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What we think
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Updated January 10, 2024·
The AKG K361 headphones offer a slightly better overall sound quality and are more comfortable for longer listening sessions. They also have a detachable cable which is useful if you ever need to replace it. However, if you need more portability and better noise isolation, the Beats EP might be a better choice, although the sound quality isn't rated as high as the AKGs. Neither of these headphones have a microphone, so if you're looking to take calls or attend meetings, you might want to consider another option. Neither is particularly geared for exercise, as they're not sweatproof. If sound quality is your top priority, go for the AKG K361; if you prefer brand reputation and a more snug noise-isolating fit, the Beats EP could suit you better. 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 Beats EP
- Very good for music
Key differences
Music
7.5
8.1
The Beats EP is very good for music, while the AKG K361 is good.
Phone Calls
3.2
4.2
The Beats EP and AKG K361 are both poor for phone calls, though the Beats EP is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.0
6.8
The Beats EP is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the AKG K361 is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
5.3
The AKG K361 is only fair for noise reduction, while the Beats EP is poor.
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Key similarities
Gaming
6.3
6.3
The AKG K361 and Beats EP are both only fair for gaming.
TV and Video
7.8
7.6
The AKG K361 and Beats EP are both good for TV and video.
Cost
$99
$100
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The AKG K361 has a price of $99 and the Beats EP costs $100.
Build Quality
8.5
8.0
The AKG K361 and Beats EP both have very good build quality.
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How the AKG K361 and the Beats EP compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| AKG K361 | Beats EP |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$99 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | AKG | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2018 | November 1, 2018 | |
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 | 4.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.4/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
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 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 219 Grams | 226.7 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
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."
Beats EP
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonecheck
Ulf Kaiser | 2015
"With the EP model, Beats delivers a stylish headphone with cable connection and hands-free functionality that should please consumers seeking a balanced sound for playback on mobile devices."
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About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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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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