On-Ear
AKG K490NC
72Good
$300
Full review dataAKG K490NC vs Apple Beats Solo3 Wireless: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the AKG K490NC comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 72. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: AKG K490NC - Good overall at around $300.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
AKG K490NC
Sound7.0
Noise cancelling6.5
Battery8.0
Value7.5
Apple Beats Solo3 Wireless
Sound6.0
Battery9.0
Value6.0
Specifications
| Spec | AKG K490NC | Apple Beats Solo3 Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Type | On-Ear | On-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $300 | $200 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 68 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2018 | 2016 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | - | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 117 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | Bluetooth |
| Bluetooth version | - | 4.0 |
| Codecs | - | AAC, SBC |
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 40 h | 40 h |
| Quick charge | - | 5 min = 3 h |
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | No |
| Controls | - | buttons |
| Voice assistant | - | Siri |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 150 g | 215 g |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| Foldable | Yes | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | No |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 1 |
What reviewers said
AKG K490NC
The AKG K490NC is a compact, foldable on-ear headphone that pairs active noise cancellation with a long-lasting 40-hour battery for everyday travel use. Its sound is balanced and serviceable, though not class-leading, and the ANC is solid but not exceptional, making it a better fit for casual listening than critical or immersive sessions. While it performs well for its price tier, some aspects like soundstage and high-mid clarity leave room for improvement.
- Pro:Long 40-hour battery life
- Pro:Foldable and lightweight design for portability
- Pro:Balanced overall sound with decent detail
- Con:Soundstage and ANC are only middling
- Con:High mids and sub-bass decay could be better
- Con:Recharge via non-standard USB-to-2.5mm cable
Apple Beats Solo3 Wireless
The Beats Solo3 Wireless is an on-ear Bluetooth headphone that stands out for its exceptional 40-hour battery life and quick-charge convenience, making it a solid choice for long listening sessions. It delivers a lively, bass-forward sound signature that suits pop and hip-hop, but its tight fit and average build quality can be off-putting for some users, and its audio detail doesn't quite justify the premium price tag. With easy pairing for Apple devices and solid wireless stability, it's a practical pick for casual listeners who prioritize endurance over audiophile-grade fidelity.
- Pro:Outstanding 40-hour battery life
- Pro:Fast 5-minute charge gives 3 hours of playback
- Pro:Reliable Bluetooth connection with AAC support
- Con:Tight clamping force can cause discomfort over time
- Con:Audio lacks refinement and detail compared to rivals
- Con:Uses micro-USB instead of USB-C
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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