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We've recently released our Test Bench 1.8 update for Headphones! Read the R&D Article to learn more about our new direction. As we ramp up and retest products, expect delays in testing new and updating preexisting reviews. Sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience!

AKG K361 Headphones Review

Tested using Methodology v1.8
Reviewed Jan 31, 2025 at 08:33 am
AKG K361 Picture
7.9
Neutral Sound
4.9
Commute/Travel
5.1
Sports/Fitness
5.5
Office
4.2
Wireless Gaming
6.3
Wired Gaming
2.1
Phone Calls

The AKG K361 are lightweight, closed-back, over-ear headphones. Like their sibling the AKG K371, they're positioned as headphones for professional studio monitoring and at an affordable price. While they do away with premium materials and stylistic embellishments found on higher-end headphones, they still deliver balanced audio with a touch of extra bass for added warmth. They're also usable with most devices without needing an amp, making them a versatile option for both casual listeners and creators on the go.

Our Verdict

7.9 Neutral Sound

The AKG K361 are very good for neutral sound. They're tuned for studio use but come with a bit of extra bass to supply well-defined kicks with thump and body without overwhelming the mids. Vocals and instruments are clear and natural, thanks to their flat mids. Unfortunately, their treble range is susceptible to peaks and dips as these headphones struggle to control their sound signature; depending on the pitch of your track's upper harmonics, they'll sound slightly underarticulated and a bit sharp as they reproduce vocals and instruments. Additionally, you may experience consistency issues between listening sessions, as achieving a good seal can depend on factors like head shape, glasses, or thick hair.

Pros
  • Comfortable and lightweight.

  • Accurate and consistent imaging.

Cons
  • Middling frequency response consistency.

4.9 Commute/Travel

The AKG K361 are poor for commuting and travel. They aren't designed to be taken on the go and are missing creature comforts typically associated with more portable products like Bluetooth capability and active noise cancellation. They're comfortable, but aren't super portable. They also don't have a hard carrying case to protect them from being crushed. Though battery life won't be a consideration, these headphones won't do much to mitigate noisy plane and bus engines on long trips.

Pros
  • Comfortable and lightweight.

Cons
  • Middling frequency response consistency.

  • Disappointing noise isolation.

5.1 Sports/Fitness

The AKG K361 are poor for sports and fitness. These headphones aren't designed for physical activity. While they're comfortable and lightweight, their lack of stability and wired-only design make them impractical for sports. Furthermore, their sound signature can vary between wears, an issue likely to worsen with movement during exercise.

Pros
  • Comfortable and lightweight.

Cons
  • Middling frequency response consistency.

  • Disappointing noise isolation.

5.5 Office

The AKG K361 are sub-par for office use. They're comfortable over-ears but they aren't designed with active noise cancellation to block background noise, so they solely rely on passive isolation. While their closed-back design adequately mitigates mid and treble noise like ambient office chatter, they don't isolate you from bassy noise like rumbling ventilation. Additionally, these headphones don't have a microphone, so you'll need to get a standalone microphone or an aftermarket cable (with an in-line mic) to use with Teams or Zoom.

Pros
  • Comfortable and lightweight.

Cons
  • No microphone.

  • Disappointing noise isolation.

4.2 Wireless Gaming

The AKG K361 are wired-only headphones and unsuitable for wireless gaming.

6.3 Wired Gaming

The AKG K361 are alright for wired gaming. You can connect these headphones to PCs or consoles via a headphone jack for audio output. However, they lack a built-in microphone, so you won’t be able to communicate with teammates or friends in-game or on Discord. In terms of sound, their emphasized bass response enhances the impact of cinematic cutscenes and rumbly explosions, delivering a more immersive experience.

Pros
  • Comfortable and lightweight.

  • Accurate and consistent imaging.

Cons
  • No microphone.

  • Disappointing noise isolation.

2.1 Phone Calls

The AKG K361 don't have a microphone, so they're unusable for phone calls.

