AKG K240 Review – From a Long-Time User

Similar to AKG K240:

• Best over-ear headphones under $100
• Best headphones for mixing
• Top budget over-ear headphones (under $50)

What’s in the Box?

• AKG K240 headphones
• 1 x 3 m cable with stereo 3.5 mm connector
• 1 x 6.3 mm screw-on adapter
• Use manual

Comfort & Fit

4.5 Almost Perfect

It’s no exaggeration to say these are some of the most comfortable headphones on the market.

Firstly, the soft foam padding on each ear cup sits nicely around your ear and doesn’t cause any pain, even if you use your headphones for long periods.

To further add to this level of comfort, the iconic “logoed” band across the top of the headphones is self-adjusting. It is designed to flex to the shape of your head and does so pretty well unless you have an unusually shaped head.

The suspension is designed to mimic a gimbal design. It’s both strong and flexible, with suspension that means they won’t press on your ears while you listen.

The flexible band works better for larger heads than it does for smaller heads.

One reason for the immense comfort of the AKG K240s is the fact that they are some of the lightest over-ear headphones. They weigh 0.52lb which is around 235g. As a result, this puts less strain on your ears.

Noise Isolation

3.0 Good

There is no active noise canceling function with these headphones. However, the clever design has been made to incorporate some level of noise isolation.

A semi-open design is made to have the best of both worlds. Firstly, it gives an open soundstage, this gives a detailed and accurate frequency response, especially in the middle to high end. Also, the fact that the design still closes around the ear cups gives a level of isolation, too.

There is no cable noise. When they touch your skin or clothes, they don’t buzz or create any annoying sound.

They are great for studio use. Mixing and monitoring. Their noise isolation isn’t at the level that you need for listening in the gym, for example. External noises aren’t totally blocked out.

Durability

4.0 Great

Structurally, the AKG K240s are very durable. They’re well-built, and my pair has taken a real beating over the years. They’ve been dropped, sat on and more. They’ve survived, with perfect audio. Even the cable has lasted years.

The only real issue I’ve come across with durability is in the earcups. Mine have become a little bit frayed over the years, which isn’t a huge problem. They don’t function any differently. However, aesthetically, they don’t look as great.

Fortunately, if you have any issues with the earcups, you can buy replacements directly from AKG.

They don’t cope with water. The K240 headphones are not designed to be taken out and about when it is raining, or for exercise when you might be sweating.

They come with a 2-year warranty as standard, which shows the manufacturers have faith in their cans.

Features

3.5 Almost Great

Having all the latest tech features isn’t the priority for these headphones. Instead, reliable audio and a wired connection are the name of the game. No noise cancelling, Bluetooth or wireless, and no waterproof features.

These are very much studio headphones, and the manufacturers assume that these features aren’t needed.

However, the basic features are fine for most peoples needs. The fact is that not worrying about additional features means the company could keep the sound quality excellent and the price low.

One great feature is the removable cable. This can be replaced at any time if you need to. The cable attaches to the headphones via mini XLR. This improves audio clarity. The feature usually isn’t included in headphones under $150-200.

Sound

4.5 Almost Perfect

The semi-open design of the AKG K240s is quite unique, and allows for an open soundstage (better than with closed-back headphones) and avoids ear fatigue.

The sound quality and clarity are where these headphones really shine through as one of the best options on the market. At the price point, it is very hard to find headphones with this level of audio clarity and fidelity.

The XXL transducers within these headphones use “Varimotion” technology within the diaphragm. It is thinner and more elastic at the outer edges, which creates details in the mids and highs as well as somewhat improving the bass response. The XXL size of these is also designed to sound more 3D and detailed.

The frequency response is 15 Hz – 25,000 Hz. This means no audio frequencies get lost due to a lack of capability in these cans.

The response is very flat and doesn’t taint the audio in any way. Sometimes, mixing and producing on headphones with higher bass, for instance, can mean you reduce the bass in the mix and overcompensate.

These professional studio headphones are great for mixing as they don’t mislead the ears. What you hear is a very accurate representation.

As we said right from the outset, these headphones aren’t for bass heads. If you’re looking for big, booming bass, then you might want to look elsewhere. They’re built for accuracy when mixing rather than giving a bassy sound for exercise.

Similarly, the 30mm driver is perfect for listening at home or in the studio, but the power isn’t excessive. There’s no excessive sibilance, and the headphones handle most frequencies very well. A bit more punch in the bass would be the only way they could improve.

Why Buy The AKG K240?

The K240 are an excellent starting point for an audiophile or a producer, and they’re suitable for making music as well as listening. The detailed frequency response is their biggest advantage.

You can listen and enjoy your favorite music in comfort. They’re amazing for pretty much all genres, as long as you don’t need super heavy bass.

They make a good accompaniment to a home audio setup, like a cinema setup or a turntable. Many home studios all over the world rely on this affordable yet accurate pair of headphones.

Though they’re not the headphones for sports, gym, or listening in the rain, they’re ideal for indoor use.

If you’re looking for an open soundstage, excellent audio clarity for studio and Hi-Fi listening, at a low price, go for the AKG K240.

Specifications

Ben J.

Ben Jacklin is a musician and has a qualification in music technology. He plays a guitar and bass and teaches others how to play.

He’s tested different musical equipment, including headphones that he uses during his work.