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What we think
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Updated January 10, 2024·
Choosing between the AKG K361 and the Audio Technica M50x comes down to your preferences in certain areas. If you prioritize overall sound quality and listening to music, the M50x is praised for its sound, but the K361 is not far behind and is less expensive. For comfort, the K361 scores slightly higher, which could be important during long sessions. Neither has active noise cancelling, so they're similar in terms of isolation. The M50x has a slightly longer cable and is somewhat heavier than the K361. Both are suitable for TV and aviation use due to their wired designs and sufficient isolation. Neither has a built-in microphone, so for calls and meetings, you may need an external mic. If price is a major concern and you want decent sound and comfort, the K361 could be the choice, but if you want the edge in sound quality for music listening, go for the M50x. Both are similar for gaming and video content, though none excels in these areas. 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
- The AKG K361 has no clear advantages over the Audio Technica M50x.
Advantages of the Audio Technica M50x
- Very good for music
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.5
8.5
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, while the AKG K361 is good.
Phone Calls
3.2
4.4
The Audio Technica M50x and AKG K361 are both poor for phone calls, though the Audio Technica M50x is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.0
7.0
The Audio Technica M50x is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the AKG K361 is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
5.3
The AKG K361 is only fair for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Cost
$98
$149
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The AKG K361 has a price of $98 and the Audio Technica M50x costs $149.
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Key similarities
Gaming
6.3
6.3
The AKG K361 and Audio Technica M50x are both only fair for gaming.
TV and Video
7.8
7.8
The AKG K361 and Audio Technica M50x are both good for TV and video.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The AKG K361 and Audio Technica M50x both have very good build quality.
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How the AKG K361 and the Audio Technica M50x compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| AKG K361 | Audio Technica M50x |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$98 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | AKG | Audio Technica | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2018 | January 1, 2007 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 3.3/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.4/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.3/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.3/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 219 Grams | 294.8 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
AKG K361
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Dig into reviews and images
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."
Audio Technica M50x
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Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | October 2022
"Good sound is timeless. It doesn’t matter that a number of years have passed since the ATH-M50x came out because it still works well. Since this wired headset doesn’t rely on batteries or Bluetooth technology, it’s bound to outlast its wireless counterparts. The no-nonsense performance, fit, and comfort of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x make it worth picking up."
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About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
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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.
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