  • 7.9 Neutral Sound
  • 4.9 Commute/Travel
  • 5.1 Sports/Fitness
  • 5.5 Office
  • 4.2 Wireless Gaming
  • 6.3 Wired Gaming
  • 2.1 Phone Calls
  1. Updated Jan 31, 2025: Review published.
  2. Updated Jan 24, 2025: Early access published.
  3. Updated Jan 20, 2025: Our testers have started testing this product.
  4. Updated Dec 13, 2024: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  5. Updated Nov 12, 2024: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

These headphones have one variant, 'Black,' which is primarily plastic with a matte-black finish. They also have a Bluetooth variant, the AKG K361-BT, but we haven't tested whether they perform the same.

If you encounter another variant of these headphones, please let us know in the comments, and we'll update our review.

Compared To Other Headphones

The AKG K361 are closed-back headphones positioned as professional studio monitors that are easier on the wallet. They're a member of a continually growing class of value-oriented headphones that don't sacrifice sound quality for savings. While their sibling, the AKG K371, are similar in performance and tier, the K361 maximize on savings by cutting out external metal components and detailing, opting for a full plastic construction. The K361 also directly compete against the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO and trade blows in comfort and compliance to our target, but fall short in consistency between wears. In the realm of passive soundstage, however, both the AKG and Beyerdynamic are closed-back headphones and don't offer as immersive or open an experience as open-back headphones like the Philips Fidelio X2HR and Philips SHP9600.

For more recommendations, check out the best studio headphones for mixing and recording, the best audiophile headphones, and the best closed-back headphones.

AKG K371

The AKG K371 are very similar to the AKG K361. Both are closed-back headphones intended for studio monitoring and have balanced sound profiles. The K371 reproduces sound with a touch more excitement, making it a good choice for more casual listening. They also use a detachable Mini XLR connector rather than the 1/16" TRS to 1/8" TRS of the AKG K361. While the K371 incorporates more premium materials, such as a faux leather headband and metal components in its hinges, both siblings are similar in their ergonomics: the two are equally comfortable, have acceptable stability, and decent build quality.

Sony MDR-7506

The Sony MDR-7506 are similar in performance to the AKG K361. The Sony are closed-backs intended for use as professional headphones and also use dynamic drivers to reproduce their sound. As such, they chase a balanced sound similar to the AKG for accurate monitoring. While the Sony are less stable and comfortable compared to the AKG, they do have a much more consistent frequency response, meaning you'll encounter less variation in sound between sessions even if you have a larger head or wear glasses.

Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO are German-made closed-back headphones for monitoring. Unlike the AKG K361, they have a better build quality, with a solid metal frame and velour earpads. The Beyerdynamic are also more stable while retaining similar comfort compared to the AKG. In terms of sound, the Beyerdynamic have a more subdued low- and mid-bass, lacking some thump and punch that the AKG provide. They also have a higher clamping force, which isn't necessarily uncomfortable, but might be more fatiguing over time.

Philips Fidelio X2HR

The Philips Fidelio X2HR are over-ear headphones that, in contrast to the closed-backed AKG K361, have an open-back design. As expected from open-backs, the Philips have a soundstage that seems more immersive; audio also sounds more like it originates from speakers in the room rather than from in your head. While they sacrifice some thump in the low-bass compared to the AKG, the Philips reproduce sound more consistently from wear to wear and are also more comfortable.

Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style
Type Over-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless No
Transducer Dynamic

The AKG K361 are over-ear headphones with a retro design similar to their sibling, the AKG K371. Their primarily plastic construction is finished in matte black, while their ear cups are styled with synthetic leather padding. They have an external sliding track for adjusting their fit, with the manufacturer's logo printed onto the hinges. Their ear cups are mounted to an articulated arm, so you can flip one of them to the side while you record a track.

7.5
Design
Comfort
Weight 0.45 lbs
Clamping Force
0.8 lbs

The AKG K371 feel comfortable. These headphones are exceptionally lightweight for over-ear headphones and have a light clamping force so you'll be able to wear them for longer listening sessions without fatigue. Their headband and plush cup padding distribute weight well, and won't put pressure on those with glasses. That said, while their ear cups have good depth, they may feel too narrow for users with wider ears.

0
Design
Controls
OS Compatibility
No Controls
Ease Of Use No Controls
Feedback No Controls
Call/Music Control No
Volume Control No
Microphone Control No
Channel Mixing
No
Noise Cancelling Control No
Talk-Through
No
Additional Controls No
not tested
Design
Breathability
Avg.Temp.Difference N/A
6.0
Design
Portability
L 6.7" (17.1 cm)
W 5.3" (13.4 cm)
H 2.9" (7.4 cm)
Volume 103.54 in³ (1,696.67 cm³)
Transmitter Required No

These headphones aren't very portable. While their hinges let you fold the ear cups upward into the headband, they still take up a fair amount of space. On the plus side, their detachable cable makes them easier to fold and pack up.

