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AKG Y20 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£25
Avg. price in US: ~$30
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

AKG Y20 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

5.6

Good

5.5

Good

6.2

Good

7.6
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
?
Audio latency
25.0%
4.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
?
Battery life
5.7
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
4.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
?
Battery life
18.0%
?
Weight
16.0%
4.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
4.0
Ambient sound mode
7.8
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
4.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
?
Battery life
14.0%
4.0
Companion app
7.3
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
?
Weight
24.0%
4.0
Water resistance
20.0%
?
IP rating
16.0%
?
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Verdict

The AKG Y20 is a lightweight, wired in-ear headphone featuring powerful 8mm dynamic drivers that deliver a signature balanced sound with a frequency response of 13Hz to 22.5kHz and a sensitivity of 115dB/mW. Designed for portability, its durable polycarbonate body includes specially angled ear-tips and three sizes of soft silicone sleeves for a secure, ergonomic fit. Main pros include its extremely comfortable design, solid build quality for the price, and a punchy yet detailed bass response. However, cons include a lack of sub-bass depth, occasional sibilance in the highs, and the absence of volume controls on the standard model's one-button remote.

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones AKG Y20

Overall score

5.6

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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

5.8

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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: HIGH

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: HIGH

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

6.4

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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: LOW

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: LOW

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

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

4.6

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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: LOW

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: LOW

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: MEDIUM

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: LOW

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Features

4.4

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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

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: HIGH

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

4.0

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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: LOW

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: LOW

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: LOW

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: LOW

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: LOW

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

7.2

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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: LOW

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: LOW

in-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: HIGH

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: LOW

closed-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: LOW

N/A

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AKG Y20 vs the average pair of headphones

Why is AKG Y20 better than the average pair of headphones?

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94.1% lower weight
AKG Y20 is lighter than the average pair of headphones (12.9 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: HIGH
Good value: <150 g
AKG Y20 is lighter than the average pair of headphones (12.9 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.12.9 g vs 218 g
13 dB/mW higher sensitivity
AKG Y20 has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (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 Y20 has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (115 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.115 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Clear call microphone
AKG Y20 offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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: LOW
AKG Y20 offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
AKG Y20 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% 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: LOW
AKG Y20 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
5 Hz lower bass extension
AKG Y20 has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (13 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 Y20 has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (13 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.13 Hz vs 18 Hz
3.6x cheaper
AKG Y20 is cheaper than the average pair of headphones (£25 vs £90).
AKG Y20 is cheaper than the average pair of headphones (£25 vs £90).£25 vs £90
2,500 Hz higher treble extension
AKG Y20 has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (22,500 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=24000 Hz
AKG Y20 has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (22,500 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.22500 Hz vs 20000 Hz
12 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
AKG Y20 has a higher sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (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 Y20 has a higher sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (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
94.1% lower weight
AKG Y20 is lighter than the average pair of headphones (12.9 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
13 dB/mW higher sensitivity
AKG Y20 has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (115 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
5 Hz lower bass extension
AKG Y20 has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (13 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
2,500 Hz higher treble extension
AKG Y20 has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (22,500 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
12 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
AKG Y20 has a higher sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
AKG Y20 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
Clear call microphone
AKG Y20 offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.

Calls & Controls

Why is AKG Y20 worse than the average pair of headphones?

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Non-replaceable earpads
AKG Y20 has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
Fixed cable
AKG Y20 has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
32 mm smaller driver size
AKG Y20 has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
No battery indicator
AKG Y20 does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
1 fewer microphones
AKG Y20 has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
32 mm smaller driver size
AKG Y20 has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (8 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: HIGH
AKG Y20 has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.8 mm vs 40 mm
Non-replaceable earpads
AKG Y20 has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
What it is: Earpads can be replaced when worn out
When it matters: When you care about long-term maintenance and extending product life.
Importance: LOW
AKG Y20 has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
Fixed cable
AKG Y20 has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones 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: LOW
AKG Y20 has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
28.1% lower user score
AKG Y20 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.25 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 Y20 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.25 vs 8.000).6.25 vs 8
No battery indicator
AKG Y20 does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
What it is: Shows remaining battery charge visually or audibly
When it matters: When you dislike unexpected shutdowns and want clearer warning before leaving home, boarding a flight, or joining a call.
Importance: LOW
AKG Y20 does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
1 fewer microphones
AKG Y20 has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 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
AKG Y20 has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
4.9% worse value for money
AKG Y20 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.94 vs 7.279).
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 Y20 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.94 vs 7.279).6.94 vs 7.28

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of AKG Y20 and other products in the Headphones category

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about AKG Y20?

Exceptional value for the low price point
Lightweight and compact ergonomic design
Comfortable fit for long listening sessions with tilted ear-tips
Clear sound quality with detailed mids and highs
Included protective carrying pouch and three sizes of silicone ear tips
Flush fit makes them suitable for use under helmets or while lying down

What customers dislike about AKG Y20?

Sub-bass depth can feel lacking or 'anemic'
Audio cable is prone to microphonics (noise from rubbing against clothes)
Requires a perfect seal for optimal sound; otherwise, audio can sound thin
Occasional reports of durability issues, such as one earbud failing over time
Some users find the high frequencies slightly sibilant or 'dark'
Passive noise isolation is only average and may not block loud environments effectively

Expert reviews

thephonograph.net

28/05/2018

Summary of the review

AKG Y20U / Y20 - Review - ThePhonograph.net

According to ThePhonograph.net, the AKG Y20U/Y20 entry-level earphones offer superior comfort with a tiny, lightweight, angled design that provides excellent passive noise isolation and leakage control. However, the audio profile is limited by a dark, recessed midrange with distant vocals, strong sibilance, and a weak, unrewarding response to equalization.

thephonograph.net

28/05/2018

Summary of the review

AKG Y20U / Y20 Review - ThePhonograph.net

The AKG Y20U/Y20, reviewed by ThePhonograph.net, are identified as ultra-lightweight, comfortable budget earphones featuring a small, angled design suitable for extended wear, including for use while sleeping. Key advantages noted in the review include effective passive isolation, low sound leakage, and a very compact, comfortable build. However, the review details that the sound profile requires equalization, featuring distant lower vocals, a dark treble, and strong sibilance peaks that become harsh with heavy EQ. The overall soundstage is described as laid-back and recessed, positioning the headphones better for casual, daily use rather than critical listening.

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