AKG Y50 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£60
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

AKG Y50 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.9

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%

5.6

Technical Score

20.0%

7.2

User score

Good
5.6

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%

5.1

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

7.9

Design

8.0%

7.7

Connectivity

6.0%

8.2

Battery

4.0%

5.4

Calls & Controls

Good
7.2

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%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

4.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(98)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(98)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Very good
  • 5.3
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    9.0

    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

  • 1.3
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    5.9

    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

  • 3.9
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.9

    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 Y50 is a portable, closed-back on-ear headphone featuring 40mm dynamic drivers that deliver a signature sound with a frequency response of 16 Hz to 24 kHz and a sensitivity of 115 dB SPL/V. Designed for mobility, it weighs 190g and utilizes a 3D-Axis folding mechanism alongside a 1.2m detachable oxygen-free cable with an integrated one-button remote and microphone. Main characteristics include its rugged aluminum earcups and high 32-ohm impedance, making it easy to drive with smartphones. Pros include its punchy, well-defined bass, excellent build quality for its price, and high levels of comfort for an on-ear design. However, notable cons include a lack of on-cable volume control, potentially warm ears during long sessions, and a bold, oversized logo design that may not appeal to all users.

Technical Specifications of AKG Y50

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%

5.1

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

7.9

Design

8.0%

7.7

Connectivity

6.0%

8.2

Battery

4.0%

5.4

Calls & Controls

5.6
AKG Y50 has a technical score of 5.6 points, which is higher than that of 68% 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%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

4.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(98)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(98)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

7.2
AKG Y50 has a user score of 7.18 points, which is lower than that of 75.9% 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.
4.3
AKG Y50 has a popularity of 4.3 points, which is lower than 52% 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%

5.9

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.1
AKG Y50 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.1 points, which is higher than 65.7% 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 Y50 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 Y50 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 Y50 uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and 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 Y50 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 Y50 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 Y50 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 Y50 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 Y50 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 Y50 supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 47.4% of headphones and equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Base product is wired; previous wireless value came from a separate BT variant or optional wireless adapter/module.
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

3.0
AKG Y50 uses Bluetooth version 3, newer Bluetooth version than 55.7% of headphones and equal to 1.6% of headphones.
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

?
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

?
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
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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

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 Y50 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 Y50 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

?
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

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

190 g
AKG Y50 weighs 190 g, lighter than 59.1% of headphones and equal to 1.1% 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

3.2
AKG Y50 has a clamp force of 3.2, lower clamp force than 75.6% of headphones and equal to 1.5% of headphones.
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AKG Y50 vs the average headphone

  • 13 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    AKG Y50 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 Y50 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 Y50 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 Y50 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 Y50 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 Y50 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    AKG Y50 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 Y50 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Foldable design
    AKG Y50 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 Y50 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Quick mic mute
    AKG Y50 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
    What it is: Ability to mute microphone during calls
    When it matters: When you need to silence the mic quickly during meetings or multiplayer games.

    Importance: LOW

    AKG Y50 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • 1.1 lower clamp force
    AKG Y50 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3.2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    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

    AKG Y50 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3.2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.3.2 vs 4.3
  • 4000 Hz higher treble extension
    AKG Y50 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20000 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 Y50 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20000 Hz.24000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • Foldable design
    AKG Y50 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 1.1 lower clamp force
    AKG Y50 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3.2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
  • 12.8% lower weight
    AKG Y50 is lighter than the average headphone (190 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 13 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    AKG Y50 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (115 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 4000 Hz higher treble extension
    AKG Y50 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20000 Hz.
  • 12 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    AKG Y50 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 Y50 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    AKG Y50 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 Y50 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    AKG Y50 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Quick mic mute
    AKG Y50 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • 11.4% lower user score
    AKG Y50 has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.18 vs 8).
    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 Y50 has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.18 vs 8).7.18 vs 8

Graphic comparison of AKG Y50 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about AKG Y50?

  • Punchy and energetic sound with powerful bass response
  • High-quality, durable build featuring aluminum ear cups and stainless-steel headband
  • Excellent portability with a 3D-Axis folding mechanism for easy storage
  • Comfortable leather-covered memory foam cushions
  • Detachable cable includes a reliable inline microphone and remote
  • Great value for money, often punching above its price class

What customers dislike about AKG Y50?

  • Substantial sound leakage, which can disturb others nearby
  • Bold, oversized 'AKG' logo on the earcups is polarizing and not for everyone
  • On-ear design can cause discomfort or 'ear fatigue' after 2-3 hours of use
  • Poor passive noise isolation due to the supra-aural fit
  • Rolled-off high frequencies may lack the 'sparkle' desired by purists
  • Single-button remote lacks onboard volume control

Expert reviews

A
au.pcmag.com
10/10/2014
Summary of the review
P
pcmag.com
09/10/2014
Summary of the review
H
head-fi.org
29/10/2014
Summary of the review
W
whathifi.com
08/10/2018
Summary of the review
H
headphone.ph
06/09/2015
Summary of the review
T
trustedreviews.com
30/01/2015
Summary of the review
U
uk.pcmag.com
09/10/2014
Summary of the review
T
totallydubbed.net
03/10/2014
Summary of the review
T
techradar.com
22/07/2014
Summary of the review
A
areadvd.de
24/07/2014
Summary of the review
M
macwelt.de
12/08/2014
Summary of the review
C
computerwoche.de
11/09/2014
Summary of the review
L
lite-magazin.de
22/10/2014
Summary of the review
A
av-magazin.de
29/08/2014
Summary of the review
M
modernhifi.de
17/06/2015
Summary of the review
C
chip.de
03/12/2016
Summary of the review
H
hifitest.de
10/11/2014
Summary of the review
K
kopfhoerer.de
14/04/2014
Summary of the review
A
audiocasque.fr
04/11/2014
Summary of the review
O
on-mag.fr
02/03/2015
Summary of the review
0
01net.com
20/04/2015
Summary of the review
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
24/07/2014
Summary of the review
J
journaldugeek.com
10/07/2014
Summary of the review
L
lesnumeriques.com
24/07/2014
Summary of the review
D
dday.it
16/06/2014
Summary of the review
B
bright.nl
12/06/2026
Summary of the review

Video reviews

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