6.5
Design
Case
Type Pouch
L N/A
W N/A
H N/A
Volume N/A

These headphones come with an okay carrying pouch. It's made of thin fabric with a soft interior and rough exterior. While the pouch will keep your headphones well contained with its cinch top, it won't protect your headphones from prolonged weather exposure or impacts.

7.0
Design
Build Quality

The AKG K361 headphones have a decent build quality. Their construction is primarily plastic, which feels light and comfortable but slightly cheap. The ear cups are covered in soft, premium-feeling faux leather, while the headband padding feels more plasticky. The yokes are solid, and the input cable moves smoothly with the ear cups. Their cable is also detachable and has a locking mechanism to keep it secure. On the downside, the hinges attaching the ear cups to the headband aren’t very sturdy and can sometimes slip between locked positions.

6.0
Design
Stability

These headphones have mediocre stability. While the clamping force keeps them in place during casual listening, if you're immersed in an energetic track and nod along to the music, the headband moves around a lot. However, they're unlikely to fall off unless you're running around or headbanging for a prolonged period. These headphones are also wired only, so their cable can get caught on obstacles, especially if you move around.

Design
Headshots 1
Design
Headshots 2
Design
Top
Design
In The Box

  • AKG K361 headphones
  • Drawstring pouch
  • 1/8" TRS to 1/16" TRS audio cable (3.01m / 9.88ft)
  • 1/8" TRS to 1/16" TRS audio cable (1.18m / 3.87ft)
  • 1/8" TRS to 1/4" TRS adapter
  • Warranty documentation
  • Folding instructions

Sound
Sound
Sound Profile
Normalization Frequency
1,350 Hz
Bass Amount
2.3 dB
Treble Amount
-1.2 dB

The AKG K361 have a balanced sound profile. The headphones inject a bit of extra low- and high-bass imbuing mixes with full-bodied thump without muddling the mix. Their mid-range is relatively flat and well-tuned, allowing for clear and detailed reproduction of vocals and instruments. However, their treble fluctuates a bit—losing detail in the low-treble, introducing sharpness in the upper region of the mid-treble, and ultimately losing brilliance and sparkle past in the upper range of the high treble. It's worth noting that sensitivity to highest frequencies varies from person to person, so not everyone will notice these fluctuations in the top-end.

These headphones also had issues consistently replicating their frequency response during testing— from session to session, you might experience less thumpy bass and more unpredictable treble.

5.7
Sound
Frequency Response Consistency
Avg. Std. Deviation
1.1 dB

Their frequency response consistency is sub-par. The soft earpads and lighter clamping force contribute to difficulty in achieving a good seal, which impacts their ability to deliver a consistent sound across the audible range. This issue is especially apparent in the lack of boomy bass with 'Test 2' (long hair) and 'Test 5' (large head), where the seal is compromised.

Sound
Raw Frequency Response
9.3
Sound
Bass Profile: Target Compliance
RMS Deviation From Target
2.5 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
20 Hz
Low Bass
2.79 dB
Mid Bass
1.96 dB
High Bass
1.99 dB

These headphones follow our target curve remarkably well in the bass range. They have a slightly elevated response across the range, resulting in mixes that sound full-bodied and deliver satisfying thump. In tracks like Billie Eilish’s bad guy, the rhythmic kick hits with noticeable punch, enhancing the track's rhythm and intensity without bleeding into the mid-range. However, their bass performance can be inconsistent—difficulty getting the right seal between listening sessions can lead to an underwhelming bass experience. It's worth taking the time to seat them so you don't get too much or too little bass.

9.5
Sound
Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance
RMS Deviation From Target
0.74 dB
Low Mid
-0.76 dB
Mid-Mid
0.57 dB
High Mid
-0.5 dB

The AKG K361's target compliance is fantastic in the mid-range. Their response is flat across the range, reproducing smooth mids with clear and detailed vocals and instruments.

