  • Mixed reports on material durability, specifically regarding cable fraying or rubber components
  • Finding a secure fit can be difficult for some ear shapes, affecting sound performance
  • Cable can produce microphonics (rubbing noise) when moved against clothing

Expert reviews

S
soundvisionreview.com
30/04/2016

The AKG N20 is a high-end, well-built set of semi-closed in-ear headphones crafted from a single piece of cast aluminum and equipped with a 1.2-meter fabric tangle-free cord. Reviewers highlight its highly detailed, subtle, balanced, and open sound character—particularly noting the finely detailed high frequencies and treble performance—as its primary strength. Additional pros...Read more

L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
04/06/2017

The AKG N20 in-ear headphones are reviewed as an elegant, premium-built wired model designed to deliver a neutral, reference-grade studio sound signature. Priced at roughly 3,500 CZK (€700 in the text, likely a typo for ~€130 based on crowns), they boast outstanding primary specifications, including a 12Hz–24kHz frequency range, 24-ohm impedance, and a lightweight 18-gram body...Read more

W
whathifi.com
03/03/2017

The AKG N20 wired in-ear headphones blend elements of high-end, precision hi-fi audio with a modern, bass-forward sound character. They feature a compact aluminum design equipped with 7mm drivers and unique bass ports, though the isolation is noted as only fair for loud environments. A key physical feature is an inline three-button remote equipped with a built-in compatibility...Read more

T
trustedreviews.com
20/02/2017

The AKG N20U in-ear headphones deliver a premium, engaging sound featuring high technical treble precision, a crisp mid-range, and a unique inline remote with a mechanical switch for iOS/Android compatibility. While the design offers high-fidelity performance at its price point, the, 3.5mm jack may not suit users with modern devices. However, the review notes a disjointed sound...Read more

T
tedamo.de
18/05/2016

The COMPUTER BILD test evaluated 20 different headphone models, concluding that modern In-Ear variants deliver audio quality on par with traditional headband models while offering exceptional value for money. In the wired in-ear category, the AKG N20 (€120) secured first place due to its clean, undistorted sound and deep bass, alongside a practical sliding switch that ensures volume...Read more

L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
04/06/2017

The review of the AKG N20 wired in-ear headphones on Letem svetem Applem highlights them as a premium, reference-grade option retailing for approximately 3,700 CZK (€140). Structurally, the reviewer praises the top-tier craftsmanship of the single-piece aluminum housings and the 1.2-meter semi-braided textile cable. The unboxing experience is rated exceptionally well, noting an...Read more

A
afdigitale.it
09/03/2017

The AKG N20 are essential, elegant in-ear headphones priced at €129 that favor high-fidelity audio precision over modern gimmicks like wireless connectivity or active noise cancellation. A standout construction feature is a dedicated switch on the inline remote control that allows seamless compatibility toggling between iOS and Android devices. Sonically, these earphones offer a...Read more

Video reviews

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