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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The AKG K361 and Audio Technica ATH M40X both offer high-quality sound, but each has its strengths. The ATH M40X delivers a slightly richer sound quality and boasts a larger soundstage, which can be crucial for an immersive listening experience, making them a strong choice for critical listening and professional use. Conversely, the AKG K361 has a more moderate soundstage but provides better noise isolation and is slightly lighter, which could be more comfortable for long listening sessions. However, neither has a built-in microphone, so if you need to make calls or attend meetings, you may need an additional microphone. Both headphones are wired, over-ear, and foldable for portability, and they come with detachable cables. The AKG K361 might be more suitable for enjoying music casually, while the ATH M40X could be the better choice for audiophiles and professionals looking for an accurate sound reproduction, though it has a slightly lower noise isolation performance. 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 ATH M40X.
Advantages of the Audio Technica ATH M40X
- Very good for music
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.5
8.1
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for music, while the AKG K361 is good.
Gaming
6.3
7.0
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is good for gaming, while the AKG K361 is only fair.
TV and Video
7.8
8.7
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for TV and video, while the AKG K361 is good.
Noise Reduction
6.0
5.3
The AKG K361 is only fair for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
3.2
3.3
The Audio Technica ATH M40X and AKG K361 are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.0
5.1
The Audio Technica ATH M40X and AKG K361 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks.
Cost
$99
$99
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The AKG K361 has a price of $99 and the Audio Technica ATH M40X costs $99.
Build Quality
8.5
8.2
The AKG K361 and Audio Technica ATH M40X both have very good build quality.
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How the AKG K361 and the Audio Technica ATH M40X compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| AKG K361 | Audio Technica ATH M40X |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$99 | $99 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | AKG | Audio Technica | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2018 | January 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.5/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 3.3/10 | 3.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.4/10 | 7.1/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 8.8/10 | |
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 | No | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 219 Grams | 245 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
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."
Audio Technica ATH M40X
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Soundguys
Lily Katz | August 2023
"If you were to pick one headset to fill all of your needs, the ATH-M40x is a great buy with its sub-$100 price tag, pleasant sound quality, and accessories. Whether you need to use it for live monitoring, a midnight editing session, or to underscore a campus walk, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a great companion."
Get a great deal on the AKG K361 or the Audio Technica ATH M40X
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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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.
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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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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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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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