7.1
Sound
Treble Profile: Target Compliance
RMS Deviation From Target
3.21 dB
Low Treble
-1.43 dB
Mid Treble
-0.82 dB
High Treble
-7.97 dB

The AKG K361 have decent treble target compliance. En masse, the treble range is slightly underemphasized, with a dip in the low- to mid-treble reducing the presence of vocals and instruments. However, their response is also uneven, so certain frequencies can surprise you with sharpness. Meanwhile, drops in the high-treble dull the upper harmonics of instruments like the arpeggiated organ in tracks like Cornfield Chase from the Interstellar soundtrack by Hans Zimmer. It's also worth noting that these headphones' response can vary between sessions, which can lead to noticeable differences in treble sound from one wear to the next.

6.8
Sound
Peaks/Dips
Peaks
2.01 dB
Dips
2.14 dB

Their peaks and dips performance is adequate. The headphones control their sound profile throughout the bass and mid-range well, leading to an even reproduction of instruments from bass guitar to keys. However, their control wanes in the treble; narrow peaks and dips in the mid- and high-treble alternately introduce sharpness and dullness.

9.1
Sound
Imaging
Weighted Group Delay
0.17
Weighted Phase Mismatch
3.55
Weighted Amplitude Mismatch
0.16
Weighted Frequency Mismatch
1.51

The AKG K361 have superb stereo imaging. Like many other products we've tested from this manufacturer, these headphones have high-quality control and ergonomics. Their group delay is below the audibility threshold, ensuring well-defined bass and clear treble. Meanwhile, the L/R drivers are well matched in phase, amplitude, and frequency; sound objects are accurately positioned in a stereo image without gaps. That said, these results are valid only for our unit, as imaging can vary between units.

5.0
Sound
Passive Soundstage
PRTF Accuracy (Std. Dev.)
4.93 dB
PRTF Size (Avg.)
5.62 dB
PRTF Distance
9.36 dB
Openness
4.4
Acoustic Space Excitation
2.6

These headphones have disappointing passive soundstage performance. As expected from closed-back headphones, the soundstage is not as wide compared to open-back designs. While they do interact with your outer ears, they don't interact with your environment much. This results in audio that doesn't feel particularly open, and as though it’s coming from inside your head rather than speakers in your room.

0
Sound
Virtual Soundstage
Head Modeling
No
Speaker Modeling
No
Room Ambience
No
Head Tracking
No
Virtual Surround
No App
8.0
Sound
Weighted Harmonic Distortion
WHD @ 90
0.189
WHD @ 100
0.109

Their weighted harmonic distortion performance is great. Most of the distortion is near the same level and within good limits throughout the frequency range, resulting in clean and pure audio. Even at high levels, the small bumps in the treble likely won't be audible for most people.

Sound
Test Settings
Firmware
No Firmware
Power
Passive
Connection
Wired
Codec
PCM, 24-bit, 48kHz
Test Instrument Audio Precision APx517B
EQ
No EQ
ANC
No ANC
Tip/Pad
Default
Microphone
No Microphone

These are the settings used to test these headphones. Our results are only valid when used in this configuration.

Isolation
5.6
Isolation
Noise Isolation - Full Range
Noise Cancelling No
Overall Attenuation
-13.97 dB
Bass
0.65 dB
Mid
-12.91 dB
Treble
-32.90 dB

These headphones have sub-par noise isolation performance. They purely isolate passively, and don't have the lower-range mitigation provided by active noise cancelling systems. As expected, they don't do much to block out low frequency noise like footsteps from neighbors a floor above. However, they do manage to tackle higher frequency noise in the treble, like the squeaky recline of your office chair. Depending on your head shape and other factors that affect seal quality (like glasses), these headphones can perform differently in noise isolation, especially if you move around.

4.8
Isolation
Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios
Airplane Noise Attenuation
-10.64 dB
Airplane Noise Isolation Audio
Office Noise Attenuation
-10.98 dB
Office Noise Isolation Audio
Street Noise Attenuation
-12.74 dB
Street Noise Isolation Audio

These headphones have poor noise isolation in common scenarios as well. For the same reasons mentioned in Noise Isolation - Full Range, these headphones don't tackle bassier noises like the thud of car and office doors slamming shut. They're also not great at handling ambient chatter in an airplane cabin or in a bullpen. Fortunately, their passive isolation does mitigate treble noise, like hissing breaks from large vehicles.

