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AKG Y40 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£90
  • Avg. price in US: ~$120
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

AKG Y40 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.0

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%

4.6

Technical Score

20.0%

6.3

User score

Good
4.6

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%

5.0

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

3.7

Battery

4.0%

5.1

Calls & Controls

Poor
6.3

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%

7.5

User reviews

30.0%

3.6

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(35)
amazon
3.4
(26)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(35)
Amazon_logo.png
3.4
(26)

(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

  • 1.6
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    7.3

    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

  • 6.2
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    7.3

    Weight

    24.0%

    9.0

    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 Y40 is a compact, high-performance on-ear headphone featuring dual 40mm drivers and a 3D-Axis fold-flat mechanism for extreme portability. It operates with a frequency response of 16Hz to 22kHz, 32 ohms impedance, and a high sensitivity of 120dB SPL/V, weighing only 133g. Key characteristics include a detachable 1.2m cable with an integrated remote and microphone, closed-back ear cups for passive noise isolation, and a stainless steel headband for durability. Its main pros are its lightweight, punchy sound with deep bass and a design that is highly travel-friendly due to its small footprint. However, some users have noted cons such as rolled-off treble that lacks sparkle, potentially tight clamping force for larger heads, and long-term durability issues specifically regarding the ear pad adhesive.

Technical Specifications of AKG Y40

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%

5.0

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

3.7

Battery

4.0%

5.1

Calls & Controls

4.6
AKG Y40 has a technical score of 4.63 points, which is lower than that of 65% 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%

7.5

User reviews

30.0%

3.6

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(35)
amazon
3.4
(26)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(35)
Amazon_logo.png
3.4
(26)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

6.3
AKG Y40 has a user score of 6.31 points, which is lower than that of 89.8% 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.
3.6
AKG Y40 has a popularity of 3.6 points, which is lower than 56.1% 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%

5.0

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.5
AKG Y40 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 Y40 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

40 mm
AKG Y40 uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% 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 Y40 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

16 Hz
AKG Y40 reaches a lowest frequency of 16 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 54.3% of headphones and equal to 4.1% 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 Y40 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 Y40 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 Y40 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 Y40 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 Y40 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 Y40 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

no
AKG Y40 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% 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

on-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

133 g
AKG Y40 weighs 133 g, lighter than 73.5% of headphones and equal to 0.2% 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

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: MEDIUM

?
Show more

AKG Y40 vs the average headphone

  • 39% lower weight
    AKG Y40 is lighter than the average headphone (133 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 Y40 is lighter than the average headphone (133 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.133 g vs 218 g
  • In-line controls
    AKG Y40 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 Y40 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    AKG Y40 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
    What it is: Reduces wind interference for clearer outdoor calls
    When it matters: When you take calls outdoors while walking, cycling, or commuting.

    Importance: LOW

    AKG Y40 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Foldable design
    AKG Y40 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
    What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
    When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.

    Importance: LOW

    AKG Y40 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    AKG Y40 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 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 Y40 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 17 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    AKG Y40 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (120 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 Y40 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (120 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.120 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    AKG Y40 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 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 Y40 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.22000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 39% lower weight
    AKG Y40 is lighter than the average headphone (133 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Foldable design
    AKG Y40 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    AKG Y40 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 17 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    AKG Y40 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (120 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    AKG Y40 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • In-line controls
    AKG Y40 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    AKG Y40 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.

Total
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
  • Tangle-prone cable
    AKG Y40 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No voice assistant support
    AKG Y40 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • No voice assistant support
    AKG Y40 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    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

    AKG Y40 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 26.8% lower user score
    AKG Y40 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.31 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 Y40 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.31 vs 8.000).6.31 vs 8
  • Tangle-prone cable
    AKG Y40 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
    What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
    When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.

    Importance: LOW

    AKG Y40 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 4.1% worse value for money
    AKG Y40 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.47 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 Y40 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.47 vs 6.736).6.47 vs 6.74
Total
Overall
Design
Features

Graphic comparison of AKG Y40 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
35 Reviews
amazon
3.4
26 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
35 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
3.4
26 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about AKG Y40?

