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Updated January 10, 2024·
The AKG K712 Pro is a premium open-back over-ear headphone known for excellent sound quality and wide soundstage, ideal for critical listening and a truly immersive music experience. However, its size and open-back design make it less portable and suitable for quiet environments as it does not block out much noise. On the other hand, the Beats EP is a midrange closed-back on-ear headphone that's more compact and offers better noise isolation, making it more versatile for everyday use, like commuting or office work. The Beats EP also has a stronger bass presence which is preferable for genres like hip-hop or EDM. The Beats are less expensive but may not match the AKG's superior sound clarity and comfort for extended listening sessions. If budget is a concern and you need headphones for casual, on-the-go use, the Beats EP would be a more practical choice. If you prioritize high-fidelity sound and will use them primarily in a quiet setting, the AKG K712 Pro would be worth the investment. 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 K712 Pro
Good for gaming
Very good for TV and video
Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Beats EP
Very good for music
Key differences
Gaming
7.0/10
6.3/10
The AKG K712 Pro is good for gaming, while the Beats EP is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.9/10
4.2/10
The AKG K712 Pro and Beats EP are both poor for phone calls, though the AKG K712 Pro is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.8/10
6.8/10
The AKG K712 Pro is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats EP is only fair.
TV and Video
8.4/10
7.6/10
The AKG K712 Pro is very good for TV and video, while the Beats EP is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
5.3/10
The Beats EP and AKG K712 Pro are both poor for noise reduction, though the Beats EP is somewhat better.
Cost
$279
$150
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The AKG K712 Pro has a price of $279 and the Beats EP costs $150.
"AKG has created a mini-masterpiece in my opinion. I enjoy this headphone a great deal and it will become my go-to reference headphone for the time being. She is slick, sexy, well-balanced, and crazy comfortable."
"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."
Get a great deal on the AKG K712 Pro or the Beats EP
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
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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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.