Isolation
Noise Isolation - Voice Handling
Female Voice 1
Male Voice 1
Female Voice 2
Male Voice 2
Isolation
ANC Wind Handling
ANC Wind Noise
N/A
7.7
Isolation
Leakage
Leakage Audio
Overall Leakage @ 1ft
35.6 dB

These headphones have good leakage performance. Most audio won't be very audible in the average home or office, with your closest neighbors hearing a thin-sounding replica of your favorite podcast or track if you have your volume fairly loud.

Microphone
Microphone
Microphone Style
Integrated
No
In-Line
No
Boom
No
Detachable Boom
No
Mic No
0
Microphone
Recording Quality
Recorded Speech
N/A
LFE
N/A
FR Std. Dev.
N/A
HFE
N/A
Weighted THD
N/A
Gain
N/A
0
Microphone
Noise Handling
SpNR
N/A
Noise Gate
No
Speech + Pink Noise Handling
N/A
Speech + Pink Noise Audio Sample N/A
Speech + Subway Noise Handling
N/A
Speech + Subway Noise Audio Sample N/A
Active Features
0
Active Features
Battery
Battery Type
No Battery
Continuous Battery Life
N/A
Additional Charges
N/A
Total Battery Life
N/A
Charge Time
N/A
Power-Saving Feature
No
Audio While Charging
No
Passive Playback
Passive Headphone
Charging Port None
0
Active Features
App Support
App Name No App
iOS No
Android No
macOS No
Windows No
Equalizer
No
ANC Control
No
Mic Control No
Room Effects
No
Playback Control
No
Button Mapping No
Surround Support
No
Connectivity
9.9
Connectivity
Wired Connection
Analog Audio
Yes
USB Audio
No
Detachable
Yes
Length
3.87 ft (1.18 m)
Connector
1/8" TRS
Latency - Analog
0.2 ms
Latency - USB
N/A
Recorded Latency
Recorded Latency Connection Analog

These cans are passively driven and have negligible latency. They also come with two detachable 1/16" TRS to 1/8" TRS cables at 3.01m (9.88 ft) and 1.18m (3.87 ft). The 1/16" jack goes into the headphones and has a unique locking mechanism; if you're shopping for an aftermarket solution, you'll need to make sure to snag a cable with a compatible lock. You also get a 1/8" TRS to 1/4" TRS adapter, making them compatible with pro gear and casual products alike.

0
Connectivity
Bluetooth Connection
Bluetooth Version
No Bluetooth
Multi-Device Pairing
No
Quick Pair (Android)
No
Quick Pair (iOS)
No
Line Of Sight Range
N/A
Latency - SBC
N/A
Latency - aptX
N/A
Latency - aptX Adaptive (High Quality)
N/A
Latency - aptX Adaptive (Low Latency)
N/A
Latency - LDAC
N/A
Recorded Latency
N/A
Recorded Latency Codec No Bluetooth Audio
AAC Support
No
0
Connectivity
Wireless Connection (Dongle)
Line Of Sight Range
N/A
Latency - Dongle
N/A
Recorded Latency
N/A
Connectivity
PC Compatibility
Analog
Audio Only
Wired USB
No
Non-BT Wireless
No

Most PCs can drive these headphones without an amp via connection to your computer's headphone jack.

Connectivity
PlayStation Compatibility
PS4 Analog
Audio Only
PS4 Wired USB
No
PS4 Non-BT Wireless
No
PS5 Analog
Audio Only
PS5 Wired USB
No
PS5 Non-BT Wireless
No

These headphones can be plugged into a PlayStation controller for audio output. However, you'll need an external microphone for audio input.

Connectivity
Xbox Compatibility
Xbox One Analog
Audio Only
Xbox One Wired USB
No
Xbox One Non-BT Wireless
No
Xbox Series X|S Analog
Audio Only
Xbox Series X|S Wired USB
No
Xbox Series X|S Non-BT Wireless
No

The AKG 361 can be plugged into an Xbox controller and be used for audio output. However, you'll need an external microphone for audio input.

0
Connectivity
Base/Dock
Type
No Base/Dock
USB Input
No
Line In
No
Line Out
No
Optical Input
No
RCA Input
No
Dock Charging
No
Power Supply
No Base/Dock