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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
Considering cost, AKG K361 is the more budget-friendly option, suitable for over-ear comfort and a very good overall sound quality that's ideal for TV and video, and listening to music in quieter environments. However, they lack wireless capability, have no noise isolation features, and are not the best choice for exercise or travel. On the other hand, Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX earbuds offer excellent sound with superior noise isolation, wireless convenience, and are sweatproof, making them better for active use and travel, but they come at a premium price. If you make calls often, the Beoplay EX also has better mic quality. Choose AKG K361 for value with good sound when portability and wireless are not priorities, or Beoplay EX for top-tier sound and features in a portable, exercise-friendly design. 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 Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX.
Advantages of the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX
- Excellent for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Very good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
6.3
9.3
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is excellent for gaming, while the AKG K361 is only fair.
Phone Calls
3.2
5.3
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX and AKG K361 are both poor for phone calls, though the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.0
6.1
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the AKG K361 is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
8.9
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is very good for TV and video, while the AKG K361 is good.
Noise Reduction
6.0
8.3
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is very good for noise reduction, while the AKG K361 is only fair.
Battery
N/A
6.5 Hours
The AKG K361 does not have a battery. The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX has 6.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$99
$399
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The AKG K361 has a price of $99 and the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX costs $399.
Build Quality
8.5
10.0
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX has best in class build quality, while the AKG K361 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.5
7.9
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX and AKG K361 are both good for music.
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How the AKG K361 and the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| AKG K361 | Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$99 | $399 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | AKG | Bang and Olufsen | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2018 | May 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 3.3/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.4/10 | 9.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 9/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 6.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 22 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
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 | 10/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 219 Grams | 6 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."
Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX
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Dig into reviews and images
Leaf and Core
Danielle | January 2023
"If you’ve wanted truly wireless headphones, but couldn’t pick them up because they sound terrible, these will be the headphones that win you over. If you’re the kind of person who would consider spending $400 on headphones, these are the right truly wireless headphones for you."
Get a great deal on the AKG K361 or the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX
About Bang and Olufsen
Bang and Olufsen is an almost century-old electronic goods manufacturer based in Denmark with a very special focus on design. Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen created the first AC radio in 1925 and went on to develop televisions, telephones and, of course, headphones and loudspeakers. Today, they are partnered with several companies, like Audi, BMW and Aston Martin, to provide very high-quality audio solutions.
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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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