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Updated January 10, 2024·
If you value wireless convenience and frequently travel, the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2, with superior noise isolation, better call quality, and travel-friendly features like wireless charging, might be worth the extra cost. However, if you prioritize sound quality and comfort while listening to music at home or the office and don't mind a wired connection, then the less expensive AKG K361 could be a better fit, especially considering their good build and sound quality. The AKG K361 lacks features like a microphone and built-in controls which are present in the Pi7 S2, making them less versatile for calls or on-the-go adjustments. 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 Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2
Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
6.3/10
5.3/10
The AKG K361 is only fair for gaming, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is poor.
Phone Calls
3.2/10
5.2/10
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 and AKG K361 are both poor for phone calls, though the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.0/10
5.6/10
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 and AKG K361 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
7.8/10
6.0/10
The AKG K361 is good for TV and video, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
6.0/10
8.3/10
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is very good for noise reduction, while the AKG K361 is only fair.
Battery
N/A
5.0 Hours
The AKG K361 does not have a battery. The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$100
$256
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The AKG K361 has a price of $100 and the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 costs $256.
"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."
"While the overall sound quality is great, these earbuds fall short in terms of battery life, customization and ANC performance. Bowers & Wilkins’ ability to consistently deliver pristine sound isn’t enough to make up for what the Pi7 S2 lacks, which is unfortunately quite a bit."
Get a great deal on the AKG K361 or the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2
About Bowers and Wilkins
Bowers and Wilkins is a British audio equipment manufacturer with a focus on innovation and product development. It was founded by a couple of real-life James Bonds, the co-founders John Bowers and Roy Wilkins, who met while working for MI6 during World War II. The company keeps being favored by enthusiasts due to their sound quality, craftsmanship and signature aesthetics.
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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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