AKG K371 Review: Accurate Closed-Back Headphones Verdict
Few closed-back headphones under $200 generate the kind of praise the AKG K371 does—scoring a solid 8.7/10 from hundreds of community reviews. Marketed as studio-accurate yet portable, they have earned a loyal following among musicians, audio engineers, gamers, and casual listeners alike. But digging through user feedback reveals both exceptional strengths and persistent quirks you should know before buying.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — excellent for critical listening and casual studio use, but pad comfort and proprietary cables may irk some buyers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Neutral, accurate tuning close to Harman curve | Stock ear pads may cause ears to touch drivers |
| Deep, controlled sub-bass without boom | Proprietary mini-XLR cable limits replacements |
| Lightweight and comfortable for 3–4 hour sessions | Faux leather covering prone to peeling |
| Foldable design with solid portability | Isolation insufficient for loud drum tracking |
| Detachable cables in multiple lengths/styles | Some reported headband breakage in early batches |
| Good build for travel and daily office use | Slight midrange peak bothers a few mixers |
| High value under $200, often on sale | Imaging slightly less detailed than higher-end open-backs |
Claims vs Reality
AKG advertises “accurate, neutral sound” with a frequency range of 5 Hz–40 kHz, touting these as ideal for studio monitoring. While many musicians agree, the consensus is nuanced. Reddit user u/raistlin65 called them “a very neutral presentation with some emphasized sub bass. Vocals are going to sound great with them,” but noted they’re “way under your budget, so you’d be really happy… if you love how they sound.”
The marketing also claims “unmatched long-wearing comfort.” On one hand, a Sweetwater buyer praised wearing them “for 12–14 hours a day while I stream,” saying they stayed comfortable compared to his Corsair gaming set. On the other hand, multiple owners—like a Reddit user who said “my ears touch the drivers and it starts to hurt after a few hours”—point to thin ear pads as a limitation for marathon sessions without swapping to aftermarket ones.
As for “superior isolation,” the official specs emphasize closed-back oval ear cups, but Sweetwater reviewers consistently warn these “don’t have the best isolation… you’ll have to be careful of click bleed with vocalists” and shouldn’t be your first choice for tracking drums.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Musicians mixing bass-heavy genres rave about their low-end extension. Reddit user mok1n highlighted “good audio, closed back… noise isolation” and deep low notes, while a Sweetwater customer said, “the 50 mm drivers handle the bass and don’t distort the backing track.” Engineers appreciate the tuning: one noted they “dominate the competition… full, rich, warm, accurate” compared to popular choices like ATH-M50x or DT 770 Pro. For multi-use creators, detaching cables and swapping lengths is a godsend. A Sweetwater buyer shared, “If the cable is damaged, it can be replaced without replacing the entire unit… makes me very happy with these.”
The portability—aided by a foldable build—earns real-world points. A studio owner called them “perfect if you often are working with one ear off… swivel design is perfect.” Gamers cite “great comfort” with adequate imaging for cinematic play, making them a versatile upgrade from budget headsets.
Common Complaints
The stock pads emerge as the top frustration. One Sweetwater reviewer wore them 6–8 hours daily but “became uncomfortable within an hour” due to ear-to-driver contact. Another echoed, “ears touch the drivers… starts to hurt” during prolonged use. Build concerns follow closely. Early units had folding mechanism failures, and faux leather peeling within a year is reported by multiple users: “Not particularly hard on them… peeling off within a year of ownership.” The proprietary mini-XLR jack creates ongoing annoyance, with one owner explaining, “every time I turn my head to the left it hits my shoulder… searching for low profile connectors.”
Divisive Features
Sound coloration divides the audience. One Trustpilot user felt they “don’t feel neutral… too colored,” preferring a flatter response for mixing. Others enjoy the slight warmth, finding it non-fatiguing for casual listening. Even comfort gets split reviews—streamers praise them for all-day wear, yet some engineers swap pads immediately. Isolation is similarly polarizing: fine for office or vocal tracking, lacking for loud live setups.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot analysis flags some low-quality review content patterns on marketplace listings, with claims of Amazon review manipulation, but 74% of feedback was considered reliable. More importantly, real user stories reveal durability trends: some buyers have used them daily for over a year with “no breaks yet,” while others report premature failures. One Sweetwater customer’s headband “just snapped… no unusual force” within three months. AKG appears to have addressed early hinge issues since 2020, but buyers still recommend gentle handling.
Long-term, pad wear and cable kinking are predictable maintenance points. Several owners opt for Brainwavz or Dekoni aftermarket pads, which not only solve comfort issues but enhance treble resolution and imaging.
Alternatives
Comparisons inevitably involve the ATH-M50x, Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro, and AKG’s own K553 MKII. Users substituting the M50x found the K371 “smooth… very little chance of listening fatigue” and with better-controlled bass. DT 770s deliver more “thump” but less accuracy in the mids. For pure mixing, an AKG K553 MKII may outperform in flatness, but the K371 is preferred for consumer enjoyment thanks to its warmer tuning. Redditors also note K361 as a flatter, potentially better option for mixing if isolation is paramount.
Price & Value
Regularly listed around $149–$199 new, eBay open-box deals land as low as $99.99, while B-stock from AKG’s site hit $139.30. Resale value holds decently—used units in good condition often fetch $120+, thanks to strong demand among budget-conscious audiophiles. Community buying tips emphasize waiting for Amazon or Sweetwater sales with free returns, enabling you to audition at home without risk.
FAQ
Q: Are the AKG K371 good for mixing?
A: For casual studio work or hobbyist mixing, yes—though some mixers prefer flatter options like the K553 MKII. Their tuning makes them enjoyable for extended listening but has a slight midrange peak.
Q: Can you replace the ear pads easily?
A: Yes. Owners report swapping to Brainwavz or Dekoni pads for improved comfort and imaging, especially if your ears touch the drivers stock.
Q: Do they isolate well enough for live tracking?
A: Not for very loud sources like drums. Sweetwater reviewers caution about click bleed in vocal tracking, so they’re better suited to moderate-noise environments.
Q: How do they compare to Audio-Technica ATH-M50x?
A: Many feel the K371 is smoother, less fatiguing, and more accurate, with tighter bass control, making them preferable for critical listening.
Q: What’s included in the box?
A: Three detachable cables (3m straight, 1.2m straight, 3m coiled), a 3.5mm-to-6.5mm adapter, and a protective carrying pouch—features users appreciate for flexibility.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a musician, podcaster, or gamer seeking accurate, comfortable closed-backs under $200 with portability and cable versatility. Avoid if you need maximum isolation for loud source monitoring or can’t tolerate proprietary connectors. Pro tip from the community: invest in aftermarket pads early—they’ll unlock the comfort and technical performance the K371 deserves.
