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What we think
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Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality and intend to use your headphones primarily for listening to music indoors, consider the AKG K361, which also tends to be less expensive. They are wired over-ear headphones with no microphone and excellent sound isolation, suitable for longer listening sessions. However, for convenience, the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) offer true wireless freedom, a charging case that extends their use, and sweatproof certification for exercise. They have a sizeable bump in call quality thanks to the microphone, are optimized for Apple devices, and feature ear/head detection, but they provide less sound isolation compared to the AKGs. 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 TV and video
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
6.3
5.4
The AKG K361 is only fair for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
3.2
7.6
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the AKG K361 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.0
8.6
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the AKG K361 is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
5.5
The AKG K361 is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
2.5
The AKG K361 is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
N/A
6.0 Hours
The AKG K361 does not have a battery. The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$119
$178
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The AKG K361 has a price of $119 and the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) costs $178.
Build Quality
8.5
9.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has excellent build quality, while the AKG K361 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.5
7.1
The AKG K361 and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both good for music.
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How the AKG K361 and the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| AKG K361 | Apple Airpods (3rd generation) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$119 | $178 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | AKG | Apple | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2018 | October 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.5/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 3.3/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.4/10 | 5.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 7.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 30 | |
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 | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 219 Grams | 4.3 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
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."
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
Get a great deal on the AKG K361 or the Apple Airpods (3rd 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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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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