OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

AKG Y55 Review | 93 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£110
  • Avg. price in US: ~$130
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

AKG Y55 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.5

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%

5.2

Technical Score

20.0%

6.6

User score

Good
5.2

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%

5.4

Sound

20.0%

5.5

Features

10.0%

5.0

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

6.0

Battery

4.0%

5.3

Calls & Controls

Good
6.6

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%

2.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(13)
amazon
4.3
(12)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(13)
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(12)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 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

  • 1.9
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    1.0

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    10

    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

  • 2.5
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    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

  • akg-y55
  • akg-y55
  • akg-y55
  • akg-y55
  • akg-y55
  • akg-y55
  • akg-y55
  • akg-y55
akg-y55
akg-y55
akg-y55
akg-y55
akg-y55
akg-y55
akg-y55
akg-y55

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 Y55 is a set of high-performance, closed-back on-ear headphones designed to DJ-ready specifications with a focus on portability and enhanced bass performance. Key specifications include a frequency range of 16Hz to 24kHz, a high sensitivity of 115dB SPL/V, and a low input impedance of 32 ohms, making them easy to drive with smartphones. Main characteristics include 90-degree rotating ear-cups for one-ear monitoring, a 3D-Axis folding mechanism for compact storage, and a detachable 1.2m cable featuring an in-line universal remote and microphone. Pros include its rugged yet stylish build in multiple colors, effective passive noise isolation, and a lightweight design (approx. 450g) optimized for on-the-go use. However, some users have noted the lack of active noise cancellation (ANC) and reported that the snug fit, while secure, can occasionally become tight during extended listening sessions.

Technical Specifications of AKG Y55

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%

5.4

Sound

20.0%

5.5

Features

10.0%

5.0

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

6.0

Battery

4.0%

5.3

Calls & Controls

5.2
AKG Y55 has a technical score of 5.18 points, which is higher than that of 59.2% 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%

2.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(13)
amazon
4.3
(12)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(13)
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(12)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

6.6
AKG Y55 has a user score of 6.62 points, which is lower than that of 85.1% 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.
2.5
AKG Y55 has a popularity of 2.5 points, which is lower than 63.9% 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%

5.5

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

6.8
AKG Y55 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.8 points, which is higher than 51% 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 Y55 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 Y55 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 Y55 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 Y55 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 Y55 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 Y55 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 Y55 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

yes
AKG Y55 includes a boom microphone. 84.5% 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 Y55 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

yes
AKG Y55 supports ambient sound mode. 23.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
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 Y55 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

?
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

450 g
AKG Y55 weighs 450 g, heavier than 97.1% of headphones and equal to 0.4% 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 Y55 vs the average headphone

  • 13 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    AKG Y55 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 Y55 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
  • In-line controls
    AKG Y55 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 Y55 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    AKG Y55 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 Y55 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Foldable design
    AKG Y55 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 Y55 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    AKG Y55 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 Y55 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
  • Boom microphone included
    AKG Y55 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a 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

    AKG Y55 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • Play while charging
    AKG Y55 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
    What it is: Can be used while charging
    When it matters: When you need to keep listening during long work or gaming sessions.

    Importance: LOW

    AKG Y55 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • 12 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    AKG Y55 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 Y55 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
  • Foldable design
    AKG Y55 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 13 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    AKG Y55 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (115 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    AKG Y55 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 Y55 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 Y55 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • In-line controls
    AKG Y55 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    AKG Y55 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Boom microphone included
    AKG Y55 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Total
Design
Sound
Battery
Calls & Controls
  • 2.06x higher weight
    AKG Y55 is heavier than the average headphone (450 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 30 mm tighter earcup height
    AKG Y55 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (30 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • 2.06x higher weight
    AKG Y55 is heavier than the average headphone (450 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 Y55 is heavier than the average headphone (450 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.450 g vs 218 g
  • 30 mm tighter earcup height
    AKG Y55 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (30 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    AKG Y55 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (30 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.30 mm vs 60 mm
  • 20.8% lower user score
    AKG Y55 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.62 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 Y55 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.62 vs 8.000).6.62 vs 8
  • 85.9% less popular
    AKG Y55 is less popular than the average headphone (2.50 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 Y55 is less popular than the average headphone (2.50 vs 4.646).2.5 vs 4.65
Total
Overall
Design

Graphic comparison of AKG Y55 and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
13 Reviews
amazon
4.3
12 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
13 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
12 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about AKG Y55?

