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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The AKG K361 headphones offer better overall sound quality and are designed for an immersive listening experience with a closed back for noise isolation; whereas, the Apple Earpods are budget-friendly, more portable, and have a solid microphone for calls. If you prioritize higher sound quality and are using them in environments where noise isolation is beneficial, the AKG K361 would be more suitable. However, for casual listening, taking frequent calls, and convenience of carrying them around, the Apple Earpods would be more appropriate despite their lower sound quality and open design that offers less noise isolation. 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 air travel
Advantages of the Apple Earpods
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
6.3
8.3
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the AKG K361 is only fair.
Phone Calls
3.2
8.0
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the AKG K361 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.0
7.4
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the AKG K361 is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
2.5
The AKG K361 is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Cost
$99
$20
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The AKG K361 has a price of $99 and the Apple Earpods costs $20.
Build Quality
8.5
7.6
The AKG K361 has very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.5
7.8
The Apple Earpods and AKG K361 are both good for music.
TV and Video
7.8
7.4
The AKG K361 and Apple Earpods are both good for TV and video.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the AKG K361 and the Apple Earpods compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| AKG K361 | Apple Earpods |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$99 | $20 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | AKG | Apple | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2018 | September 1, 2012 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.5/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 3.3/10 | 8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.4/10 | 8.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.1/10 | |
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 | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 8.3/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 219 Grams | 6.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | In-Line | |
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 Earpods
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Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
Get a great deal on the AKG K361 or the Apple Earpods
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.
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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.
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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.
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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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