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ALTERNATIVES
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REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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AKG Y23u Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£45Form factor:in-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

AKG Y23u 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 Y23u
5.4/10

Overall score

Score
5.4/ 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 89% of models
Score components

80%

5.3

Technical score

20%

5.9

User score

â–¼Worse than 89% of headphones
6.8

Value for money

Value for money
6.8/ 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 84% of models
Score components

70%

5.4

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 84%
5.3

Technical score

Technical score
5.3/ 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 83% of models
Score components

52%

5.4

Sound

20%

4.7

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.5

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 83%
5.9

User score

User score
5.9/ 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 98% of models
Score components

70%

7.2

User ratings

30%

3.0

Number of reviews

â–¼Worse than 98%
  • akg-y23u
  • akg-y23u
akg-y23u
akg-y23u
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 Y23u

Technical score
Technical score
5.3/ 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 83% of models
Score components:

52%

5.4

Sound

20%

4.7

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.5

Calls & Controls

5.3
User score
User score
5.9/ 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 98% of models
Score components

70%

7.2

User ratings

30%

3.0

Number of reviews

5.9
Popularity
Popularity
3.0/ 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 70% of models
Popularity:
AKG Y23u has a popularity score of 3 points, which is lower than that of 69.9% of products in this category.
3.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.8/ 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 84% of models
Score components:

70%

5.4

Overall score

30%

10

Price

6.8
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
5.8 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 5.8 mm, smaller driver size than 99.3% of headphones and equal to 0.3% 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
20 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 47.3% 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
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% 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
?
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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
yes
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% 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
in-ear
Weight
11.2 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 11.2 g, lighter than 94.1% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
N/A
Show more

AKG Y23u vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 94.9% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (11.2 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    11.2 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones 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.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • 94.9% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (11.2 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    11.2 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones 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.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • 34.2 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (5.8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    5.8 mm vs 40 mm
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 34.7% lower user score
    User score
    5.9/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    AKG Y23u
    the average pair of headphones
    AKG Y23u has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (5.94 vs 8).
    5.94 vs 8
  • 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.
  • 6.8% worse value for money
    AKG Y23u has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.81 vs 7.3).
    6.81 vs 7.27
  • 34.7% lower user score
    User score
    5.9/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    AKG Y23u
    the average pair of headphones
    AKG Y23u has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (5.94 vs 8).
    5.94 vs 8
  • 6.8% worse value for money
    AKG Y23u has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.81 vs 7.3).
    6.81 vs 7.27
  • 96.1% less popular
    AKG Y23u is less popular than the average pair of headphones (2.99 vs 5.9).
    2.99 vs 5.87
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 34.2 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (5.8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    5.8 mm vs 40 mm
  • 4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 5 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 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.

Video reviews

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

Not graded yet
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Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

C
consumerreports.org
01/10/2015
Summary of the review
AKG by Harman Y23 Headphone Review
kopfhoerer.de
18/12/2015
Hands-on test · Compact in-ear
Verdict
The AKG Y23U is a tiny, punchy in-ear with clean bass and wide stereo for on-the-go use, though its mids sit back.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about AKG Y23u

  • Ultra-compact and lightweight 'featherweight' design, making them almost 'invisible' during wear.
  • Highly comfortable for extended use and suitable for wearing while lying down or under helmets.
  • Comes with four different sizes of ear tips (XS, S, M, L) to ensure a secure fit for small ear canals.
  • Good overall sound quality with satisfying volume levels even on lower-powered devices.
  • Effective passive noise isolation due to a tight acoustic seal.
  • Includes a universal one-button remote and microphone for basic call and music control.

What customers don't like about AKG Y23u

  • Short cable length (1 metre) can be restrictive, especially when keeping a phone in a pocket.
  • Durability issues reported, with some users experiencing cable or jack failure within weeks.
  • Sonic quirks such as slightly boomy bass and lean midrange/grainy treble according to technical tests.
  • The 3.5mm jack connector may not fit properly through some protective phone cases (e.g., Otterbox).
  • Removing them typically requires pulling the cord, which may contribute to long-term wear and shorting.
  • Lacks dedicated volume control keys on the in-line remote.

Verdict

The AKG Y23u is an ultra-small, lightweight in-ear headphone featuring 5.8mm dynamic drivers designed to deliver studio-quality sound. Technical specifications include a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, an impedance of 16 ohms for easy drivability with mobile devices, and a sensitivity of 98dB SPL. Its main characteristics include a miniature, highly portable design and a one-button universal remote with an integrated microphone compatible with most smartphones. Pros include its exceptionally comfortable 'invisible' fit provided by four sizes of dual-material ear sleeves and an included carrying pouch. Potential cons include a relatively short 1-metre cable that may be restrictive for taller users and concerns regarding the durability of the connector jack over time.

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