  • Crisp sound quality with clear mids and highs
  • Lightweight and highly portable fold-flat design
  • Effective passive noise isolation due to a snug closed-back fit
  • Durable build quality suitable for daily professional or casual use
  • Detachable, tangle-resistant cable with an inline universal remote and mic
  • Good overall value for a budget-friendly price point

What customers dislike about AKG Y55?

  • Lack of integrated volume control on the standard included cable
  • Ear pads may be too small for some users, leading to a tight or uncomfortable fit over time
  • Bass response might be insufficient for those expecting heavy, 'DJ-style' impact
  • Durability issues with the eco-leather ear pads, which can peel or fall apart with extended use
  • Limited to wired connectivity; lacks modern wireless/Bluetooth options

Expert reviews

G
geardiary.com
17/03/2015
Sorry Beats, but AKG Y55 Headphones Do the Same Thing

The Gear Diary review presents the $129.95 AKG Y55 on-ear headphones as a budget-friendly alternative to Beats, highlighting their lightweight, foldable design with comfortable memory foam padding and a detachable, tangle-free cord. Sound-wise, they deliver crisp mids and highs with a restrained bass, and feature an in-line microphone for calls. Cons include a lack of Bluetooth,...Read more

K
kopfhoerer.de
16/06/2014
AKG Y 55 review on kopfhoerer.de

The AKG Y 55 is a closed-back, on-ear headphone designed primarily for mobile use and entry-level DJing, offering an excellent price-to-performance ratio. It features a highly compact, foldable design with steel hinges and a reinforced headband that provides solid durability despite its mostly plastic construction. In terms of comfort, the headphones are relatively lightweight and...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
hifitest.de
16/09/2014
AKG Y55 Review: Highly Rated Hi-Fi Headphones

The AKG Y55 is a DJ-style, closed-back on-ear headphone designed primarily for mobile use with smartphones and portable players. Retailing for around 120 Euros, it features 90-degree swiveling earcups that make it functional for casual DJ sets, alongside a 1.2-meter left-sided cable equipped with a one-button remote and microphone. The technical specifications highlight a...Read more

(Translated)Show original
B
bonedo.de
22/09/2015
AKG by Harman Y55 Black Review: Do you need more details on the technical specifications or a comparison with the successor model?

The AKG by Harman Y55 Black is a closed-back, on-ear lifestyle headphone targeted at mobile DJs and budget-conscious consumers, carrying an original MSRP of €129 but available for around €65. Built primarily from plastic reinforced with a flexible 14mm metal headband strip, the overall construction is highly robust and features a versatile 3D axis folding mechanism that enables...Read more

(Translated)Show original
F
forum.lesnumeriques.com
02/03/2015
AKG Y50 or Y55, which one to choose?

The forum review from Les Numériques features an amateur music enthusiast seeking advice on choosing between two on-ear headphones, the AKG Y50 and the AKG Y500-predecessor AKG Y55, for a budget under 100 euros. Having been highly disappointed by the harsh sound signature of the Marshall Minor earphones when paired with a Sony Walkman NWZ-A15, the user notes that even their cheap...Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
01/01/2015
Thorough and independent AKG reviews

The Tweakers AKG review hub aggregates community-driven evaluations of various products, highlighting high-quality, balanced audio and comfortable ergonomics. While many users praise the sound fidelity, opinions vary widely based on the specific, older, or newer, model being tested. Major drawbacks frequently mentioned include declining build quality over time, with reports of...Read more

(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

Best alternatives

sony-wh-1000xm4
Sony WH 1000XM4

Headphones

9.0
jbl-tour-one-m3
JBL Tour One M3

Headphones

9.0
sony-wh-1000xm6
Sony WH 1000XM6

Headphones

9.0
qcy-h3-pro
QCY H3 Pro

Headphones

8.9
baseus-bh1
Baseus BH1

Headphones

8.9
sony-wh-ult900n
Sony WH ULT900N

Headphones

8.9
nothing-headphone-1
Nothing Headphone 1

Headphones

8.8
sony-wh-1000xm5
Sony WH 1000XM5

Headphones

8.8
jbl-tour-one
JBL Tour One

Headphones

8.7
huawei-freebuds-studio
Huawei Freebuds Studio

Headphones

8.7
sennheiser-momentum
Sennheiser Momentum

Headphones

8.7
jbl-tour-one-m2
JBL Tour One M2

Headphones

8.7

Compare AKG Y55 with

VS
VS

Compare