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Updated January 10, 2024·
For immersive music listening with better overall sound quality and a focus on durability, the AKG K361 headphones could be the better choice, but keep in mind they lack a microphone and are less portable. If you prefer convenience and the ability to make calls, the Apple AirPods will serve you well with their integrated mic, compact size, and wireless charging; however, they offer lower noise isolation and may not be as suitable for a noise-heavy environment like air travel. Both are closed-back and similarly comfortable, but the AirPods have additional features like ear detection and are optimized for Apple devices. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the AKG K361
- Good for music
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.5
5.8
The AKG K361 is good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
6.3
4.8
The AKG K361 is only fair for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
3.2
6.9
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the AKG K361 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.0
8.1
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the AKG K361 is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
5.4
The AKG K361 is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
2.5
The AKG K361 is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
N/A
4.0 Hours
The AKG K361 does not have a battery. The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life.
Cost
$98
$129
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The AKG K361 has a price of $98 and the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) costs $129.
Build Quality
8.5
7.6
The AKG K361 has very good build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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How the AKG K361 and the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| AKG K361 | Apple Airpods (2nd generation) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$98 | $129 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | AKG | Apple | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2018 | March 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.5/10 | 5.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 3.3/10 | 7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.4/10 | 4.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 5.8/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 4 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 0.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 219 Grams | 4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
AKG K361
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Medium
Alex Rowe | November 2019
"The K361 retains much of what makes the K371 such a winner, though it has a leaner sound, and the build changes made to trim the price down are immediately apparent. Still, it’s another excellent offering from AKG, and other companies in this fight should either be very worried or quickly designing updates to their old models."
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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Get a great deal on the AKG K361 or the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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