  • Extremely compact and lightweight design ideal for travel
  • Foldable 3D-Axis mechanism for easy storage
  • Punchy and energetic bass response
  • Durable build quality featuring stainless steel headband sliders
  • Effective noise isolation for an on-ear design
  • Detachable cable with universal remote and microphone
  • Available in multiple stylish colors (Black, Blue, Yellow)

What customers dislike about AKG Y40?

  • Earpads are prone to falling apart or peeling over time
  • Treble can sound rolled off or 'musty', lacking fine detail
  • Small earcup size may be uncomfortable for long listening sessions
  • Volume controls on the remote may not work with all devices (e.g., iOS vs Android)
  • Non-standard 2.5mm jack on the headphone side makes finding third-party cables difficult
  • Overall soundstage can feel closed-in or slightly muddy

Expert reviews

H
head-fi.org
13/06/2014
AKG's new "Lifestyle" headphone range - Y50, Y45BT & Y40 Would you like to see a comparison of how the Y40 performed against its larger sibling, the Y...

The Head-Fi user review on page 2 highlights the AKG Y50 headphones as a superior, comfortable portable option compared to the K518 Tiesto, praising their clean bass, strong mid-range, and smooth treble. While highly versatile for various music genres, the Y50 is designed for casual listening rather than high-fidelity, featuring a tamer, less extended treble and specific, non-black,...Read more

W
whathifi.com
13/03/2015
AKG Y40 review - What Hi-Fi? YouTube

AKG Y40 Review Summary The AKG Y40 on-ear headphones deliver an unbalanced and unrefined audio performance that falls short of the manufacturer's usual high standards. On the positive side, these portable headphones offer a punchy, upbeat, and snappy rhythm with a decent amount of detail and taut control over the start and stop of notes,. Structurally, they feature a high-quality,...Read more

S
slinkystudio.info
06/02/2015
AKG Y40 Headphones Review - Slinky Studio

The AKG Y40 headphones are an ultra-compact, lightweight pair of on-ear headphones designed for users who want a low-profile audio option without sacrificing sound quality. They feature robust 40mm speaker drivers inside minute ear cups, paired with a highly flexible headband and 3D-Axis swiveling hinges that allow them to easily fold into a pocket or the included carry case. Built...Read more

K
kopfhoerer.de
11/12/2015
AKG Y 40 im Test bei kopfhoerer.de

The AKG Y 40 is a compact, closed-back, on-ear headphone specifically designed for portable use with mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. Visually, it features a subtle black and grey design combining matte and glossy textures, though its ear cups appear unusually bulky relative to its size. On the positive side, it offers exceptional portability thanks to a 3D-Axis folding...Read more

(Translated)Show original
0
01net.com
04/05/2015
AKG Y40 Technical Specifications - 01net.com

In terms of advantages, the headset is highly budget-friendly, exceptionally easy to transport due to its folding mechanism, and features a modular detachable cord. However, the review highlights significant drawbacks that compromise its overall value. Despite its mobile-friendly design elements, the publication explicitly notes that it is unfortunately not a good model for daily...Read more

(Translated)Show original
0
01net.com
04/05/2015
Review: AKG Y40 Headphones - 01net.com

The AKG Y40 is a highly portable and lightweight on-ear headphone priced under 100 euros, designed with flat-folding ear cups and a pivoting hinge system that makes it incredibly easy to transport. Major advantages include its featherweight design at just 144 grams, its included protective carrying pouch, and a satisfactory built-in microphone for hands-free calls. However, the...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
02/01/2022
AKG Y40 Black Review: Great headphones with slightly weak isolation

The Labo Fnac review evaluates the AKG Y40 Black as an affordable, lightweight (133–137 grams), and highly portable wired supra-aural (on-ear) headset that scored an overall 4 out of 5 stars. It is strictly designed for traditional analog listening, featuring a detachable 1.2-meter cable equipped with a universal remote and microphone for smartphone calling. Labo Fnac's technical...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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